Princeton, Castledoor: Concert Review and Photos

Monday night was a bittersweet night for those who attended Princeton‘s last residency at Spaceland. Not only did those indie pop rockers with baby faces play the night out with more than a sense of accomplishment but they had also been courteous enough to have Castledoor on the roster that night. You may remember Castledoor from our Know Your LA Bands series, but if you’re a true follower of local music, you also know that Castledoor has paid their dues with numerous shows at every LA venue you can think of. This night just happened to be their very last show as a band.

Los Angeles concert goers came out to pay their respects to a band who has shown incredible musicianship. Singing their classic songs such as “Burn the Maps” and “Magnetic Forces,” a massive amount of nostalgia had already begun to waft over the crowd as Nate Cole sang with every cell in his body. “Fifth Tambourine,” “Dumpster Diving,” and “Hidden Treasure” all made us a little sad that a band with so much talent was playing a finale show.

Although the group may be going on as a 4-piece, the name Castledoor stayed alive for just a few more songs. It was obvious that the band was also felt they were hitting a bittersweet milestone in their career. Nate and Liska sang side by side, holding on to each other and  displayed emotions of accomplishments and uncertainty – all while sound amazing. It was definitely a show that marked a part of local LA music history.

Although Castledoor’s last performance left a tear in our hearts, Princeton had no problem lightening the mood as they played their last residency set. Straight from Santa Monica, this was also another LA band who has their minds set on the big picture. Fronted by pretty twin brothers, Jesse and Matt Kivel, the indie pop was just too infectious to be bogged down by anything.

With comforting vocals that sound much older than they look and echo a bit of Jens Lekman, Princeton’s indie pop manages to break out of the local bubble with anecdotes and melodies that are reminiscent of Camera Obscura and dare we even say it – Belle & Sebastian. However, the best thing about Princeton’s performances is that the comparison doesn’t happen until afterward. It isn’t until after the set is done that you realize that these four boys, who look too wholesome to be hipster, have the ability to envelope you in the sound you love from bands who have been around much longer – yet not in the least sound like copy cats. It’s kind of mesmerizing to attempt and wrap your head around it.

Check our photos from the show out below!

Photography by Carl Pocket