LA Rock Collective Show with Against The Sun, TemperMental, KingQueen, Chasing Desolation at Lucky Strike Live
Miles Elze of TemperMental – Photo by Jack Lue
LA Rock Collective Show with Against The Sun, TemperMental, KingQueen, Chasing Desolation, Lucky Strike Live, Hollywood, CA., March 19, 2023
It was time for another edition of the LA Rock Collective, an organization bringing local bands and fans together to strengthen our local music scene. For those just finding out about these monthly events, the LA Rock Collective is a mutually supportive network of some of the best emerging Rock bands in Los Angeles, providing an opportunity for these talented bands to come together, network, share ideas, collaborate, and play exciting live shows together. Each and every show keeps on increasing in attendance, with band members who aren’t even playing arriving to support the featured acts. Founding by David Swanson, the LA Rock Collective is an event that the entire Highwire Daze staff looks forward to. And on this Sunday afternoon deep in the heart of Hollywood at Lucky Strike, it was certainly a day to remember, complete with an untimely power outage that literally brought down the house during the second half of the show.
Against The Sun – Photo by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography
AGAINST THE SUN
Although the lineup is announced beforehand, the order of the bands is pretty much unknown until right before doors. And opening up the show was the dynamic Against The Sun, unleashing a vibrantly rock-solid set of genre melding intrigue. Presenting songs from their just released Truth’s Wake EP as well as some exciting newer material, Against The Sun sent the early arrivals into a rapturous state of rockin’ sonic bliss. From the explosive reveries of the opening selection Search To Find and beyond, Against The Sun delivered an impassioned, powerhouse performance.
Featured within the ranks of Against The Sun is Brad West on lead vocals and guitar, Brad Mitchell on guitar, Alex Galusha on bass, and Conner Eddy on drums. Highlights of the set included the premiere of a brand-new song called JAD featuring co-vocals from Seth Perez of Chasing Desolation. At the end of the set, Against The Sun unveiled their soon-to-be released single The Enemy, leaving the audience a glimpse into the next chapter of this amazing band on the rise!
Against The Sun on Instagram
TemperMental – Photo by Jack Lue
TEMPERMENTAL
TemperMental set the Lucky Strike on fire with their fierce amalgamation of punk and indie rock. Definitely a band ready to explode above and beyond the local Los Angeles music scene, each and every member in TemperMental exude a massive amount of talent and star quality. Opening with the slamming one two punch in the head of Come With Me and Teenage Outcast, TemperMental set the room into supersonic overdrive with their wickedly wonderful tunes!
Vocalist Kristina Van Horst delivers tenfold, bringing in the audience with her stunning singing and vibrant stage presence. Marilaine delivers the fiery guitar interludes with a dynamic flair, aggressive and impactful. And the rhythm section found within TemperMental is first rate and through the roof, featuring the super intense performances of Ruby Imes on bass and newest member Miles Elze on drums. Stay tuned, because you will be hearing a lot more from this amazing band in the months ahead – including their debut album by the end of the year!
TemperMental on Instagram
KingQueen – Photo by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography
KINGQUEEN
KingQueen was up next, and their scorching set was so hot and precise that it literally caused a power failure – right in the middle of their third song. But just within the span of a few short minutes, one could easily witness the heart and passion to be found within the music and overall world of KingQueen. Vocalist Ina delivers such a powerful display of emotion and conviction, and along with the entire KingQueen lineup, this is a band ready to leave an impact above and beyond the City Of Angels.
Opening song Tornado spun through the room with its captivating lyrics and melodies followed by the gorgeously expressive delivery of Beautiful. And then it was time for the devastating Wanted, the song that was ultimately responsible for the power outage throughout the Lucky Strike club and bowling alley. Although the set was abbreviated, KingQueen left the audience with full hearts enlightened by their inspirational pop rock tunes as well as an entire Hollywood Blvd venue in the dark.
KingQueen on Instagram
Seth Perez of Chasing Desolation during Against The Sun’s set – Photo by Jessica Greif
CHASING DESOLATION
Unfortunately Chasing Desolation was unable to play because of the power failure on the fateful night. But have no fear, because the next LA Rock Collective show at Lucky Strike will take place on April 16th, featuring makeup sets from Chasing Desolation and KingQueen as well as Satellite Citi and So Vain joining in for what will be a fun and electric night in the wilds of Hollywood.
Be sure to check into an LA Rock Collective show and discover a brand-new band or four in our local music scene.  And if you are a band, be sure to contact LA Rock Collective to become involved in something very positive within our local Los Angeles music.
(Review by Ken Morton – Top Photo by Jessica Greif)
LA Rock Collective on Instagram
