With song lyrics like that, how can you not love Los Abandoned?!

This bilingual pop-punk band is a KICK to see live, a quintessential Southern California band with goofy-clever lyrics, and tunes that range from cheeky-sweet melodies (like “Pantalon” quoted above) to driving punk beats (”Stalk U,” “Van Nuys (es very nice)”).

We saw the energetic-yet-graceful Lady P and her hombres Thursday night at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, and it was probably the best live music deal in the O.C. that night: for $10 we got a great dose of infectious music, plus the always lively visual show…

…with slender-petite Pilar belting out the hits (”I didn’t, I didn’t, I didn’t mean to stalk u …”) while alternately pogo-ing, prancing, playing the ukelele and crouching close to the crowd; lead guitarist Don Verde and bassist Vira Lata jammin’ and riffin’ while writhing on the floor; and drummer Dulce drummin’ his ass off. For a few more photos, click here.

The band played like they were in a huge arena - tho the Galaxy was only about half-full. Lucky us - it was like we got Los Abandoned to come play at a house party or something.

Even some older, white hippie guys couldn’t stop dancing, making us think: how great that Los Abandoned brings all ages, races and hairstyles together.

Los Abandoned doesn’t get to O.C. that often - saw the group in another awesome show at JC Fandango about six months back - but you can catch them up in L.A. pretty regularly. Next gig: Sept. 14 at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, as supporting act for Zoe.

Speaking of supporting acts, the second warmup band Thursday at the Galaxy was a lovely discovery: Ceci Bastida, a charming singer-musician from Mexico who’s been backup singer and keyboardist for Julieta Venegas, and started her musical career at the tender age of 15, when she joined ska-punk group Tijuana NO.

If you like Julieta V, Cafe Tacuba and Ozomatli, you’ll dig Ceci’s rhythmic rock music. And you can catch Ceci in Orange County again on Sept. 20, when she, too, opens for Zoe, this time at House of Blues Anaheim.

Otherwise, head to the Knitting Factory in L.A. on Tuesday nights in September, when Ceci is the resident musician.

- Iris

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