The Tragics and Rover at Hotel Ziggy – Live Review
The Tragics
The Tragics, Rover, Hotel Ziggy, West Hollywood, CA., November 22, 2025
Just one week after the Highwire Daze 35th Anniversary Show at the Corbin Bowl, The Cobalt Presents returned to the Sunset Strip for another dynamic evening showcasing some of the best local talent Los Angeles has to offer. On this night at Hotel Ziggy, the spotlight fell on two very different bands—The Tragics and Rover—each proving in their own way that young artistry is thriving in the City of Angels. For me, it was the first time experiencing both groups, and the night was unforgettable.
The Tragics
Karyn Rock Edge and I were first drawn to The Tragics by their striking photos and videos, and we knew we had to see what this band was all about. With their newly released EP Love Loaded and undeniable charisma, we began the evening with a photo session that revealed their glam‑rock aesthetic and punk swagger. On stage, they delivered those seething reveries in nothing short of epic fashion.
The Tragics
Highwire Daze recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, and The Tragics felt like a band we could have covered in year one at long‑gone Sunset Strip venues like The Coconut Teaszer or Gazzarri’s. Their sound is timeless yet sharpened with a modern edge, and their live performance was gripping from start to finish.
They opened with the devastating original Don’t Talk to Me before tearing into a fiery cover of The Stooges’ Search and Destroy. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Sebastian Tragic radiates rock‑star appeal, commanding attention with fierce lyrics and magnetic stage presence. Rees Poindexter shredded into the stratosphere on lead guitar, Julian King anchored the low end with thunderous bass and backing vocals, and Levis Dokus drove it all home with ferocious drumming.
Highlights included Picture Junkie and Girls With Guns, both leaving a lasting impression. Their imaginative rendition of The Dead Boys’ Ain’t Nothin’ to Do breathed new life into a punk classic, while the brand‑new London Girls closed the set with undeniable impact. The Tragics left the crowd craving more—and you can catch them again this Saturday night at The Smell. Expect this band to rise even higher in 2026 and beyond.
Rover
Rover
At first glance, Rover’s Instagram offered little indication of the powerhouse talent behind the band—few photos, no music. Yet live, they proved to be a revelation. Leaning toward the indie‑pop rock spectrum with echoes of Weezer, Radiohead and even Bob Dylan, Rover captivated listeners and set imaginations soaring.
The set opened with a one‑two punch of originals, Full Bloom and I’ll Wait, followed by a beautifully rendered cover of The Velvet Underground’s Oh, Sweet Nothing. Their journey continued with thrilling tracks like Madrid and Revolution, each one resonating deeply with the Hotel Ziggy audience.
Rover
Frontman Roman is a standout talent—Elvis Costello glasses, hypnotic guitar work, harmonica flourishes, and above all, a rapturous voice that carried the room. Aiden’s keyboards added magnetic color, while Ishan on bass and Lorenzo on drums formed a rhythm section that was both tight and dynamic. The intimate setting of Hotel Ziggy amplified Rover’s grand, heartfelt sound, leaving no doubt that this band is destined to excite music lovers well into the new year and beyond.
Closing Thoughts
The Tragics and Rover share little in common stylistically, yet both embody the impressive talent fueling Los Angeles’ music scene. Many thanks to The Cobalt Presents and Audioeclectica for championing bands like these and keeping the city’s vibrant scene alive and thriving.
(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Karyn Burleigh of Rock Edge Photography)
The Tragics on Instagram
Rover on Instagram
The Cobalt Presents on Instagram
Audioeclectica on Instagram
