LOS ANGELES, CA- On the evening of January 25, 2025, Los Angeles’ Moroccan Lounge was the epicenter of an electrifying musical showcase, headlined by the dynamic sibling duo, The Haunt. The night was further energized by compelling performances from opening acts PrettyUgly and Damnage, each bringing their unique soundscapes to an eager audience.
Originating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, The Haunt is an American rock band formed in 2015. The group centers around siblings Anastasia Grace Haunt (lead vocals) and Maxamillion Haunt (vocals, guitar, and production). They first gained recognition with their debut EP in 2018 and have since built a reputation for their dynamic performances and evocative songwriting.
Their discography includes several EPs and singles, with notable releases such as “All Went Black,” which delves into personal themes of overcoming adversity. The band’s sound is a fusion of alternative rock and pop rock, characterized by Anastasia’s powerful vocals and Maxamillion’s intricate guitar work.
The night commenced with a succinct yet impactful set by PrettyUgly, an LA-based alternative band. The trio comprises Parker Chrisbens (vocals), Quinn Smialek (guitar), and Joey Cavallo (guitar). Together, they craft a sound that seamlessly blends elements of indie and pop-rock, resulting in catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.
Despite the brevity of their set, PrettyUgly left a lasting impression. Vocalist Parker Chrisbens captivated the audience with a vivacious and slightly mischievous stage presence, exuding the charisma of a seasoned rockstar. Her dynamic interaction with bandmates and the crowd set an energetic tone for the evening.
Following PrettyUgly, Damnage took the stage, delivering a powerful performance that showcased their musical prowess. The band comprises seasoned musicians Tim Stewart (guitar and vocals), Johnathan (bass and vocals), and Tosh Peters (drums), who have all previously toured and currently perform with industry giants, bringing a wealth of experience to their performance.
Their music, while more aggressive than the preceding act, incorporated catchy hooks and subtle pop influences, creating a sound that was both hard-hitting and yet accessible. The band’s ability to blend intensity with melody resonated with me, and left a very favorable impression.
When The Haunt finally took the stage, the energy in the sold-out Moroccan Lounge surged. This was their crowd, their moment, and the excitement was palpable. It wasn’t just the fans who were hyped—there was a buzz in the air that suggested this band is on the cusp of something bigger.
At the center of it all was Anastasia Grace Haunt, whose presence alone could command attention. She may be young and petite, but don’t let that fool you—she owns the stage like a seasoned pro. It’s the kind of magnetic star power that you can’t teach and that few frontwomen naturally possess. While I never got to witness Hayley Williams in Paramore’s early days, I’d wager that Anastasia exudes a similar kind of raw, unshakable confidence, the kind that makes you believe she was born for this.
The set was a showcase of everything The Haunt does best—dark, moody, alt-rock energy fused with pop-ready choruses, all delivered with a sense of drama and urgency. Maxamillion Haunt is more than just the band’s guitarist; his intricate playing and tight musical direction create the sonic scaffolding that lets Anastasia soar vocally. Their sibling chemistry is undeniable, and it’s part of what makes The Haunt’s live show so compelling.
The Moroccan Lounge is a small room, but this show felt bigger. If anything, The Haunt already performs like a band built for larger venues. There’s a cinematic quality to their music, an almost theatrical intensity that invites full emotional buy-in from the audience. This was not a casual, low-energy crowd. People were fully engaged, singing along, throwing their hands up, and hanging onto Anastasia’s every word.
The runway is there for them to take off—the only thing missing is that one or two undeniable bangers to push them over the edge into wider recognition. In the streaming era, all it takes is one track with a monster hook and the right viral moment for a band like The Haunt to explode. Their live show is already fantastic—there’s no doubt about that. It’s just a matter of when, not if, they break through. And if the sold-out Moroccan Lounge crowd is any indication, the fans who were here tonight will be the first ones screaming, “We saw them before they blew up” when that day inevitably comes.
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