Interstellar Overdrive

Created in San Diego in 1995, the Loons have since become one of the best genre bands in the country, with their faithful take on Sixties psychedelic pop. A Tio Leos full house was treated to a too-rare Loons performance that focused on new material, opting to play only one song -- “Another Life” -- in the set from their two previous albums.

Opening with “Red Dissolving Rays,” the Loons took us on an hour-long trip that colored English freakbeat with American psychedelia for a noisy art-pop exhibition. The songs flowed from “Alexander” to “Stowaway” and the night's highlight, “Heyday.” Each song offered dynamic arrangements filled with hooky melodies and sweet harmonies, courtesy of Anja Diabolik.

Mike Stax is a fine lyricist and front man, scissor-kicking and banging a mean tambourine. Guitarists Marc Schroeder and Chris Marsteller were on interstellar overdrive, while drummer Mike Kamoo and bassist Anja Diabolik, excellent throughout, turned “Another Life” into a rocking drum-and-bass marathon for the set’s coda.

Artist: the Loons
Venue: Tio Leos
Show date: November 28, 2009
Seats: General admission, standing