“I feel like a retard following Muse”. That was the opening remark from the lead singer of the band who followed Muse at the KROQ Acoustic Christmas 2004. Tough act to follow is an understatement. They left the house speechless and many of us in tears. So I figure in 2007, it cannot be any easier to open for them at the LA Forum. This was the challenge faced by Immigrant, a gypsy band from the Bay area who seemed quite relaxed and jovial when we had chance to chat with them before the show. When it came time to take the stage they had an air of confidence that grabbed the crowd’s attention right off. Their second tune in particular, Direct Sunlight kicked it into high gear. It’s reminiscent of driving across the Golden Gate Bridge in a heavy fog at high speed, knowing you can’t stop and being totally fascinated with what’s ahead, though you can’t see anything.
Guitarist-keyboardist Lee Czur and guitarist Patrik Sklenar drive the band with multi-layered textures of sound like two Kung Fu artists practicing their craft. Throwing powerful blows and highflying kicks without ever actually touching each other. For an unsigned band who’s been playing together for “about 9 months now” they have a polished, clean unique sound.

With a great combination of showmanship, musicianship and Gypsy charisma they opened the show in fine style. It will be very interesting to see them again after honing their skills while travelin’ the globe with Muse... We’ll definitely be there.

Muse…what can you say? They tore the roof off & then kindly put it back. That’s just the kind of guys they are. We bumped into Lee with Immigrant during the 3rd Muse encore. We were all in a kinda dream state, he was clearly Mused by it all. “They are so good! As a musician this is really hard to watch!” Don’t worry Lee with such humility & passion for your craft you & Immigrant will do very well.

-Rodger Caldwell

LA guitarist Rodger Caldwell

has been shooting the action ever since a resourceful high school teacher offered a photo class to him as a last-ditch attempt to keep him from dropping out. Jerry’s pit pix grace such sites as hip-hop and world music's Fly Global Music Culture in the UK.