Los Straitjackets

Instrumental rock isn’t something that you come across very often in popular culture, but Los Straitjackets have made sure that their prominence in the genre is well known. It’s refreshing to hear genuinely talented musicians play their instruments in as tight a formation as this band do, whilst not having to be preoccupied with lyrical intricacies.
The house lights were down, and as smoke began to fill the stage and the feedback from the lead guitar echoed through the venue, the drummer Jimmy Lester opening the show with an awesome solo, whilst the rest of the band members came to the stage. There are several aspects of their music that aren’t available to the listener on studio recordings. Notably, the use of Mexican wrestling masks by the band members in all of their performances, along with their gold medallions is something that you can only see in a live performance.
The band played through the entirety of Jet Set, accompanied by their signature gimmicky dance moves, which had the audience dancing along with them straight away. The cult following they’ve gained from these features of their performance is something that they play up to, and so the only band member who speaks throughout their set is Amis, who hurriedly introduces their work. Despite their alternative and somewhat whacky performances, the band are incredibly talented and definitely worth a watch.

We were at The Tralf in Buffalo last night. The show was absolutely awesome! I’ve never heard Nick, nor Los Straightjackets before. It was truly a treat for me. Nick sounded great (as we age things start to droop - not NIck - he was first rate!). Los Straightjackets were drop dead fantastic. Everyone was bobbin and weaving, toe tapping, and singing along. These dudes put on quite a show. Worth the $$, the time in line, and the damn fees attached to the ticket price. Love BUFFALO!

Excellent performance by Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets on October 4. The Belly Up is a great venue with good sight lines in every direction and outstanding acoustics. It pays to buy tickets a few weeks in advance since popular acts do sell out. The cafe located next door is actually part of the venue...and after having a meal or a drink at the bar you can enter the performance space through the side exit. A great time, and I will be back.

Los Straitjackets were very entertaining and talented. They are quite a sight in their Mexican wrestling masks. They played their instrumentals with spirit, moxie and demonstrated serious chops on their instruments. They also backed up Marshall Crenshaw for his set. Highly entertaining and fun, I would recommend anyone who enjoys surf music, instrumentals and rock n roll to attend.

One of my most favorite, FAVORITE bands. Just SO MUCH FUN to watch and listen to. You might think it’s their antics and luchador masks that make the crowd always want them back in town but it’s so much more! Tight, Instrumental, Surfer Music laid down by four masked guys in coordinated suits is not subtle! It’s MAGNETIC!

In Charlotte, the Jackets were once again outstanding. They are truly great players and great performers as well as a lot of fun. They mixed some of their old standbys with some new stuff. I thought I had all of their albums but was able to add to my wish list at the gig. If you have not seen them, you should.

What a great show!!! Saw them 2 times before in Groningen, but can't get enough of them.
Great songs, great musicians all of them, and a hilarious show!! I'll definitely go see them again if they're in the Netherlands. 5*

Thoroughly enjoyed their performance. It was Reverb overload all the way giving justice to that surf rock sound. Just loved their tone. Hope they return to the area for more concerts in NY or CT. It’s just fun music.