The magic of Golf Sucks: What makes a live show great?
Three music videos, three singles, an EP, brilliant visual art, and an iconic, unforgettable mashup that brings new life to two classic songs – all achieved independently in just two and a half years as a band. Impressive, right? Now what if I told you that this output of creative work wasn’t even the most memorable part of a very special band who, apparently, really hates golf?
When I sat down to write about Los Angeles band Golf Sucks, I knew a difficult task was at hand. There’s an indescribable feeling (or aura, as the kids are saying nowadays) that the band exudes at every show, something that makes you feel like you’re in exactly the right place at the right time. How do you write about, and try to describe, something that can only be felt as a warm feeling deep inside your bones? I’m not sure if I can, but it’s worth trying – such a feeling is crying out to be shared. So here goes.
The punks of Golf Sucks have been dazzling fans, me included, at live gigs across California since their formation in 2022. The band has experimented with a sound that has carved out an inviting, playful, chaotic, and delightful niche that they alone can fit. While I’ll never be able to put into words what makes this band so unforgettable, their musical talent, joyful presence, vivacious energy, and obvious love for the music they create are keys to the knockout punch they consistently deliver.
My introduction to Golf Sucks came thanks to an LMU Skate Club house show, where my band at the time had an opening slot on their bill. The backyard of a gracious host was filled with college kids, with a tiny makeshift drum riser made of a recycled pallet (that I was terrified of falling off of). After my band’s set, as I ran around packing up my drum kit and thanking kind friends who came to the show, Golf Sucks began to play and stopped me dead in my tracks.
The show they put on that night was nothing short of electrifying, inspiring, and a whole bunch of other adjectives that would still come short of describing how much I (and the rest of the crowd) connected with them. My bandmate and I decided we had to introduce ourselves after the show. Little did we know that we were meeting some of the warmest, loveliest, and most hilarious musicians in the world, and ones that we would call friends for a long time to come.
Photo by Molly Hudelson @mhudelson
Now, who exactly is Golf Sucks? A big part of their unique identity is that they can’t seem to decide who their frontman is. Each member of the band takes the spotlight at different points in each song – to their credit, as this works beautifully to bring variety and spontaneity to their music. Sharing the mic are two distinct, complementary voices, Caelum Olsen and Kyle O’Gorman. Each of them seem to be bounding off the walls (or stage) with energy throughout the set. Kyle’s softer, more soulful voice is bolstered by Caelum’s wholehearted belt that makes the music feel full and lively.
On lead guitar is the impressive Cooper Jasiorkowski, a multi-talented artist who is captivating both live and on record. Anyone who watches Cooper become immersed in the music during his solos finds it nearly impossible not to fall right in with him. Composing the rhythm section are bassist Perro Murillo (also of Nuclēaria) and drummer Lucas Sullivan. While these two talented golf haters are new members as of 2024, it’s clear that they have contributed a heavier edge to the band that has since become essential.
The songs that comprise Golf Sucks’ unforgettable set may vary in tempo and volume; however, even in songs that may be recorded softer and slower, the energy never dips down. Songs from their debut EP Humor Me boast elements of indie, folk, rock, and punk that come together in a sound that feels at once fully realized and experimental.
“Vulture” centers around an excellent bassline and loud, angsty vocals that contrast in an unexpected, yet wonderful way from the otherwise upbeat song. “Scream” and “SGH” are catchy, acoustic guitar-forward tracks that any crowd can’t help but sway and bounce along to. Kyle and Caelum’s vocal harmonies really shine here, along with Cooper’s exceptional, melodic solo in “Scream.”
“King 2020,” an anthem reflecting on the hellish but memorable COVID year, is a step in a heavier direction for the band. The main bass/guitar riff with weighty drums drives the song forward relentlessly and culminates in a catchy chorus that is a blast to scream along to. “Cockroach,” the frantic punk track that has become my favorite part of their set, is the epitome of Golf Sucks’ sense of humor and unbridled energy. Although the quality of their music makes it clear that the band takes their craft seriously, “Cockroach” and its hilarious lyrics (“Cockroach, please go away, you know I see you every single day”) shows that Golf Sucks also aims to lighten things up and make you laugh.
Despite the strength of their discography, there is a clear high point in Golf Sucks’ set. The intertwining of two instantly recognizable and beloved riffs captures the attention of anyone who hears them. Mashing Green Day’s “Brain Stew” with The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is an act of genius, accidentally discovered while noodling at rehearsal, according to Cooper who recounted the story to me after a gig. He laughs as he remembers the realization, “Oh my gosh… They’re the same song!”
The dueling vocals of Kyle’s John Lennon and Caelum’s Billie Joe Armstrong are spot-on; and when combined, they transcend both individual tracks to create an experience that can only be delivered by Golf Sucks. As I watched a crowd of first-timers hear “Lucy Stew” one night at a bar gig downtown, the few who weren’t paying Golf Sucks their full attention turned to them immediately with a wide grin. If there’s one thing you take from my writing today, it’s that you truly must experience the magic of Golf Sucks and their beloved “Lucy Stew” for yourself.
Follow Golf Sucks on Instagram @golfsucksband to get the deets on your first (or next) unforgettable show.
