Other Lives began performing together as a similar group called Kunek in 2004. The instrumental act released one studio album, called “Flight Of The Flynns”, however, as time went on the band found themselves wanting to add vocals to their songs. In 2008, four years after forming the band rebranded, naming themselves Other Lives and releasing their self-titled debut E.P under that name in the same year. The record got the attention of TBD Records, who signed them soon after the E.P’s release and the band were soon in the studio with Joey Waronker, a session drummer who’s worked with everyone from Beck to R.E.M to, crucially, Thom Yorke’s band Atoms For Peace.
The album drew a considerable amount of attention to the band, but its follow up, 2011’s “Tamer Animals”, went one better. The album drew critical acclaim from all who heard and the band spent the rest of the year on the road, supporting Bon Iver near the end of 2011, and in 2012, hitting the road supporting the mighty Radiohead. They ended their touring for “Tamer Animals” with a headline tour of their own and took a much needed break afterwards, having done little else other than record and tour for the better part of a decade. They since returned with a new album in 2015 entitled “Rituals”, and cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting cult bands in folk music right now. For that reason, they come highly recommended.
I’m coming back from the Other Lives secret show at The Switch and let me tell you, Jesse Tabish and Jenny Hsu’s vocal harmonies are absolutely on point!
The Switch is a really small spot in Los Angeles and it also felt like not too many hardcore Other Lives fans were able to make it to the show, as not too many people were vibing out like I was. Maybe it was the set up the venue, people in chairs and couches, or maybe it was the fact that Jesse didn’t tend to engage with the audience and encourage participation, but the lack of excitement in the audience really put a bit of a downer on my experience.
Regardless, the music translated so well live. The Other Lives brand of folk song really puts one in complete trance. For example, the build up at the end of “Old Statues”, my personal favorite, was simply a transcendental moment for me. Again, there’s not much better than the way Jesse and Jenny harmonize. The band was flawless. The venue, while maybe not exactly my cup of tea, was wholly unique in the atmosphere it provided. All in all, I don’t think I’ll ever forget this night.