Echo Park quartet Feels used to be six-piece Raw Geronimo, back when vocalist Laena Geronimo was mixing volatile amounts of jungle, punk, soul, goth, surf— whatever felt right. It was cool though; their cocktail of drone, discord, dirt and harmonized vocals had a strong DIY bite that wasted house parties, East LA venues, and even 2014's Austin Psych Fest. Word caught on about Feels' ferocious sets and everyone from Buzzbands to Lo-pie had to get a taste — at 2014's Burger-a-Go-Go Fest, LA Times' Contact Reporter Randall Roberts commented that the four-piece "pushed forth heavy, hard punk with more swagger than many of the acts on the main stage." 

Name change hasn't stopped their momentum, and Feels still play songs from Raw Geronimo's "Dream Fever" LP while sprinkling in new works, like "Bitched" from their live recording at Gaucho's Electronics. Last year, the band launched an Indiegogo campaign to help fund album production and a trusty tour van, slayed at Burger's SXSW Caravan, came back for seconds at 2015's Burger-a-Go-Go Fest, and toured with Tomorrows Tulips and L.A. WITCH, playing almost 80 shows total — 23 of which were here in Los Angeles, according to Oh My Rockness! 

Feels performs their first show of the year at the Echoplex with WALTER, Adult Books, and GAL PALS. Get out of the rain and soak up the sound tomorrow night — watch for the release of their self-titled debut LP (produced by Ty Segall) on Castle Face Records. We're calling it now: 2015 was the year of the meme, and 2016 will be the year of the Feels. - Ryan Mo

My first introduction to Raw Geronimo was a mesmerizing, transcendent experience. I had heard of their reputation for rousing, electricfying live shows; their DIY, punk backgrounds, but nothing could have prepared me for what they were about to do on stage at The Echo on August 24, 2012. I was there to see Julia Holter, but my curiosity about Raw Geronimo led me to arrive early enough to catch their opening set. It’s one I will never forget. Expecting electric guitars and amps to be loaded to the stage, to my delight and awe, the band walked on with string instruments. The group had prepared a special acoustic set for this show, one in which, frontwoman, Laena Geronimo, did something I’ve never seen before. She played a violin and sang lead vocals. It was a majestic performance. Laena and her bandmates are incredibly proficient, boundary-pushing artists. And now, their unique and varied influences converge on the debut LP, ‘Dream Fever,’ set for release July 30 on Neurotic Yell Records. The first single, “Magnetic Love,” is an emotionally earnest, hopeful, and rollicking tune. All that is special about this spellbinding group is on full display. It is in it’s own way anthemic, and Geronimo’s voice takes center stage, soaring above jangling guitars and bombastic drums. Raw Geronimo perform at Amoeba today at 7pm, where the album will be available for purchase ahead of it’s release. - Jacqueline Caruso

If you’re looking for an all-day, all-out, end of the year party showcasing every local band worth your time, money and sweat, then get tickets now for the First Annual XMAS FEST presented by underStory and Galaga 2331 at The Echo Country Outpost. With a full 12 hours of live music on 2 stages, catering by Lot 1 Cafe, Go Go Dancers, and a chance to snap a photo on Santa’s lap, this is also a fundraiser for the LA Mission and Toys for Tots. The lineup features an exhaustive list of local favorites including, Races, Gothic Tropic, Raw Geronimo, LA Font, Nick Diamonds, Tommy Santee Klaws, Voice on Tape, Tes Elations, Criminal Hygiene and The Janks. Check out the Facebook event for set times, and instructions on how to buy pre-sale tickets.While you're at it, check out our playlist filled with the best songs from some of the bands on the lineup. - Jacqueline Caruso