Karla Rendon
Editor in Chief
A hint of panic was in the air as Guantanamo Baywatch bassist Chevelle Wiseman realized her instrument was not working Saturday before she was set to perform at MADE in Long Beach.
After introducing themselves to an intimate but rowdy crowd of 50 people, Portland-based surf rock band stood awkwardly while scrambling to find a working bass to start their set.
“Does anyone have a working bass in the audience? Anyone?” asked frontman and guitarist Jason Powell.
The opening performers, Gooch Palms, were unable to offer any help, being a drummer and guitarist/singer duet.
Still struggling to find a working bass, drummer Chris Scott played beats to entertain the anxious audience.
Being understanding of the situation, the crowd cheered on Scott’s drumming when suddenly the sound of Wiseman’s bass filled the large store and the fuzzy surf-rock tunes of Guantanamo Baywatch had the crowd roaring with applause and excitement.
The crowd’s intimate turnout may have been due to the late notice of this almost-secret show. The announcement came just two days before the performance and hardly made any circulation on social media.
The venue, a spacious retail store for local artisans, may have been ideal to host a large gathering of people. But the lack of any stage or barriers made for an inappropriate setting as the well-being of the first row’s safety was not guaranteed.
Despite their rocky and less than ideal start, the band’s energetic attitude was contagious and Guantanamo Baywatch had the audience dance along and start a circle pit.
Their live performance of their instrumental songs matched the quality of the studio versions. If anything, seeing the surf rock band perform live offered fans the opportunity to clearly hear each chord and groove the guitar and bass played since Guantanamo Baywatch is known for their heavy use of the crunch effect.
The crowd happily swayed along to the instrumental 2012 song, “Barbacoa” as the circle pit intensified.
The band’s lovelorn 2012 tune “Diana” brought ecstatic whistles of approval.
As Powell sang about his heartache in the song, the drunk show-goers’ combative dancing caused other audience members to fall on top of each other and crash into the band’s amp.
Guantanamo Baywatch ended the show with a song request. Immediately after playing their 2012 song “Piña Colada,” the band abruptly announced they had to end the show, without offering a reason or a chance for the audience to plea for an encore.
The lack of organization was easily excused because of the band’s enthusiastic demeanor. Although, fans seemed dumbfounded and less than forgiving while being ushered out of the store unexpectedly.
Karla Rendon can be reached at karla.rendon@laverne.edu.
