L7
11/23/2024 - The Belasco, Los Angeles, California.
📸 by nucorejess
L7 "The Fast and Frightening Takeover"
L7 have cemented themselves as trailblazers in the rock music scene. Synonymous with grunge and the Riot Grrrl movement, the band is credited with inspiring legendary acts like Nirvana and The Pixies. Decades later, their sound continues to influence a new generation of musicians, furthering their legacy as pioneers of unapologetic, boundary-pushing music.
Last month, L7 hosted their inaugural “Fast and Frightening Takeover” at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, and I couldn’t miss the chance to cover the action with Evvntly. The event hosted a bold lineup, including returning L.A. legends Redd Kross, along with thunderous sets by Surfbort, Adult., Olivia Jean, The Paranoyds, NIIS, Speed of Light, The Schizophonics, Babe Haven, Clarke and the Himselfs, Patriarchy, Lou Man Group, and The Mexican Standoff.
The mini-festival was more than just a concert; it featured DJ sets by L.A.’s Lesbian Goth DJs and even hosted a magic performance by the Magic Castle’s Zabrecky. Each act brought a unique energy to the stage, showcasing a different sound on every floor of The Belasco. The diverse lineup, combined with the multi-stage layout, made for an unforgettable night of music under one roof.
As the headliners, L7 brought the evening to a thunderous close. Kicking off their set with Zabrecky performing a theatrical “slicing and dicing” of paper into the band’s name, they set the tone for an unforgettable performance. They delivered fan favorites like Andres, Pretend We’re Dead, and Shove with an intensity that felt as fresh and raw as ever. Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner’s powerful vocals roared through Andres, perfectly matched by Jennifer Finch’s driving bass and Demetra Plakas’ pounding drums. The backdrop—a striking skeletal “L7” logo—only amplified the ferocity of their stage presence.
The finale, Shitlist (a personal favorite), exploded with unforgiving energy, sounding as if it were freshly recorded. If this firstl Fast and Frightening Takeover is any indication, L7 is far from slowing down. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for future editions..