Show Review: Draag
Surrounded by green spotlights placed in a setting splashed with vivid watercolors, I found myself staring at Adrian Acosta, the front man of Draag. On February 10th, Draag performed at the Echoplex in Silverlake Los Angeles. They are playing every Monday of February at this venue, allowing for a free-flowing space for people to mingle and engage as they please. On 2/3 and 2/24 are at the Echo, and on 2/10 and 2/17 are at the Echoplex, accompanied by other bands. Draag emerged in 2013 by the lead singer Adrian, and has developed their sound ever since. Draag is now a quintet comprised of Adrian Acosta with Jessica Huang, Nick Kelley, Ray Montes and Shane Graham. The background visuals of this show reminded me of a gold-leaf mirror sprinkled by a light coming through the vast backdrop. Instead of the light coming from the set up put together by the venue’s lighting manager, I found the lighting to seem to be coming from the musicians. The aura the band presented made the space fluid with all types of energy flowing around the space. Some people were dancing, some sitting, some talking to one another, some entranced by the musicians’ sheer talent. The show-goers interested in visual aesthetics eyes were locked into the projections.
Concentrating on the sound of the band, I felt inclinations of references to Tame Impala. They have released two songs of their six song EP titled ‘Clara Luz’ due February 21st. They released a critically-acclaimed EP in 2015 titled, “Traci Lordz.” Their tones are especially shoegaze-oriented, trance-esque and melancholy. The musicians of the band seemed to be locked in their craft, they did not react to the visuals being projected on their bodies. The sound seemed effortless, and the minimal movements by the band proved their attention to the sound they were omitting. I felt as though I could drift around the venue, the Echoplex, loosely and freely. People were walking back and forth from the smokers’ area outside, which added a comforting relationship from the music to the venue. Each area was quite crowded, proving a good turn-out for the show on a Monday and confidence in Los Angeles for appreciating Draag and their talent.
Their songs blended into one another, providing the crowd the ability to converse and reminisce with one another. I was unsure whether or not the individuals in the crowd were previously fans of Draag, but regardless I was sure everyone was having a good time.
After their set, I noticed Adrian speaking to the bouncer outside, so I was able to run up to them and applaud them for their amazing performance. This reaction was quaint and humble, telling me he was happy to be there and perform for us. Adrian’s reputation is that of being friendly and sweet, and giving connections to those wanting to enter the music industry. I met someone Adrian gave an opportunity to at a show the following night, who applauded Adrian and Jessica for being so supportive. Draag is set to release a new EP this month and a full-length album later this year.