By Hannah Simon | August 10th, 2012
The California Academy of Sciences Nightlife played host to indie rock and pop last night, with PAPA and Of Monsters and Men stealing the show from baby ostriches and an albino alligator.
I was happy to see Of Monsters and Men perform (who doesn’t love that joyful Icelandic six-piece?) but I was more excited to see PAPA, a Los Angeles-based indie rock act led by former Girls drummer Darren Weiss.
While I watched their set, I realized how incredibly talented you have to be to be lead singer and a drummer at the same time. I mean, I know it’s difficult to play any instrument and sing simultaneously, but I feel like drumming would be especially challenging. So major props to Darren for being able to accomplish that feat, and accomplish it well. His voice is rich and powerful — reminds me of bits and pieces form Other Lives, Spoon, and Wolf Parade.
To be completely honest, I was pretty blown away by their live show. PAPA is brimming with a certain sense of sincerity that you don’t find in most indie rock bands. There is no pretension, no entitlement. You can tell that these guys just really enjoy what they do, and with their hearts full of love, they want to share it with the world.
PAPA have a full-length in the works and released an EP last year, A Good Woman Is Hard To Find (which you can find streaming here). Do me a favor and click on that link. You won’t be disappointed.