It could have been the way Lydia dominated a stage only less than twenty feet wide. Or maybe it was Genessa’s guitar solo in Seashore. Or possibly even the quartet’s cover of “Teenager in Love.” Regardless, The Regrettes intimate performance at the low-lit venue, Bottom of the Hill, on Friday, March 16th showed that The Regrettes are too big for their platform.
Just before the doors opened at eight, a stretch of a little less than a hundred fans of all ages lined 17th street. Shades of denim, dyed and spiked hair with either converse high tops or adidas superstars dressed the swarm of eager indie rock show-goers. Only differentiated by over-21 wristbands, high schoolers and middle aged adults alike collectively filled the venue.
To start the night, San Francisco based rock trio the Pit Stains began with a question, “Wanna hear some tunes?” The audience naturally yelled back, “Yeah!” “We got some tunes,” the lead singer replied. I had never heard of The Pit Stains before and now I know why. The trio sounds exactly how you imagine a band named Pit Stains to sound. They were equally raw metal as they were fucking hilarious. I mean, they performed songs about bees buzzing around and a song about taking a shit on the clock. I could write about where I see Pit Stains going in the future or whether or not I think they’re memorable, but I don’t think they would give a shit. Starting the night with some goofs shredding harder than you did on guitar hero in 2007 was a perfect kick off to a charming night of teenage garage rock.
Following Pit Stains was Oakland based rock band, Mt. Eddy. Mt. Eddy is an extremely typical four piece all male garage rock band reminiscent of every other boy four piece all male garage rock band wielded with an all white Fender Stratocaster and a Gibson Les Paul. Though despicably typical, a mosh of mostly teenage girls went mad every time a band member crossed the stage as they were setting up for their performance. Being left curious as to what was to come, I understood the appeal the moment they went on stage. With heavy hitting lyrics, the simple and soulful lead singer, Jakob Armstrong, is coincidentally reminiscent of Billie Joe Armstrong in the strangest and most ironic way. **Note: The previous sentence was written BEFORE I learned that he is actually Billie Joe Armstrong’s son. Making my previously thought ironic connection, ironic.** Performing about seven or so songs, and debuting their self titled EP, Mt. Eddy put on a show of teenage love. The punked out romantics, still solidifying their sound, have some star power and a bright future.
The lights turned off and a steady roar from the crowd ignited the dark venue as “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince began to play. Once the band setup, Lydia faced Bottom of the Hill and opened with a fierce performance of “I Don’t Like You;” from that moment till the end of the show the bottom of the hill was owned by Lydia. They followed with “Hey Now” and their new single “Come Through.” In the eyes of any teenager vicariously living through each note, the bands presence was unparalleled. Though they relied a little too much on presence as opposed to tone, The Regrettes nonetheless played through a wonderful setlist. The night was effortless and fun. Without spoken words The Regrettes showed that they are exactly where they want to be. Expecting nothing out of the audience yet given everything. Almost every fan sang, clapped and moshed to every line belted by Lydia.
Exploring all the possibilities of a punk rock performance, The Regrettes utilized their political platform against President Trump by dedicating “Seashore” 1 to him. They performed a punk rock rendition of “Teenager In Love” and made room for dozens of stage dives.
As the night began to close, Lydia was the only one left on the stage with a guitar. A fan shouts out “Play Wonderwall!” Laughing it off, the crowded collectively sighed in relief when Lydia performed an intimate solo performance of “You Won’t Do.” The right band for the right crowd on the right night. Nothing was over done and no smile was broken, only until the end. Stay up to date with The Regrettes tour where they will be playing at Coachella, Governors Ball, Bonnaroo and Firefly.
Written by Benjamin Micallef