Continuing the tradition of gloomy bands from sunny Los Angeles, Numb.er combines shoegaze, synth pop, Krautrock, and a healthy reverence for post-punk. Founded by singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/photographer Jeff Fribourg, the band's ominous-yet-romantic sound was defined by 2018's Goodbye. A founding member of L.A. psych band Froth, Fribourg began working as Numb.er in 2015, taking the synth prowess he'd honed with his former project in a darker direction inspired by Wire, Gang of Four, Christian Death, and Bauhaus. After making some home recordings, Numb.er expanded into a full band with bassist Laena Geronimo, guitarist Nick Ventura, guitarist/keyboardist Kaz Mirblouk, and drummer Cameron Allen. The group issued its debut single, "Fear," in 2017 via Mono Records; it also appeared in the Volcom skate video Holy Stokes. Following a series of shows at local venue the Echo, Numb.er's first full-length, Goodbye -- which was mixed and mastered by Total Control's Mikey Young -- appeared on Felte in May 2018. ~ Heather Phares