I must confess my interest was piqued when I found myself in good company on a Wednesday night at Comet Ping Pong. I spotted members of Cigarette, Coup Sauvage and the Snips, Den-Mate and Priests as well as Ahmad. I was there for Kid Klaws not recognizing the other bands on the bill. A few bars into French Vanilla‘s set, I am reminded that there are few joys greater than discovering a new band.

The Los Angeles band took a red eye to the beautiful* District of Columbia landing hours past midnight. I only know this because Sally revealed it and not because of the explosive energy from the four piece. Sally bounced, crashed and danced her way all over, leaving a lasting trail with her voice and sweat. Daniel was never far behind with his saxophone. Bold without being boisterous and loud without being piercing, it was the perfect blend of dreamy and jazzy. The amalgam of the two gave birth to a dignified punk sound that compelled me to stop taking photographs and listen. When I did, I found my body groove naturally to the music.

Throw in Ali and Greg on bass and drums respectively, it’s an unstoppable punk symphony brought to magnificent life. French Vanilla delivers an exciting and unexpected punk wave that’s irresistible not to ride on.

*Diction of Em from Kid Klaws while tuning.