CLUB REVIEW : Coconut Teaszer Softens Its Head-Banger Rock Image

The Coconut Teaszer has finally received an injection of ‘90s soul and style. Once battling FM Station as the last bastion of ‘80s head-banger rock, the Sunset Strip club has updated and softened its image a bit. Although many nights are still dedicated to creepazoid rock acts, they are offset by evenings where the standards are so contemporary that the Teaszer is no longer entirely a joke.

These changes were born out of a physical face lift started last year. The downstairs room, once known as the 8121 Club, was renamed the Crooked Bar, and its moody red lighting and cozy seating give it a cabaret feel ideal for the acoustic acts it features.

Upstairs at the Teaszer, the drywall’s been covered with wood panels and the club has become almost plush--sofas and pillows are strewn throughout the space, and three pool tables offer an escape from the pounding music.

The room that could have used the most work, the main performance space, is still pretty much the same, which means your ears will bleed if you’re standing within 15 feet of the stage. Even at the bar, which is about 30 feet from the stage, the stools vibrate along with the bass lines.

The difference, however, is that you might enjoy the music. Recent performances by Los Olvidados, a hot Latino ska band, and reggae-punks Todos Tus Muertos show that the Teaszer is willing to take chances on a new crowd. Ultimately, it’s still the club you drop into on your way to the next venue, but you may find yourself lingering a bit longer.

* Coconut Teaszer and Crooked Bar, 8117 Sunset Blvd., 18 and over (21 and over on Mondays and Tuesdays), cover varies, (213) 654-4773.