The Lens and the Eyebrow: Firethorn, Heavy Glow, Boyscout at the Casbah, 1/31/10

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Firethorn, Heavy Glow, Boyscout at the Casbah, 1/31/10

I didn't get to the Casbah in time for the free bacon-wrapped hot dogs or Nautical Disaster's opening set. I did want to see them since my old band played with them several times a few years ago, but these Lucha Libre nights start really early.

I've shot Boyscout a few times now, and even managed to get a photo in their feature article in the CityBeat. I tried something new during their set- long exposure up to 1.5 seconds.

Boyscout at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-001

Meh at best.

Boyscout at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-002

I wanted to mimic the streaky look that comes from dragging the shutter during a flash exposure, but it really just blurs out the band. I used the top edge of the monitors to steady the camera, so maybe next time I'll play around with some camera motion to push the effect even further.

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Heavy Glow has a bit of a 70s rock throwback sound, full of classic rock hooks and attitude.

Heavy Glow at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-004

They released an EP at the show, and had lots of friends come out to cheer them on. I didn't put a lot of time into shooting them since this isn't really my kind of music, but I'll bet that EP sounds good.

Heavy Glow at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-005

They were full of smiles, something I can always appreciate. Why do certain musicians always look like they'd rather be somewhere else than on stage?

Heavy Glow at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-006

Heavy Glow at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-008

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I've been meaning to shoot Firethorn for a long time, but they live in different cities so they don't get to play as much as they used to.

Firethorn at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-001

When the singer takes off his shirt and drops to his knees during the first song, it's going to be a fun band to shoot.

Firethorn at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-002

The music is 90s pop-punk, to my ears at least. If you go to rock shows in San Diego with any regularity, you've seen Sean the bass player in the audience. I swear he's been to every show I've shot at the Casbah.

Firethorn at the Casbah 13110 © Michael Klayman-014

It was good to finally hear him play. He's a supporter of the local music scene and deserves some extra lens time from me because of it. I got nice and close with my ultra wide angle lens while trying to avoid his big, swinging headstock.