Many happy returns to Aaron Espinoza, aka Earlimart.

The stairs leading to the bands’ dressing rooms at London’s Astoria go on for so long that you half expect to see Rapunzel, flowing locks and all, downing Red Stripes at the top. But instead, shrouded in arguably just as much hair, we find tonight’s headliners, Grandaddy - replete with lumberjack beards - laddishly teasing fellow Californian Aaron Espinoza, aka support act Earlimart. “I got my best friends here,” says Espinoza excitedly, once his mates are out of earshot. “It’s like the whole family’s in town - we’re taking over London! AND it’s my birthday.”

Espinoza is 28 today, though he may as well be eight. Tonight is the first time Earlimart are playing in London. And this, coupled with his “special” day, is almost too much – he’s buzzing. The gig is the crowning cherry to a week that’s seen the release of Earlimart’s excellent third album, Everyone Down Here.

“I’m super-proud of this record,” says Espinoza, gushing some more. “And without Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle and Jim Fairchild, I wouldn’t have made it.” Not only do Lytle and Fairchild play on the record (Lytle even co-produced it), but they encouraged Espinoza. “It’s very different to my other records and I didn’t know if I was on track - maybe it sucked, you know? But Jason and Jim told me: this is the best thing you’ve ever done, you have to keep going.”

“With this album I’m more in tune with my own heart. It’s a sad kind of record, and I was pretty sad making it,” admits Espinoza. “The previous releases were straight-up Pixies rip-offs,” he says modestly, figuring out where things changed. “I think I got older…” Then he remembers: “I started playing the piano and that just screws everything up.”

Everyone Down Here marks a distinct change of direction for Earlimart. And it’s a thrilling album: hushed waltzes dance with fuzzed-up samples, crackling guitars warm spaced-out keyboards and intimate vocals flood with memories. You could say it’s a glorious cross between Grandaddy’s luscious, bleep-driven pop and the half-whispered heart-wrenchers of LA-based singer/songwriter, Elliott Smith. As it happens, Smith was also involved.

“I’m completely influenced by my friends,” confesses Espinoza with a wry grin. “I’m really lucky I have people like Elliott and Grandaddy. They’re amazing people and they’re a huge part of everything that’s going on right now.” His blue eyes glisten. “I’m so happy - I’m in the best part of my life,” he says emphatically. “AND it’s my birthday.” Alexia Loundras 27 June 03

Earlimart - Everyone Down Here is out now on Palm.

useful link: www.earlimartmusic.com