PHANTOM BLUE
DOPPLEGANGER
TONGUE
at C.I.A.

By Ronald Vaughan

This once-secret North Hollywood club, hosted the return (with a slightly new lineup) of one of L.A.'s favorite heavy-metal bands: PHANTOM BLUE! With hardcore members Linda McDonald (drums), Gigi Hanach (vocals), plus exotic instrumentalist Josephine (an Indonesian guitarist), Dyna Shirasaki (part-Japanese bassist, ex-Warbride) and Tina on other guitar, Phantom Blue got down-and-dirty, doing songs from their previous Geffen album plus the new songs, which included the originals "Bad Reputation," "Lied To Me," "Cookie," and "Little Man" (which had their road manager operating a special prop, an inflatable, white, plastic lighted penis!, as the excitement mounted - groan - bad pun - in the crowd). In the middle of the set was done an excellent Janis Joplin cover, "Move Over." The set encored with "Pieces of Jam" and "Time To Run." When you see this ensemble, you'll know why they drew enough attention to get a color cover interview last issue - they're forceful and talented. The crowd went crazy - what else could be said?
Opening the show was thrash-punk outfit TONGUE, fronted by Liz. Their original set included "Sword of Allah," "Casio" and "Computer Fuck."
Next was yours truly's fave pick two RCN issues ago -- DOPPLEGANGER, with Joan, Janna and Sheri tearing it up, hard-rock style. They have a vinyl record and are going to do a new CD. They did "Modern Angel," "Sanctuary" (a tribute to the movie Logan's Run), and "Mad Sky" -- to mention a few. If you can find the place, check out the simple decor-with the cool, golden Polynesian tiki masks and the neat video room (when this reviewer was there, old Hullabaloo TV episodes were being shown).
To reach Phantom Blue (who'll have their own CD out soon) 8033 W. Sunset, #174, W. Hollywood, CA 90046, (562)984-8414. Otherwise, Ronald Vaughan, 6312 Hollywood Blvd., #97, Hollywood, CA 90028, voicemail (213) 464-0316 ext. 816.