LOS ANGELES, CA- When I was invited to The Regent earlier this month to shoot Holy Wars, I have to be honest and admit that I wasn’t all to familiar with other acts on the bill. One my contributors had written about Plush when they opened for Heart a few years ago and several of my musical peers had been raving about The Warning, but I guess I never went down the rabbit hole to dig into their respective repertoires. I would be getting a first-hand education this evening.
The headliners for the the evening, The Warning, is a rock band consisting of three sisters from Monterrey, Mexico. The band was formed in 2013, and its members are Daniela Villarreal on lead vocals and guitar, Paulina Villarreal on drums, and Alejandra Villarreal on bass guitar and backing vocals. Using the power of social media, they’ve garnered quite an ardent following when their cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” went viral on YouTube (I’ve had a listened, and yeah… it’s pretty dope) and have since released several EPs and three studio albums, the latest of which, Error, was released June 2022.
Clearly, I am late to The Warning party as the venue was packed with a dedicated and passionate fanbase in anticipation to see the sister rock
I always get hyped to see Holy Wars perform live. Each and every time, their performance gets more polished and rocking. Formed by singer Kat Leon and guitarist Nicolas Perez, Holy Wars blends various genres, including alternative rock, pop-punk, and post-punk, resulting in a hard-hitting sound that sends shivers down your spine whenever Kat viscerally growls out the lyrics to one of their bangers. Every time they release new music, I am assured that I’ll get powerful and emotionally charged music. I love them to death.
I love the way Holy Wars is committed to their craft. Nicolas is a shredder, and his licks hit every time. And Kat… What can I say about her other than she has “rockstar” tattooed in her soul? I know her as a person, and her transformation on stage into the “Holy Wars Kat” leaves me in awe every time. The stages get bigger, and their performances get better. There aren’t many things you can rely on in this world, but I’ve got 5 on it that Holy Wars will keep delivering the goods, no matter how large their stage gets.
Plush is a rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California, consisting of members Moriah Formica (vocals/guitar), Brooke Colucci (drums), Ashley Suppa (bass), and Bella Perron (guitar). These talented young ladies impressed me with their energetic and melodic rock sound, drawing influences from classic rock and grunge. Their music combines powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and a solid rhythm section, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Their musicianship was nothing short of impressive, with each member displaying mastery of their instrument. Bella skillfully weaved intricate melodies, while Ashley and Brooke formed a tight rhythm section, driving the songs with precision and energy. And goddamn… that Moriah can sing! Get it, girl! Her vocals truly shined during the band’s cover of Heart’s “Barracuda.” She possesses an alto resonance that provides a strong foundation for the melody, effortlessly hitting all the high notes with incredible power, all while handling the guitar. It’s seriously impressive. She must have had vocal training because a voice like hers requires serious breath control.
Plush’s anthemic, fist-pumping rockers ignited a sense of euphoria at The Regent, evidenced by the multitude of devil horns thrown up in the air during their songs. These high-energy performances, combined with their magnetic stage presence, exuded an infectious energy that was undeniable. There’s plenty to look forward to with this band.
The Regent in Los Angeles throbbed with electric energy, a palpable anticipation coursing through the air, as The Warning, led by the formidable Villarreal sisters, prepared to unleash their musical prowess upon the stage. This young rock outfit has swiftly risen through the ranks of the contemporary rock scene, and from the very instant their fingers graced the strings and the drumsticks met the skins, it became abundantly clear that this performance would be nothing short of extraordinary.
The Warning’s musical style defies easy categorization, seamlessly blending elements of alternative rock, hard rock, and heavy metal into a unique sonic tapestry. Their sound is characterized by fierce vocals that command attention, intricate guitar work that weaves mesmerizing melodies, and dynamic drumming that propels the music forward with relentless energy. Yet, as I delved deeper into their repertoire, I uncovered a deeper layer to their artistry – their music carries profound messages of empowerment, resilience, and unyielding determination to pursue one’s dreams. It was an ethos that resonated powerfully, as the venue teemed with young girls, accompanied by their proud parents, seeking inspiration from The Warning’s unapologetically powerful approach to rock music.
The moment the pulsating baseline of “DISCIPLE” reverberated through the air, an electric surge rippled through the crowd, unleashing an eruption of applause and anticipation. The Warning wasted no time, igniting the stage with a raw, incendiary energy that surged like a lightning bolt.
Their performance showcased an impressive array of tracks from their latest release, expertly demonstrating The Warning’s musical versatility and technical brilliance. Daniela, an unstoppable force of nature, commanded the stage with an awe-inspiring presence and vocals that soared to celestial heights, each lyric infused with a potent blend of power and emotion. And let us not overlook Paulina, who deftly delivered a solo performance from her drum throne, proving herself a force to be reckoned with. The symbiotic bond between the sisters was palpable, their musical synergy as flawless as ever. Alejandra’s nimble basslines intertwined seamlessly with Paulina’s thunderous drumming, forming an unbreakable foundation that fueled the band’s sonic onslaught.
Yet, The Warning’s impact extended far beyond their musical prowess alone. Their stage presence radiated an infectious joy and deep gratitude, as they wholeheartedly engaged with the audience, forging a sense of unity and shared passion. The room pulsed with an electric connection that intensified when, towards the culmination of their set, they fearlessly performed their Spanish language songs. Language barriers dissolved as the crowd, some waving Mexican flags held high, belted out the lyrics in unison. In that moment, even the most unfamiliar listener, and even those who didn’t speak the language, couldn’t help but feel an undeniable sense of belonging and camaraderie.
In every sense, The Warning’s performance at The Regent in Los Angeles was a tour de force. Their exceptional musical talent, unwavering passion, and magnetic stage presence solidified their status as a band destined for greatness. As a fervent music enthusiast, I pledge to remain vigilant, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in The Warning’s remarkable journey.
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LIVE CLIPS
