BEST BAND IN LOS ANGELES - "Best of LA" issue

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THE 88
“Kind of Light”
EMK

For quite some time now, the 88 have been making the rounds, playing gigs around town, and taking up residencies at local clubs. With all their hard work, it’s starting to pay off. There’s already been a lot of buzz about them lately, from the L.A. Times to KCRW. Their debut album sounds familiar yet organic, and with all the “woo-hoo-hoo’s” that are a main staple of the choruses, you can’t help but mention the word retro. It’s not just the vocals that evoke classic-rock sensibility, but the jingly-jangly guitars and piano do the job as well. “Elbow Blues” and title track “Kind of Light” are particular standouts, with their effortless instrumentation, and sleek vocals. The 88’s sound is smart and laid back, possessing a casual attitude that exudes an earned confidence for an up and coming band.

-Cynthia Dea