Los Yesterdays: Timeless Soul at Moe's Alley
I spent a weekend trailing Los Yesterdays as they brought their lush, soul-steeped sound to the Bay Area, hopping between Berkeley and Santa Cruz. Watching their journey unfold up close was a reminder of why they’ve become one of the most evocative voices in modern soul.
At the heart of Los Yesterdays is the dynamic duo of Gabriel Rowland and Victor Benavides. Their shared vision is the foundation for a band that doesn’t just play music—it creates sonic landscapes that feel like home. Touring alongside The Slackers, their current lineup blends talent and camaraderie seamlessly, elevating their live shows into experiences you can’t forget.
Their debut album, Frozen In Time, dropped earlier this year and immediately carved out a space in my heart. It's a collection of heartbreak, longing, and healing, masterfully woven into a sound that feels eternal. Listening to it for the first time with friends, we all found our own memories within the music. To me, it conjures the Mission District; for my friend Will, it’s the quiet streets of San Mateo; for Joanna, it’s an endless LA summer. That’s the magic of Los Yesterdays—universal, yet deeply personal.
One track stood out for me above all: Love is a Game for Fools. This wasn’t just a song—it was the soundtrack of my year. Its bittersweet ache and gorgeous instrumentation made it a go-to for my best and hardest days. It reminded me that even in heartbreak, there’s beauty—and Los Yesterdays excels at finding that balance.
Sitting down with the band, Victor shared their unorthodox journey:
“We didn’t aim to be ‘a Chicano band.’ When Gabriel and I started this back in 2016, it was about creating the music we grew up with, the songs that moved us. When I put on the shades and step into the role of Bad Vic, it’s a space where I can process everything. I hope our audience feels that catharsis, too.”
Their live set at Moe’s Alley brought this vision to life. Victor’s rich, commanding voice paired with Gabriel’s soulful musicianship created an atmosphere you could feel in your bones. The crowd became a chorus, swept up in the raw joy Los Yesterdays radiates. Every band member brought their own spark to the performance:
Los Yesterdays is:
🎙️ @badvic13 Victor Benavides - A captivating writer with a show-stopping voice.
🥁 @gabriel_rowland_gentesoul Gabriel Rowland - Overflowing with creativity, a gifted musician, and a talented audio engineer.
🎹 @izbe_music Clarence Matheney - A seasoned touring artist who brings calm grooves to every performance.
🎸 @saritaaahhh Sarah Corza - A powerhouse bassist whose passion is infectious. Find something you love the way Sarah loves the Bass.
🎸 @meljiimusic Melanie Medina - Quiet yet masterful, reminiscent of Schroeder from Peanuts.
Special thanks to Civilized Artist Management, Los Yesterdays, and everyone at Moe’s Alley for making this weekend unforgettable.
If you haven’t caught Los Yesterdays live yet, do yourself a favor. Grab someone you love, buy a ticket, and let them transport you to a place where the soul speaks louder than words.
#LosYesterdays #FrozenInTime #SoulMusic #LiveMusic #FrequencyIllusionsPresents
