Album Notes

First of all, Le Switch are not French (if they were, they’d probably be L’Interrupteur or Le Bouton). They definitely haven’t worked with M.I.A, and they’re not that new British buzz band. They’re a Los Angeles based rock ‘n’ roll band fronted by singer/guitarist Aaron Kyle. Le Switch got their start in 2006 when Kyle recruited drummer Joe Napolitano, trumpet/viola player Maria DeLuca, bass player Christopher Harrison and keyboard player Josh Charney.

The band’s self-released debut EP, Hello Today, came out in early 2007. Soon, Eastside Angelinos couldn’t escape them. They played shows pretty much every week at The Echo, Spaceland, Little Radio, Silverlake Lounge, El Cid, El Rey, The Scene and the Viper Room. Those gigs led to live appearances on KXLU and Sirius Satellite Radio as well as airplay on Indie 103.1 FM. Local bloggers like Aquarium Drunkard, LAist, You Set the Scene, Radio Free Silver Lake, Amateur Chemist, Rock Insider and Passion of the Weiss praised their EP and their passionate live performances. They all lauded the band, but couldn’t decide if Kyle’s voice was more “raspy” or “whiskey-soaked?” One even worried that Kyle might someday sing so hard that his uvula would explode.

The band’s debut LP, And Now... Le Switch, comes out this summer on Autumn Tone Records (Aquarium Drunkard’s label). It was recorded and produced by drummer Joe Napolitano and mixed by Joe Napolitano and head Radar Brother, Jim Putnam. It’s a record that might bring to mind early-1970’s records like Ram, Nilsson Schmilsson, Muswell Hillbillies and Leon Russell’s Carney mixed with a touch of Dr. Dog. The songs showcase the musicianship of the members with tasteful arrangements and Kyle singing like his life depends on it. At times the lyrics get all sensitive and broken hearted, but Kyle’s not the type to curl up on his bed and cry himself to sleep; he’s going down to the bar to drown his sorrows in bourbon and beer.

Following their recent appearance at the Hot Freaks! blogger curated party at SXSW, Le Switch have the coveted Monday night residency this May at the Echo. Supported by a slew of great bands, Angelinos won’t want to miss it. They’ll also be making a number of West Coast appearances in May in support of the Radar Bros. Le Switch will put a big ol’ smile on your face, but you might find yourself asking: “Is that drummer barefoot?”

Duke - www.yousetthescene.com