Live music hasn’t beckoned me to stray to San Diego’s Gaslamp District on too many occasions. I’ve generally associated the area with drunken tourists, bad club mixes and cover bands revisiting cliché hits or classics, depending upon on one’s vantage point. But something new is brewing on 5th Avenue, and it's called the Propagandist. The bar is a self-proclaimed "new town hall" and aims to provide a downtown platform for indie rock, live music and local art.
On Saturday, I braved the rain (I think this term is only relevant in San Diego) and headed downtown to check out the Propagandist hosting Republic of Letters and the Beautiful View. The bar is literally underground, and the walk downstairs adds to the secretive, speak-easy feel. The stage was dimly lit, with red lights and a crimson curtain backdrop, Juno keys, two Vox amps and the Republic of Letters' logo on the kick drum.
The members came out dressed in black indifference and started with some ambient guitar work before the dam broke into a wall of sound. Singer Chris Venti belted emotive from the drum riser, pulling the band along to match his intensity. Driving bass line, red-light posture, '80s undertones and big triumphant guitars are the recipe for Republic of Letters' brand of rock & roll. Later in the set, Venti strolled over to a keyboard that hadn’t received attention prior. He rocked back and forth on a makeshift road-case throne, pushing the song to its peak.
Next, the Beautiful View hit the stage. Fresh off a national tour that included performances at SxSW, the band sounded tight and road-tested. The space between songs was succinct, the band engaging. Bassist Paul Rich and drummer Duane Allan were locked and energetic, providing the pulse for their dance-infused indie rock.
When their set ended, I had a chance to check out the rest of the Propagandist. A black and white film played on multiple screens behind the bar. The tables had individual mason jars holding a candle’s dim flame. Plush leather couches lined the red brick wall. Through the PA speakers, bands like Spoon and the Clash burst through with a familiar vibe. And that’s what makes this room: vibe. It feels like a comfortable living room, a meeting place to plot and conceive. It transcends its downtown surroundings and feels distinctly independent of the Gaslamp. All those in the audience were present with the intention of taking in good live music.
It seems that the Propagandist is on to something special, giving downtown the atmosphere for something fresh, artful and creative to bloom.
Alfred Howard writes lyrics for the Heavy Guilt and the Black Sands. He also writes music reviews for Owl and Bear.
