Live Review: King Buzzo & Trevor Dunn Featuring JD Pinkus and Field at the Lodge Room

The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as fans gathered early on August 5th for the show featuring King Buzzo, Trevor Dunn and JD Pinkus at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles. As the doors swung open at 7:05 p.m., a flood of eager concertgoers streamed in, greeted by a mix of ambient folk and jazz music that perfectly set the tone for the night ahead. Offering something for every music enthusiast, fans were able to explore the merch area at the front entrance, where shirts, posters, pins, patches, CDs, and more were available. The stage featured an intriguing setup with two massive pear props, a banjo and an acoustic guitar. Bathed in yellow and blue light, the atmosphere hinted at the eclectic performances to come.  

The lights dimmed at 7:46 p.m. as the first act took the stage. Field began tuning his guitar as fans avidly waited to hear him play a soft and slow tune, that was initially hard to hear, but soon captivated the audience. His deep voice and “sleepy songs” had the crowd feeling at ease and relaxed, particularly with his third song, which had fans swaying back and forth. Field joked with the audience in between songs, stating that his songs would “blow your head off,” Field created an enjoyable atmosphere, in which the audience peacefully waited for the main performance. By 8:00 p.m., the crowd had grown to about 100 people, as they explored the merch and enjoyed the tunes. Field sang five songs, completing his last show on tour, singing with passion and playing long instrumental choruses on his guitar. Although most of his songs sounded similar, he had the crowd captivated as he urged them to sing along. Singing about helping others, his strums were upbeat and cheerful. Field finished up with roaring claps and cheers from the crowd, in which JD Pinkus took the stage at 8:10 p.m.

Pinkus came out with a distinctive energy and look. Sporting a Four Loko hat and walking around barefoot, he engaged the crowd, encouraging them to wave their hands. JD Pinkus brought an original flavor to the night with his psychedelic banjo playing. His barefoot presence on stage was both unexpected and remarkable. Pinkus’s set was a wild ride through futuristic sounds and psychedelic visuals. His powerful, robust, voice and inventive use of experimental pedal effects for his banjo, created a memorable soundscape. He was dedicated to his craft and put passion into performances like “Pissing Dirty” and “I Like the Way You Have Fun.” Along with heartfelt lyrics, all his songs showcased his deep connection to his banjo. Being versatile within the pedal effects, it was interesting to hear a spin on the banjo. With the audience enthralled, Pinkus dedicated his last song to his wife. The crowd responded enthusiastically, with cheers and applause echoing through the venue. Pinkus’s set, filled with high-energy, concluded at 9:07 p,m, and left the audience buzzing.  

As soon as 9:20 p.m. hit, Buzzo bursts right into an acoustic solo, bouncing around the stage with his iconic big white afro. His deep voice and repetitive, simple tunes rang through the walls of the packed venue, now shoulder-to-shoulder. Each song ended with a loud singular strum, adding a dramatic touch to the performance. Most of his songs were a mix of eerie and slow rock. His performance was a blend of uncommon rhythms, all delivered with his unique flair. The interactions with the audience, coupled with the dynamic presence of backup singer and cello player Trevor Dunn, added layers to the performance. Each song featured long, emotive vocals, allowing focus to shift to the other instruments. The heavy sludge metal mixed with the calming tune of the cello, created a hauntingly beautiful melody that added a rich, classical depth to the wild sound. Dunn’s versatility was seen as his fingers danced across the strings, creating a sound that was distinct and new. The crowd seemed to be highly engaged, almost spellbound. Buzzo wrapped up his performance with a heartfelt thank you and a shout-out to Trevor Dunn and JD Pinkus, bringing the evening to a climactic close by 10:30 p.m. 

The night concluded with fans flocking back to the merch area, leaving with memorabilia and a lasting impression. The energy lingered as they left, each person carrying the memory of an unforgettable show, that seamlessly brought together grunge metal with heartfelt lyrics. 

Set List:

King Buzzo & Trevor Dunn

1. Hung Bunny/Roman Dog Bird
2. Dark Brown Teeth
3. Laid Back Walking
4. Dirty One & The Poor Dog
5. Eat The Spray
6. I Like Stuff Clean
7. Sidewalk Begging
8. Suicide In Progress
9. Science In Modern America
10. Revolve
11. Boris
12. Mock She

Photo by Noah Shapiro