Wednesday’s packed album release party at Venice West proves that Jakob Nowell is building something special with Jakobs Castle
Jakobs Castle packed the house at Venice West Wednesday night, and it was something to behold. Sublime frontman Jakob Nowell brought together an army of Southern California alternative madmen for his solo project’s release party to celebrate the debut album, ENTER: THE CASTLE out now on Epitaph.
Nowell’s friends and fellow locals Jagg, Salter and Noah Weiland (son of late Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland) kicked off what would become an epic night of live music. It was loud, gritty and beautiful – Noah even crowd surfed, and Jakob teased the crowd with a few unreleased Jakobs Castle tracks that have us begging for the next album.
Armed with his trusty ‘Castle-bot” laptop and a trio of drums (Jordy Starke) and guitar (Zane Vandevort), Jakobs Castle opened with the unreleased banger “Playing With Fire” before giving us album favorites like “Lights Out” and “Catch Me.” The setlist hit waves, from the introspective “My Machine” and “Ashlyn” – to dance-worthy hyperpop on “Close Enough” and “Motel Radio.” The crowd shouted back lyrics to Jakob’s radio hit “Time Traveler,” after which he earnestly thanked everyone in attendance for being witness to the Castle movement. It was rad.
“We’re building something special here, it really means a lot that you guys can be here with us,” Jakob said before hitting two more unreleased songs “Sunday Friend” and “Digital Centerfold” – which is one of his favorite songs he’s ever written.
Jakobs Castle wound down the set with what was dubbed was a “traditional Long Beach farewell,” with a smerk, as the trio dived into their rendition of “Garden Grove” by Sublime.
The night closed with their anthem of insouciance, “2 Hours Ago.” “Go send this to your boss,” Jakob said.
It’s poignant, really. Jakob is doing things his own way, carving his own path. And if you don’t like it he already stopped giving a fuck what you think.
Ultimately Jakobs Castle proved why their new album ENTER: THE CASTLE might be the best thing that’s happened to California’s underground music scene in a while.
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Jakobs Castle next performs in Nowell’s hometown of Long Beach on Saturday, June 22 at a “Locals Only” showcase at Altar Society Brewing Co., and in June 23 in San Diego at Reggae at Sea. Visit jakobscastle.com for details.
[Photos by Joshua Kim @joshuaonenineproductions]
