Manifesting dead-end destinies

California — and San Francisco specifically — have always been destinations for people hell-bent on reinventing their lives. But the myth of the West Coast adventure comes to a heavy halt under Vlautin's pen. Whether in song or in print, the furthest Vlautin's men can move is in circles, shackled to their dysfunctions and their meager paychecks. "I've always been interested in how people can fight themselves to the point of making themselves immobile," says Vlautin. "I've been like that, obviously, and that's why I write about that so much. It helps me figure that out as well."

It's an almost cruel pastime, wanting Vlautin to crush more small-town souls for our entertainment. But the way his men wrestle with their inner turmoil is a reminder that no matter how many miles you clock on I-5, the 101, or around the corner, the same demons still stare you down through the rearview mirror.

Richmond Fontaine performs on Wednesday, June 27, at Rickshaw Stop at 8 p.m. Admission is $8; call 861-2011 or visit www.rickshawstop.com for more info.