Best Of 2014: The Bots

Mikaiah:

Deerhoof, La Isla Bonita
Sick, classic Deerhoof sound, funky and rock and roll, sporadic guitars and drums, random melodies, and on top of that, they been killing it for 20 years. This album is everything them: very fun, very upbeat, mellow, nice. . . just the right amount of everything.

Bombay Bicycle Club, So Long, See You Tomorrow
Our friend Jack in BBC is a wonderful singer/songwriter and I am definitely supporting this album. It’s got a lot of different vibes. Cool stuff for sure!

The Afghan Whigs, Do To The Beast
One of the older rock bands I didn’t get to hear right away, but when I did, I was blown away! I loved it when I saw them play for the first time and it was rock and roll soul, very nice music.

Alvvays, Alvvays
I just found out about this band from Googling “2014 best albums.” I like what I hear so I’ll get down with it. They have a really great album cover, which is awesome to get the attention of someone that doesn’t know the band.

Damon Albarn, Everyday Robots
The man Damon is a genius. Anything he does is a hit in his own right. Lovely to have worked with him when I did and would love to see him again and share music.

Anaiah:

OFF!, Wasted Years
The guys in OFF! are excellent. Heard them play a lot of this material at their last show in L.A. Everything from the rhythm of the drums to the riffs of the guitars: it’s just a full on rocking album.

Damon Albarn, Everyday Robots
When they released the video for the song “Everyday Robots,” I loved it! The music isn’t somber, but the vibe might make you feel that way, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s just atypical, can’t compare it. And as usual, the melodies are way too good! 🙂

Cherry Glazerr, Haxel Princess
I saw these guys a while back at a small venue in Silverlake. Everything they make is just so happy. Even if it’s not meant to be happy, it just makes you want to bounce up and down. Bought the cassette when it came out; such a great record.

Mac DeMarco, Salad Days
This is a guy I’d love to meet; Mikaiah and I love his music. His studio set up is pretty boss, too. He knows how to make good tunes with outstanding guitar riffs that make you want to swim in a cloud. That’s a ridiculous analogy, but the far out, space-like vibes from the tracks off this record are very awesome!

Trash Talk, No Peace
Awesome guys to begin with, and this record is just an overall solid hardcore album. Monster riffs and Lee screaming down the place! It’ll make you want to get in a fight with someone by the fourth song!

The Bots are Los Angeles brothers and bandmates Mikaiah and Anaiah Lei (17 and 21 years old). Their latest single is “All I Really Want.” For more on the band, check out the interview they did with the L.A. Times earlier this year.