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Written by Josh Kreeger of Blitzkreeg Rock on KUCR

We waited in anticipation for the opening band, Transviolet, which matched the tone of the emo side of Mother Mother, the headliner band. Once they came out to the stage, the crowd roared! I felt part of the ensemble. The lights flooded over then into the crowd in a way where the crowd and the stage felt in sync. We even had a personal heart to heart when in between a song, the lead singer, Sarah McTaggart, told us of her time at the same concert, watching her favorite band and telling herself that one day she would play here at the Hollywood Palladium! The drummer was an previous usher too. The sound varied between indie pop and metal pop, with the crowd getting a good mix of bobbing and slow dancing for thirty minutes.

Following a brief fifteen minute break, Vundabar stopped setting up and started playing. I only say it like this, because they were on stage making sure everything was set up correctly. I supposed to myself that they must have had issues in the past with their specific set up. They looked like a typical indie band in their twenties, disregarding the drummer’s mullet, by which I mean average clothing and average builds. Yet we would soon be surprised with their sporadic antics that stole the show! Vundabar paused during song (worn/wander) twice, as still as a wax statue. More of those can be found down sunset boulevard. Brandon Hagen, Vundabar’s lead singer, would even “whoop” and wanted the crowd to match him. Fun, catchy songs that were also a little insane. A unique band!

Naturally, the headliner arrived with no need of introduction. The fog machine’s rolled and Mother Mother wasted no time to get into their first big song! I lost my spot near the front to go to the bathroom and refresh with a lime Liquid Death, but was able to see them quite fine from the side with little shoving required. Ryan Guldemond was wearing a clashing Misfits shirt with a almost sparkling puffed up jacket. Fitting for a crowd of either teenagers or late millennials! The other two singers and both having their individual keyboards flanking Ryan, Molly and Jasmin, reminded me of the B-52s in their style, vocal range, and presence. This Goth Rap group were engaging, abrasive, and charismatic! A crowd pleaser and a cinematic light show. I cannot wait to see what this band will all have in store for the future.

Thursday, November 10, 2022 is KUCR NIGHT at The Barn, featuring Chelsea Rose, Don Luxe, and Siam Jem. The event is 4-9PM, all ages, free, and open to the public. See you there!

Register your free tickets at ucrbarnevents.universitytickets.com. For more info visit dining.ucr.edu.

Huge shout out to Mano Y Mano Productions!

What’s a better way to spend a Saturday night than watching Boys Noize live! This thought kept running through my head the first Saturday of October 2022. I was feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Anxiety because I had no idea where it was going to be, other than it was in LA. I was informed that the address would be posted later that same day. After 6 pm the address was posted and the anxiety almost left, but not entirely, because there’s always the tricky parking situation in LA. Luckily, when I arrived with my friends we got there a little before 11 pm and found parking across the street from the venue. The event took place at Flat Factory Studios, it was easy to find because we could hear the music from the parking lot. As we approached the gates we were greeted by the security guards and let in. The inside was spacious and felt like I was inside a giant semi-trailer. Almost like the scene from Party Monster where Marilyn Manson is driving a truck while people are trying to party inside of it. Now imagine that, but not moving and 100x bigger. (If you have no clue what I’m talking about I recommend the film, it’s a fun watch!)

The light set up was also incredible. Vertical neon lights strips were set up behind the performers and rotating lights were all across the ceiling. There were three opening acts before Boys Noize. The lineup were all Los Angeles based DJs, beginning with Trax Unit followed by Baseck, and Silent Servant. They all killed it and made the night truly unforgettable! They meshed well together back to back and it’s no wonder why Ridha chose them for the night. Closer to 1 am the inside was packed and became harder to get around. I no longer had a clear view of the performers, just the occasional outline of someone deejaying. I eventually found myself in line to get a drink when I wondered if Boys Noize was playing. Once I heard him bring in his track Girl Crush with Rico Nasty, I knew it was him! I quickly shimmied my way to the floor and danced the night away! Boys Noize has a dangerously infectious sound and energy, he never holds back and will have you dancing like you never thought you could! Attempting to describe it will never do it justice until you experience him live yourself. I’m already anticipating his return to Los Angeles.