Show: Cisco & Shwayze
Date: April 20, 2011
Venue: The Roxy
City: West Hollywood, CA
Cisco & Shwayze
Photos by Nicolas Bates
Written by Michelle Oberg
Between the temperate seasons of Spring and Autumn comes the most anticipated junction of the year: Summer. While we haven’t quite hit the official marker, there are a few artists who can bring in that vitamin D-feeling earlier than expected; more notably the left coasters who embrace the climatic high as deeply as their legalized “medical” marijuana cards. Tying these together are Malibu-natives Cisco Adler, Shwayze and the non-calendar holiday that is 4/20.
Cisco Adler and the Pigeons kicked off the night as the opening act for Shwayze. Their stage presence was greeted with a skunky odor directly corresponding to the white clouds swirling above our heads. Although he may double as a French painter with his tattered attire and skinny mustache, Cisco enters with his never-changing style: fedora, long beach waved hair and a classic pair of Oakley shades. The rest of the Pigeons (Mark Goodfeather and Bon Tweedle a.k.a. Chebon) follow his lead, all representing similar fashion.
Bobbing their heads to their long guitar intro, this 3-piece band doesn’t come equipped with a drummer. Synthesized backbeats fill the missing link, and while the percussionist is my favorite attribute to any group, they rock just as hard as if they came locked and fully loaded with the more appropriate entourage. Pre-recorded trumpets and keyboard instrumentals add depth and texture to their style: bluegrass meets rock and soul with a flair of mariachi sounds, embodied with hip-hop beats. I can’t help but wonder what the elder Adler thinks of his son’s tribute to the genre he’s more familiar with. Like Shwayze, all their tunes pay homage to their native city, being Los Angeles, and always reference a girl (the girl…the one who showcases the songs).
After Cisco Adler and The Pigeon’s short set ended, the stage received a quick makeover and the main act himself—Shwayze—enters with attitude and confidence, and along side is Cisco, back for more. Their official music video for their opening number “Cali Trippin'” best represents the night of celebrating the greenery and these two artists who love it. Shwayze raps and jumps around the stage while Cisco provides back-up vocals; both support each other fantastically and a strange balance between two completely different styles emerges.
We heard “Rich Girl,” “Livin’ it up,” and “Hollywood” before they paused due to a change of mics.
Waiting patiently for the hits, their fans stare at the two young men on stage. Cisco begins the statement, “Let me tell you about a girl I know,” and the first karaoke session makes its appearance for “Corona and Lime.” These fellas are all smiles for their large, receptive following for the entire show, giving the effect that their solely fueled off of “medicinal herbs” and fan appreciation for their tunes.
“Buzzin'” was all the rage and most notable for their performance as they didn’t even sing the hook. Shwayze took care of the bulk, Cisco chimed in, and the room echoed “I met her at a backyard block party by the bar.” As an ambassador of the lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally challenged, I could only imagine, as an artist, how complimented they must’ve felt.
For a show I was not completely sold on, my judgment has been “shwayed” in their favor (yes, you read that correctly). It has been a long time since we heard a good alternative hip-hop group and Aaron Smith, a.k.a. Shwayze, in his 25 years, knows what he’s doing. He partnered up with Cisco, a few years his senior, wooed him with his lyrics and style, and they created a super-group. Keeping their respective, associated acts afloat by doing gigs that showcase them both and staying separate in style and genre is a brilliant business gimmick. We wish them nothing but luck. For more information on Shwayze and Cisco Adler and the Pigeons check out: http://www.shwayze.com/ and http://ciscoadlerandthepigeons.com/