Photos by Cristabell Fierros and Gabrielle Garcia
Thee Commons and The Stone Foxes; Mixed Crowds and Expanded Tastes
Two latinx lovers looked into each other’s brown eyes—surf cumbia-rock in the background, disco ball above. The spinning lights flashed onto Jessica and Joaquin and caught a moment in their eyes when they were the only two people in existence at the Independent. They drove from San Jose to watch East LA band Thee Commons, opening up for The Stone Foxes on November 17th. Two worlds apart, the bill accommodated a wide audience.
The light hue highlighted blonde hair of a different couple, distinguished and dressed in expensive attire. They were flirtatious, but not in love. Their heads and bodies bobbed to a special disco version of “Sequined Dress” off the band’s newest album Paleta Sonora which kicked off their month long tour. It was their second to last show (of 40 nights) and they absolutely packed the sold out venue with both new and well known fans.
“At first, I thought that we came to the wrong show and there was a mix up with the names or something, but then we came to the front and we saw gente and just danced and forgot about everyone here.” Jessica said.
Thee Commons’, nostalgic and romantic in nature have this effect on young latinx fans. Connecting with the experience of what it’s like being in two worlds at once, they have the capability of connecting to latinx and non-latinx folks as evident in recent sold out festival Tropicalia in Long Beach.
But it was more than a binary dynamic in the crowd, it was a night of ass shaking, and booty bumps on the sticky dance floor. Music tastes were visibly being expanded by the rambunctious energy on stage. You could easily distinguish those being turned on to the cumbia sound for the first time, with echos of “chau!” screamed out as if to say, “I hear you.”
Thee Commons embodied the East Los style. Many brown folks from all corners came, even a professor who once taught bassist Jose Rojas at East LA community college. Invited by beloved SF band, The Stone Foxes after meeting in Phoenix, the line up would confuse some, surprise others and overall provide an interesting crowd for people watching. It was the only show on both band’s tours where the two met and played together.
The latinx crowd mostly located in the middle of the floor was smiling as bassist Jose Rojas’ skanked on stage, and the trio even busted out a Ramon Ayala cover, you know for funsies. For those in the show who had no idea who Ramon Ayala was or is, but damn sure enjoyed the rendition on Nov. 17th.
“We're an all American band from East Los Angeles California. We like to call ourselves chunties,” once said David Pacheco, in regards to their sound and identity.
Thee Commons have a special way of making you feel at home, no matter where you hear them. They bring a familiarity of humor and simultaneously, an exciting discovery of twangy reverb perfect for those that love a good lil’ mosh. Drummer Rene Pacheco featured a gushing solo towards the end of the show during “Psychedelic Dreams”, something that stuck with audience’s all the way in the back of the venue at the bar.
“I’m wondering if they are going to end up having more energy than The Stone Foxes, they’re so good,” said David Wolken, as he typed “Thee Commons” on his phone for future reference.
Of course, the Stone Foxes did not let David down, showcasing their 5-song EP Visalia for the first time in their hometown with an animated performance. Their audio-tech crew really did an amazing job of making sure the house shook. The whole venue was on fire as the band’s guest performers joined them on stage, packing the stage and mirroring the floor.
The show was closed with pumpkin pie and champagne being passed to the crowd as a prelude to Thanksgiving. Catch Thee Commons at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles Wednesday, Dec. 6th at 8:30. The Stone Foxes is also starting off their Pacific Northwest tour in Santa Cruz December 1st at the Catalyst at 9:00PM.
