With a completely sold out show at Spirit Hall, The Linda Lindas played an unforgettable concert that shows their ability to create powerful and impactful music. This modern riot grrrl punk group formed in 2018 in Los Angeles and gained the attention of punk icon Kathleen Hanna when she witnessed them play a gig. After witnessing the band play the iconic song “Rebel Girl”, Hanna asked the band to open for Bikini Kill in 2019 at the Hollywood Palladium.
The band’s success took off from there where they played songs for the Netflix movie “Moxie”. They also earned praise from well known musicians like Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and Rage Against The Machines’ Tom Morello. After releasing their song “Racists, Sexist Boy” the band signed with label Epitaph Records.
Over the past couple of years, The Linda’s Lindas have built themselves an impressive resume including opening for Paramore, The Rolling Stones, and Green Day. With the release of their album, “No Obligations”, the band has ventured out on their own North American tour.
To add to their shocking success, each member of the band doesn’t exceed the age of 20 years old. At one point in their set, the band joked with concert goers that they had the opportunity to buy band merch from the musicians’ very own mothers.
The gig opened with Baltimore grunge and punk rock band Pink Shift. With a high energy presence, concert goers wasted no time engaging in the positively demanding sound that the band was creating. Lead singer, Ashrita Kumar, reminded listeners of the importance of music and how it can be a welcoming space for all while also being a form of activism where systemic and political issues can be creatively addressed.
This energy perfectly amped up the crowd for the powerhouse that was to come from the headliners. Leading up to The Linda Linda’s set, I observed the surrounding crowd, and realized that this was truly a special group of people.
Due to the young age of the band itself, this was one of the most diverse audiences I have been a part of at a concert. Around me, I saw kids of all genders decked out in merch, eyeliner, and pink headphones, ready to see gen-Z awesomeness at its best.
When the first notes of “No Obligation” rang out, there was an undeniable joy radiating from the vast array of viewers in the pit. Parents encouraged their middle school kids to wiggle their way closer to the stage while groups of adults head banged along to the youthful punk rock.
The band played through their full album along with covers of songs by Green Day, Talking Heads, Los Prisoneros, and the highly anticipated finale, “Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill. Over the past couple years, the Linda Lindas have become a refreshing presence in the punk rock music industry and with time, they will only get better and better.
Photos and writing by Alexis Wary (https://alexiswaryphotography.com/)
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