It seemed The Paranoyds themselves are still a bit baffled on how they ended up on the Coachella lineup, but if Tuesday’s show at the Echoplex was any indication, they’re def ready to WOW the masses!
In early March, the Coachella organizers announced a grip of new additions to the lineup – Shannon and The Clams, T.S.O.L., Downtown Boys, Surfbort, Tall Juan, Surf Curse, Thee Commons, and of course, The Paranoyds. Whether it was actually about trying to bring more “rock” to the festival that been largely swinging rap/edm each year or not, earlier this week a new “Sonora” stage was announced that looks to be the new home of “the rock music” (say it like Wesley Willis would, it helps). In addition to those listed above, the Sonora stage will also feature Hinds, Tacocat, The Allah-Las, and more – looks like the place to be!
With another Coachella act – Slow Hollows – headlining Tuesday night, it may as well have been an unofficial Localchella gig. We arrived to the Echoplex to an unexpected delight named CUCO – an 18 year-old self-described “Chicano solo artist and producer” hailing from Hawthorne. Backed by a full band, we were blown away by the pure joy and delight of the very packed crowd. The kids knew all the words to his trip-pop ballads – impressive for a dude who says he only stared performing this past September!
Surfin’ off a fresh EP and lots of recent local shows, The Paranoyds looked more than ready for the big stage – all smiles and full of energy. It was easy to see each member vibing and thriving off each other. With a cover of The Offspring’s ’94 hit “Come Out and Play” led by drummer David Ruiz sprinkled into the set, The Paranoyds brought the ruckus and got the crowd thirsty for more.
So if you’re out at Coachella – be sure to catch The Paranoyds catch fire over on that Sonora stage 😉
Photos by Sergio Estrada