Live music review: The Linda Lindas and Ghost Wolves rocked Mohawk Sunday
Los Angeles under-18 punks The Linda Lindas rocked Mohawk Sunday with Austin duo, Ghost Wolves for a Dr. Marten’s sponsored party that had the Red River club at capacity an hour before the headliners hit the stage. The atmosphere was electric as Ghost Wolves kicked off the show with a Blues-tinged garage rock set that felt as satisfying as it was as impressive for how big a sound the duo possesses as it was of the exceptional music played.
Local music fans may not be aware that Ghost Wolves have been making music in Austin for over a decade. A few years ago the duo, that is not unlike Jack White’s White Stripes were signed to the guitarist’s Third Man Records label. From the pair’s Bandcamp page:
“The Ghost Wolves are deeply rooted Texas rock n’ rollers, relentless creators, indestructible sonic voyagers who started their band in a damp Austin shack 11 years ago and have since grown it into a globally recognized musical force. For the last decade they have worked relentlessly in the independent music world.”
That about sums it up. They’re extremely talented and by now, have worked out a fantastic live performance that includes drummer, Jonathan Konya playing both guitar and drums during one track while Carley Wolf howls into the mic. How he does that is both a marvel and a mystery.
Later, It was not your normal show from an atypical buzz act in The Linda Lindas. The group has only been a band four years but has already garnered praise from the likes of Questlove and Paramore’s Haley Williams. Actress and director, Amy Poehler put the young upstarts in her film, Moxie. They’ve made an appearance on The Tonight Show and been booked on all the big, upcoming festival bills. They’re a 2023 SXSW buzz act. These kids are on a rocket ship that’s heading straight up.
Naturally there can be skepticism when a musical act seems to come out of nowhere with a viral hit (“Racist, Sexist Boy”) but Bela Salazar, Eloise Wong and sisters, Lucia and Mila de la Garza are the real deal. They’re multi-instrumentalists who trade lead vocal duties like seasoned pros despite their young ages which range from 12 to 18 years old. Guitarist, Lucia de la Garza celebrated her 16th birthday at the show with balloons and a cake the band shared with the front row at Mohawk.
But The Linda Lindas really are about the music which is played with abandon, the kind of enthusiasm only kids can muster and some really great hooks. They’re also adept at producing great versions of cover songs like their heroes, The Go-Go’s “Tonight” which was included in Sunday evenings set list.
The foursome includes Lucia’s sister Mila, Eloise Wong and Bella Salazar. The quartet sang together early on for fun, long before The Linda Lindas became a band. It wasn’t a stretch to form a rock band once they were old enough.
Set highlights came near the end of the 60-minute performance. The girls knew to save the best songs for last and leave fans wanting more. A trio of their hits finished the show with, “Oh!” with it’s driving, delicious chorus (it’s our current favorite), viral hit, “Racist, Sexist Boy” and their now famous cover of Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl.”
Mark our words, The Linda Lindas will not be a “flash in the pan,” buzz act following SXSW this year. Their potential is huge given the members’ ages and skill level. We can’t wait to see them again.
All photos by Ryan Vestil unless noted.
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