Mean Street

Review by Daryl Searle

July 1998

Elsewhere, Dawn, Greg and Johnny of West Hollywood have been busy promoting their self-titled Lava Diva CD. This is great lounge punk coming from a trio who shared little in common since high school, except they were holed up together during the infamous Los Angeles riots a few years back. After a 3-day curfew, they found despite their contrasting musical interests, they could compose harmonious music in tandem.

Their full-length recording is a crisp intertwining of harsh and tender vocals and musicianship. Topics are open to interpretation, but appear to cover society’s dark side such as television’s brainwashing, mind control revealed in a dreamscape, and incestuous activity.

Dawn’s work on vocals, guitars, and piano are potent. Greg’s drum and percussion contributions are jolting. Bass, courtesy of Johnny is well, moving. This trio is dangerously talented, and could incite heart pounding sentiment from its listeners. This group is the season’s undeniable blockbuster. Catch them locally before their summer tour in Seattle, Tacoma and Portland. They’ll be playing July 10 at the Coconut Teaszer in Hollywood, and July 11 at Sacred Grounds in San Pedro.