By Mariko Obrero
Daily Bruin Contributor
It was unfortunate that The Distillers played the shortest set
at an all-ages show held at The Troubador on Aug. 12. The Los
Angeles-based band performed alongside The Explosion, The
Lillingtons and headliner The Queers.
But despite the length of their set, the three-piece punk outfit
entertained with aggression, attitude and profound lyrics.
The rapidly growing audience included a large number of females
who attended solely to hear The Distillers. The band took the stage
at 10:15 p.m., with crowd members singing along with lead vocalist
and guitarist Brody Armstrong.
Armstrong’s edgy vocals focused on Russian history in
“Red Carpet and Rebellion” and a cover of Patti
Smith’s “The World Comes Tumblin.'” As a
lyricist, Armstrong is one who doesn’t waste her words.
As a performer, she is equally powerful, which was apparent in
“Open Sky” when she played a hard-lined guitar solo
with her instrument almost on the ground by her feet.
The Distillers possess a rare approach to playing punk rock that
contrasts greatly with the often diluted and contrived mainstream
sound. With music characterized by catchy melodies reminiscent of
old-school, fierce punk, it’s hard to believe that the group
only formed two years ago.
Playing in a band is nothing new for the members of The
Distillers. Australian native Armstrong was in a band called
Sourpuss and well-respected drummer Mat Young had stints with ADZ
and CH3.
Bassist Kim Chi’s stage presence is remarkable carrying
herself like a legend. Kim was tough, sporting a perfectly crafted
mohawk, but sweetly smiling when her fans excitedly cheered
throughout her impressively fast and clean solos.
So it isn’t surprising that up-and-coming bands such as
Debauchery and so many other punk bands aim to achieve the same
well-rounded sound and the ability to play as powerfully as The
Distillers.
In addition to their musical prowess, fans respect the band for
who they are as individuals. And their standout performance was a
mere glimpse into the multi-dimensional band, of whom only great
things should be expected.