Nestled comfortably in the bowels of Los Angeles between homeless encampments and the 110 freeway lies an unassuming building, a building in which is housed a very nice stage, two bars, and a decently sized footprint, lovingly named 1720.

This being only the second show I’ve been to at 1720, I’m already fond of the hip venue, despite its less-than-stellar exterior surroundings. The bars were well stocked and on the pricey side of the spectrum, per usual LA spots. The audio system was loud and clear with deep bass, which was showcased during Born A New’s set (the third band of the night), which put in my head the word Groovecore. Is that a real sub-genre?(Editor’s note; some 1990s metallic hardcore bands tried to coin the phrase, but it didn’t stick.)

The night began with Elixir of an Alchemist and Marrow (despite the latter suffering from a muffled mic) throwing down hard and heavy, appeasing to a sea of black band hoodies rep-ing an array of genres (including myself in Metallica Vans and a Pennywise hoodie) and one particular patron in belted dad jeans cinched around a button-up shirt, complete with a sweater around his waist. Who am I to judge though—I have an affinity for cardigans.

 

Distinguisher, hailing from Las Vegas, followed Elixir with a blistering set, making frenetic noise in front of the following performer’s flag, Boston’s Great American Ghost. GAG came in fists flying, stirring up a heated confrontation in the pit. Vocalist Ethan Harrison took it in stride, commenting “I’m sure you guys will work it out” before launching into the next song.

The penultimate onslaught was culled when the house lights came on and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” belted softly from the monitors—a palate cleanser of sorts to make way for the headliner.

Bodysnatcher had a plethora of aggro, which oozed into the crowd. At least one major fight erupted after vocalist Kyle Medina said he wanted everyone to “literally murder someone tonight.” The crowd-killing culprits punched and grappled each other all the way from the stage to the bar in the back. Security sprang into action to break it up. Even one of the soundboard operators got in on the action. I assume it began (as with most things of this nature) when too many drinks were had and egos were hurt while releasing pent up aggression in the pit. But, what do I know besides the fact that the show was loud, fast, and entertaining, and I’m ready for more.

WORDS BY JUSTIN RHOADS

PHOTOS BY MEG LOYAL PHOTOGRAPHY