Hellraising in LA With Andrew W.K.

Andrew W.K.'s Highway Party Cruiser Tour slammed into Safari Sam's last night for Check Yo Ponytail's weekly mashup of live rock; dance-punk, retro, and new wave dance floor action; and mindbending video projection.

We knew we were in for some wildness, considering the promise of a solo set and DJ'ing from wild child Andrew W.K. We were also a bit concerned, not knowing what to expect after recently hearing him on All Things Considered talking about his vocal coach and then singing "Mandy."

But Mr. "Party Hard" was in fine form, flailing himself about the stage, diving into the crowd and screaming incoherently into the mic. After an awkward segment including long trances and epilectic stage-mongreling, Andrew finally treated us to a couple classics, inspiring nearly everyone in the room to raise their fists in a collective "fuck yeah." Pigeon Toad even got a smooch in there somewhere.

Shout-outs to the fine opening bands, Chicago-based Ambulette and Portland's The Lashes, who open for Persephone's Bees at Spaceland tonight.

More photos of W.K. raising hell after the jump.