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Hidden on Santa Monica Boulevard as it stretches into East Hollywood, you can find Gold Diggers Bar. What once was the tiniest of tiny strip clubs has transformed itself into a low-key, low-light venue perfectly intimate for live music. The Occassion that called for my attendance this past Tuesday was the duo known as Pure Bathing Culture, comprised of Portland’s Sara Versprille and Daniel Hindman. With Sara on lead vocals and Daniel on lead guitar, Pure Bathing Culture drew in a cult-fan crowd that filled the room. Beneath a singular disco ball and globe lights, Sara and Daniel sweep beneath you with their obviously personal lyrics. It’s not long before you find yourself aligned with their words of love, heartbreak and persistence. Their DIY aesthetic radiates, leaving them natural and thriving. They are themselves, personally and musically intertwined. 

After befriending each other freshman year at Willam Patterson University, Sara and Daniel remained close for some ten years until becoming bandmates. They jointed Vetiver for two albums and ultimately during that time, Pure Bathing culture became its own life form. Since then, Pure Bathing Culture have toured nationally with renowned musicians, Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins, Father John Misty and more. With a track record like that, its no wonder they receive the attraction they certainly deserve. Public Bathing Culture recently covered The Blue Nile's full album Hats for Turntable Kitchen. Check it out! It was a strong source of inspiration for the band that dates back to their debut EP. 

Written and Photographed by Meagan Rafferty