LOS ANGELES, CA- On November 23, 2024, feminist rock legends L7 held their inaugural Fast and Frightening Takeover at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. It was a dynamic evening of music and entertainment, curated by the band themselves, who also headlined the event. The night featured a diverse lineup of up-and-coming Los Angeles bands, each delivering performances that epitomized raw energy and unapologetic authenticity. What made this lineup particularly compelling was its focus on female-fronted bands, including Surfbort, Adult., Flames of Durga, and more, each leaving an indelible mark on the crowd.
In an interview with the LA Times, L7’s Donita Sparks described the festival’s ethos: “It’s called Fast and Frightening because that’s the kind of bands that I wanted—bands with hood, spunk, and style, something kind of threatening and in your face.” Sparks’ vision materialized perfectly as the evening progressed, showcasing a lineup that was both eclectic and unrelenting in its hard-hitting impact.
From the outset, the idea of hosting such a festival-style event at the Belasco Theater intrigued me. The Belasco’s reputation as a multifaceted venue—with its main stage, upstairs ballroom, and basement nightclub—proved to be an inspired choice for an event of this magnitude. Upon arriving, I was struck by how the space had been utilized to its full potential. The multiple stages allowed for seamless transitions between acts, with performances staggered in a way that encouraged exploration without overcrowding. While the headlining performances on the main stage drew the largest crowds, the upstairs ballroom and basement provided intimate settings that enhanced the audience’s connection to the music.
The atmosphere at the Belasco was electric, with fans of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate the unbridled spirit of punk rock. The audience’s diversity mirrored that of the lineup, and the palpable excitement in the air underscored the importance of events like these in fostering a sense of community among music lovers. By the time L7 took the stage, it was clear that the Fast and Frightening Takeover wasn’t just another show; it was an immersive experience that celebrated the rebellious spirit of punk rock while embracing diversity in sound and style.
Kicking off the night with a distinctive flair, The Mexican Standoff brought the vibrant sounds of country ranchero to the Belasco Theater. An all-female band, they are celebrated for their fun border music and beautiful harmonies. Having headlined events like The Grand Ole Echo at the Echoplex and opened for acts such as Los Super Seven (featuring Los Lobos, Texmaniacs, and Gaby Moreno), The Mexican Standoff’s journey has been marked by consistent acclaim. Their 2023 national tour laid the groundwork for an even more exciting 2024, with a highly anticipated album recorded with Flaco Jimenez and Los Texmaniacs set to release soon. They have garnered glowing reviews from NPR Latino and KCRW, solidifying their reputation as a standout act in the modern ranchero scene.
As the opening act for the festival, their performance filled the room with rich harmonies and infectious rhythms, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. Reflecting on their set, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of glee at how their ranchero music introduced the night’s festivities. It was a thrilling and unconventional choice that underscored the diversity and cultural depth of the Fast and Frightening Takeover.
It had been some time since I’d last seen Flames of Durga perform, so catching their set in the downstairs nightclub was a personal highlight of the evening. The twin sisters, Beah and Cecilia Romero, brought their signature energy to the dimly lit room, where a smoke machine worked overtime to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2023, is a solid rocker, and I was thrilled to see them command the stage once more.
Performing amidst swirling smoke and shadows, their “backbends and driving riffs” were as mystifying as they were electrifying, captivating the crowd with every note. One of the most emotional moments of the set came when they dedicated a song to their father. They shared a heartfelt story and professed how they draw much of their inspiration from the man that led them out to the deserts of Joshua Tree. It was a poignant reminder of the deep familial bond that fuels their music and added a heartfelt layer to an already dynamic performance.
San Diego’s The Schizophonics brought a frenetic energy to the basement stage that was impossible to ignore. Known for their explosive live shows, the band seems to have perfected their live shows in 2024 and really left a killer impression on me, solidifying that reputation I had heard whisper of as one of the most exhilarating acts in the underground rock scene. Pat Beers, the band’s hyperkinetic frontman and guitarist, led the charge with his acrobatic stage presence, while drummer Lety Beers provided a relentless backbeat. While I am not well-versed in their catalog, they are definitely a high-octane blend of garage rock and soul that had me and the crowd dancing and cheering for more.
Performing in the upstairs ballroom, The Schizophonics’ performance felt like a private party with the volume… and energy… cranked up to 11. Their ability to engage the crowd on such a visceral level reminded me why live music remains an irreplaceable experience.
NIIS delivered a blistering set on the main stage, proving why they’ve become one of LA’s most talked-about punk bands in 2024. Fronted by the charismatic and confrontational Mimi SanDoe, NIIS’ music is a visceral assault on the senses, combining elements of hardcore punk and noise rock. With songs like “Fuck You Boy,” their music encapsulates raw power and unfiltered rage, earning them a rapturous response from the audience.
Their set was the only one of the day to inspire a full-on mosh pit, a swirling storm of cathartic energy that mirrored the band’s unrelenting intensity. As I watched their set, I couldn’t help but reflect on the cathartic power of punk rock—its ability to transform anger and frustration into a communal celebration of defiance. NIIS’ performance was a potent reminder of why the genre continues to resonate with audiences decades after its inception.
Surfbort’s irreverent and chaotic set was a personal highlight of the evening. Led by the inimitable Dani Miller, the band’s 2024 has been a whirlwind year, with Dani also delving into side projects like her electronic punk EP Livin’ in a TrashWorld as TRASHWORLD with Sarah Smith. I love Dani. That woman gives absolutely no fucks, and her attitude and style just scream rock and roll.
I first caught Surfbort back in 2019 at SXSW, and I’ve been dying to see them live again ever since. Their music, a raucous blend of punk, garage, and absurdist humor, struck a chord with me then, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Though I was bummed that their guitarist, Alex Kilgore, couldn’t make the gig (he’s fantastic to photograph and absolutely shreds), the band still brought the energy and fire that drew me to them in the first place.
Miller’s magnetic stage presence and the band’s unrelenting energy turned their performance into a cathartic celebration of individuality and rebellion. Watching them perform, I was reminded of punk rock’s enduring appeal—its capacity to provide a voice for the outcasts and misfits of the world.
Patriarchy’s dark and theatrical performance brought a gothic edge to the festival, but their set started about 15 minutes late due to technical difficulties. This delay meant I could only see them perform three songs. Having seen this band multiple times before, I wasn’t too upset, but I still wish I could have gotten a full serving of their hypnotic and provocative artistry.
Frontwoman Actually Huizenga’s haunting vocals and commanding stage presence captivated the audience, even in the abbreviated set. Their blend of industrial and synth-driven rock created a hypnotic atmosphere, leaving the crowd entranced. For me, Patriarchy’s performance was a testament to the darker, experimental corners of the music world, and even in a short set, they managed to push boundaries and challenge conventions.
I was particularly excited to see veteran rockers Redd Kross perform for the first time. A peer of mine, Michael Bunuan, caught them earlier this year at a show in Chicago and raved about how fun these guys are on stage. Their performance at the Belasco didn’t disappoint, exuding the kind of seasoned charisma and high-energy antics that only come from decades of experience.
Redd Kross, formed in Los Angeles in the late 1970s by brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald, started as a punk band heavily influenced by the burgeoning LA punk scene. Over the years, they evolved their sound, blending power pop, glam, and garage rock into a style that’s uniquely their own. Their connection to Los Angeles runs deep, as they’ve been mainstays of the city’s underground rock scene for decades, sharing stages with other iconic bands and influencing countless artists along the way.
Their friendship with L7 made their presence at the Fast and Frightening Takeover feel like a natural fit. As one of only two bands I saw that were fronted by males, they brought a unique dynamic to the lineup while still embodying the punk ethos that defined the evening. Their playful camaraderie and undeniable stage presence left me eager to explore more of their extensive repertoire.
Detroit-based duo Adult. delivered a dark, hypnotic performance that perfectly suited the underground nightclub setting of the Belasco. Nicola Kuperus and Adam Lee Miller, known for their dystopian synth-punk aesthetic, transformed the space into what felt like an underground, hip club in Berlin. The combination of their pulsating beats, brooding tones, and the shadowy ambiance created an intense and entrancing atmosphere.
The juxtaposition of Adult.’s electronic aesthetic with the rawer rock acts on the lineup highlighted the festival’s diversity. Their set was a visceral reminder of the expansive nature of punk—a genre that transcends sound to embrace defiance and individuality in all its forms. As I stood there immersed in their performance, I couldn’t help but appreciate how their sound added a different but equally compelling texture to the evening.
Olivia Jean’s performance was one I was particularly keen on catching. I had first heard of Olivia Jean back in the 2010s when she was part of The Black Belles. However, it seems the internet and its algorithms had failed to keep her in my digital playlists or suggestions, and I completely missed the release of her three solo albums. This performance served as my reintroduction to Olivia Jean, and I loved every bit of it.
Her blend of garage rock and retro pop added a touch of vintage cool to the lineup, with a sound that feels simultaneously nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Her stage presence was cool and sultry, a perfect foil to her bassist, who was an absolute force of nature on stage. The bassist’s dynamic energy provided a fantastic contrast, amplifying the intensity of the set and keeping the audience thoroughly engaged.
Olivia Jean’s ability to channel retro influences while delivering music that feels current and relevant is a testament to her artistry. Watching her perform, I was struck by her seamless blend of style and substance, making her a standout act of the evening.
As the headliners and curators of the Fast and Frightening Takeover, L7’s performance was nothing short of triumphant. Over the years, L7 has cemented their place as icons of feminist grunge rock, with a discography that has influenced countless bands and fans alike. Their set included standout moments and memorable anecdotes that highlighted their charisma and connection with the crowd.
I loved when they dove into classics like “Scrap,” headbanging like is was 1992. When they The crowd erupted when the band broke into their beloved hit, “Pretend We’re Dead.” I was even more pumped with mosh pits started to undulate with songs “Shove,” a song that perfectly captured the raw energy of the evening.
Their relentless rebelliousness when they performed “Dispatch from Mar-a-Lago” with Sparks snarling, “We wrote this song about Trump before he was president… the first time,” before it was performed. It’s always pleasure to hear these women whip their sharp political commentary into our earholes. Honestly, it doesn’t even matter which way you lean politically. It’s this kind of attitude of rebelliousness that’s needed generally.
For the encore, L7 delivered the defiant “I Came Back to Bitch” and ended with the fiery anthem “Shitlist.” These closing numbers encapsulated everything that makes L7 timeless: raw power, sharp wit, and an unwavering commitment to their punk ethos.
The lineup curated by L7 was a masterstroke, embodying the spirit of punk rock’s broad and diverse roots. From goth and electronica to garage and grunge, the Fast and Frightening Takeover defied rigid aesthetics in favor of sheer musical power. Sparks’s reflection on the event summed as noted in the Los Angeles Times was, “We’re from the art punk scene… This is a very punk rock festival. There’s goth, there’s electronica.” … But most importantly, it rocked really hard. Hopefully, they’ll keep it rocking next year.
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LIVE CLIPS
L7’s Fast and Frightening Takeover Brings Fierce Energy to Los Angeles
