Nowadays, it's rare to find a live performance without a moment focused on creating content. However, this Thursday night, at the Echoplex's sister location, The Echo, Phantom Planet and Villanelle created a grounded and dynamic environment. Phantom Planet, acting as the veteran opener, used The Echo's intimate setting greatly to their advantage. The same is true for the headliner, Villanelle, albeit in their own way. A night filled with spectacular stage presence, witty crowd work, crunchy guitars, and raw energy created the garage-rock feel that every attendee anticipated.

To begin the night, Phantom Planet delivered a performance that glowed with nostalgia and charisma, boosted by frontman Alex Greenwald's self-deprecating jokes. One such joke went: "You're in for a night of spectacular music... right when we're done playing". Jokes like this, back-and-forth banter with members of the crowd, and rants about the History Channel are what bridged the gaps between the band's tracks, filling the room with welcoming laughter. After giving a speech about mental health awareness and leading the crowd in a football huddle, the group delivered spirited performances of "Do the Panic" and, of course, their biggest hit, "California". With their amazing talent and tracks that concert-goers recognized instantly, Phantom Planet did an outstanding job of passing the baton to Villanelle.

When you consider the fact that Villanelle's frontman is Gene Gallagher - son of Oasis' Liam Gallagher - and that the group has drawn comparisons to many grunge acts of the '90s, Villanelle delivered the exact performance one would expect. While Phantom Planet used their audience interactions as a sort of barometer, Villanelle did little crowd work, instead delivering their small catalog in a tight and understated 45-minute set. Gallagher's business-like approach, bassist Jack Schiavo and their touring drummer's coordinated execution, and guitarist Ben Taylor's infectious energy allowed for a captivatingly authentic performance of the group's brand of music. Their sound, which gripped the room from wall to wall, blends aspects of the British Invasion and the American grunge scene. Capping off their set with performances of "Opportunity Arising" - which featured a solo from Gallagher - and a chaotic rendition of their biggest song, "Placebo", Villanelle ensured that everyone present that night would be eagerly awaiting their next drop.