Writen by Bruce Rave / Photo Credit: Timothy Norris

I hit last week’s Alt-J show at the Fonda in Los Angeles not knowing what to expect. I’d heard how incredibly good the band were at Bardot and The Bootleg on a prior trip to town, but I decided not to ask many questions. What I soon found on stage was a talented and personable band that plays with purity and preciseness.

Alt-J gave it straight to the delighted, sold-out and packed Fonda Theater. Any industry types standing in back were swaying to the group’s knack for unique beats. Having been recently crowned the Mercury Prize winner’s in 2012, the band’s set actually brought prior Mercury Award alumni Elbow to mind. Not that the two bands sound alike, but the presentation is similar with positive vibes and no frills. It’s all about the musicianship with these guys. Alt-J effectively interpret album versions of their tracks in a live setting, intricately playing off of each band member in way that seems so simple, yet you know is complex. The biggest responses of night from the crowd were for their single “Fitzpleasure”, as well as “Something Good”, and “Breezeblocks”.

The band’s very evenly paced set lasted a little under an hour. While Alt-J’s set dynamics could use some growing in to, their consistent energy level works fine for now. Chatting with the band after the show, the guys reflected on what a blur these past seven months have been since things started to blow up for them in England. They anticipated that the Fonda would be a small club, similar to what they’ve been playing in the US. What a pleasant surprise for them to discover that it’s a 1300-person venue and that it was jammed!

Alt-J (Official)

*Check out Bruce’s Moheak Radio “Go Deep” show on Sunday nights 7-9 pm Pacific, 10-12 am Eastern, 3-5 am GMT. Listen to past shows at Bruce’s blog and follow Bruce on Twitter.