Los Angeles trio LA Witch have been casting sonic spells since their debut album, which came out eight years ago.. Since then, their reputation as a formidable live act has endured. Their doomy, punkish music is as tender as a bruise. This “don’t mess” badass swagger sees them frequently getting a comparison to fellow Suicide Squeeze labelmates Death Valley Girls. However, this is a tad unfair, as they’re very much ploughing their own furrow.
This new album, the provocatively titled ‘DOGGOD’, was recorded in Paris, yet sounds as ever like a trip into a crepuscular American city, full of twinkly stars and faded dreams. The line- up too remains the same: Sade Sanchez on vocals and guitar; Irita Pai on bass and Ellie English on drums.
Photo: Ryhan Santos
However, although the key elements of Sanchez ‘ thousand yard stare and deadly riffs remain front and centre, there’s more polish on offer, in terms of production sound. This is most noticeable on the sultry title track, a surf garage track which shimmers like a glitter ball in a seedy Lynchian nightclub.
If there is a new tweak, it’s certain tracks leaning more explicitly than before into the influence of goth eighties bands: ‘777’ and ‘The Lines’ have shades of early Siouxsie and the Banshees and Bauhaus in swirling effects pedals and riffage. The tension between classic and new indie is what makes the album so compelling.
Released via Suicide Squeeze on April the 4th.
Hit The North 
I like their sound, it’s kind of surf, kind of psych, dark but not too … retro but sorta new. I make a terrible 😞 music critic.
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You’re a great writer. A lovely musician too 😊
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♥️ you’ve made me so happy
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