Golf Sucks
Troubadour9081 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles 90069
Golf Sucks headline a four-band bill at the Troubadour, joined by Flesh For Fantasy, Madde and Mr. Dinkles. The Los Angeles band, founded in 2022, bring a high-energy set shaped by garage rock, punk, new wave, indie and surf rock. Their recent release, “The United States,” is described as a punk anthem, with two follow-up releases planned for the fall. The supporting sets span alternative new wave from Flesh For Fantasy, Madde’s independent rock songwriting, and the guitar-led storytelling of Mr. Dinkles.
Golf Sucks are LA-based and, in their own framing, “pitted against the industrial golf complex.” The listing likens their sound to “if Elliott Smith had Cage the Elephant for his band, but with Daniel Kessler writing the guitar parts,” a reference point that suggests melodic songwriting set against sharply drawn guitar work. Flesh For Fantasy have been active across Southern California since 2022, citing Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party, B-52’s, Hole and Garbage among their influences. Madde Gruber writes from punk, alternative rock and garage rock, while Mr. Dinkles is the duo of Mac Rettig on vocals and guitar and Rocco Ramos on rhythms.
The Troubadour’s claim to fame is written into pop history: Elton John made his American debut here in 1970, and the musicians who became the Eagles met around the club. It remains an active West Hollywood live-music venue, with current concerts listed at its Santa Monica Boulevard address. Expect a ticketed show in a compact club room, with a bar and a small kitchen serving burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fries. Seating depends on the event; where it is limited, the venue says it is generally first come, first served, so check your show’s details before arriving. Doors typically open an hour before the performance, and most shows finish between 11 p.m. and midnight, though timing varies. The venue sits near Doheny Drive, on a stretch of West Hollywood with nearby bars and restaurants.