LOS ANGELES, CA- I’ll admit it—walking into the Moroccan Lounge on May 24, 2025, I didn’t expect to feel quite so… generationally removed. The crowd was overwhelmingly young, mostly women, some flanked by their dads who looked like they could’ve been in my high school friend group. But that’s not a complaint. That’s context. Because despite the age gap, there was a reason I had to cover Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. And as soon as the band launched into their set, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
I first discovered the band through their blistering single “Balcony,” which I stumbled upon before realizing they’d recently been handpicked by Pearl Jam to open for them on tour. That track? A banger. No question. It’s the kind of song you throw on at a house party when it needs a serious vibe shift upward. But the more I dove into their music—especially their 2023 debut album I Love You—the more I realized this band wasn’t just about the noise. They’ve got something to say.
It’s an album that walks a delicate, emotionally tangled tightrope. Naming your first LP I Love You feels like a bold, even naive, declaration—but once you listen, you realize it’s more of a bruised confession. Love here is raw, fragile, complicated, and possibly falling apart. There’s sarcasm and sweetness, riot grrrl snarl, and introspective ache. These women aren’t afraid to channel vulnerability into catharsis. And they do it with unapologetic volume.
The evening began with a compellingly diverse set from Nymphlord, whose recently released EP Rough Blue Blanket hit streaming platforms just weeks ago (lauren-records.com). The five-track release spans about 13 minutes, showcasing a sonic range that spans mellow alt-rock, folk-tinged melodies, and more driving, indie-leaning moments (music.apple.com). On stage, those transitions were seamless. Her voice—delicate and feminine—shone brightest on the quieter numbers, where her emotional resonance lingered in the space between notes, drawing the audience in with its fragile beauty.
But Nymphlord didn’t stay in one lane. As the set progressed, she shifted effortlessly into more buoyant alt-rock territory. Mid-song, the crowd stiffened with attention when drums and guitar kicked in—a stark contrast to the hush of her earlier songs. It was clear she’d put care into the pacing of her set, weaving moods and styles from her EP into a coherent, irresistible tapestry. Hearing a track like “Blood & Potions” live (one of the songs from the new EP (nymphlord.bandcamp.com)) was a treat—its melodic hooks and gentle build served as entry points into a moodier soundscape. By the end, Nymphlord had captivated the room, winning over both conscientious listeners and those ready to rock.
When Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers hit the stage, it was clear they had one goal: to give their all to everyone packed into that intimate room. You could sense their gratitude for being there—especially after just playing stadiums a week earlier with Pearl Jam. More than once, they expressed how cool it felt to cap their U.S. run with a sold-out show in Los Angeles. Their excitement was contagious, and they played like they wanted every single person there to remember it.
The setlist pulled from across their catalog—songs old and new, fan favorites and deep cuts. I didn’t know every track, but the crowd around me sure did. Some of the girls singing along at full volume probably weren’t even born when I was in high school, but that didn’t matter. Music’s a great equalizer. I found myself feeding off their energy, and when the opening chords of “Balcony” kicked in, I was right there with them—yelling the hook, fists in the air, rocking out with zero shame.
The performance never lost steam. The band’s onstage chemistry was electric—tight but never stiff, animated but never rehearsed. Every note felt like it mattered. They didn’t just perform; they connected. Whether you were a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer like me, it was impossible not to be swept up in the moment.
Seeing them live confirmed what I’d already suspected from the records: Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers aren’t a gimmick, a phase, or a passing wave. They’re the real deal. With their knack for hooks, their emotional candor, and their sheer live power, they have everything it takes to go the distance.
Sure, their core demographic might skew younger, but good music cuts through all that. They’ve tapped into something raw and relevant—and if this show was any indication, the fanbase will only keep growing. I’m glad I got to catch them now, at a club where you could stand close enough to feel the floor shake beneath your boots. Because if they keep this up, next time they come to L.A., it’s going to be on a much bigger stage.
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LIVE CLIPS
