Words & Photos by E.J. Hermitt
Two wildcats and a dalmatian companion. That’s how Austin’s psych-soul outfit and seasoned SoCal Sound veterans, Black Pumas, made their long-awaited return to Los Angeles. Vocalist Eric Burton (plus his petite puppy, Nova) and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada were embraced by the audience awaiting them at the lauded Amoeba Music Hollywood. This precious gemstone in the form of a four-song set would serve as the warm-up gig for the group’s sold-out show at The Wiltern.
Attendees with the band’s sophomore album, Chronicles of a Diamond, in hand filtered through the rows of vinyl immediately in front of the stage, as more casual onlookers lingered throughout the store. After a rousing introduction from SoCal Sound’s Midday host Julie Slater, the Pumas were let loose. Two guitars slung over their mighty shoulders was all it took to captivate the record store full of adoring fans and fortunate passersby.
The duo presented a balanced package of fresh tracks and older favorites. Beginning with Burton’s sweet falsetto stylings, they scooped out “Ice Cream (Pay Phone)” from their most recent release. But the 2019 eponymous debut record was not to be forgotten. The haunting guitar of “OCT 33” reverberated through Amoeba’s metallic, industrial rafters, culminating with a jam where the bandmates traded blazing licks and smooth vocal freestyles. Jumping back to the present-day Pumas project, the nostalgic phrasing of “Rock and Roll” naturally led to the crowd joining Burton in a singalong. Finally, and most notably, the hypnotic opening riff of the mega-hit, neo-gospel track “Colors” prompted dance moves and vertical video recordings across the renowned record store. It was the ideal exclamation point to punctuate their stripped down set of sentimentally modern sounds.
After a few minutes offstage, Burton and Quesada returned to the store for a meet & greet. They were met with warmth and admiration, which they mirrored right back to their approving public. Surrounded by the love (and signage) of Amoeba and SoCal Sound, the pair joyfully signed in silver & gold scribbles across their swaggy creation. As one fan thanked Eric, he responded with, “It’s great to be here…I mean, I’m from here!” accompanied by a smile full of reminiscence for his days as a busker on the Santa Monica Pier. From street performances to Amoeba Music and The Wiltern, the dazzling rise of the Black Pumas has only intensified the magnetic presence of their “sweet soul” music.
