by photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering
Tampa’s legendary indie club The Orpheum played host to a trio of upstart alt/punk bands, notably all fronted by charismatic young ladies!
Headlining was The Linda Lindas, making a Florida stop all the way from the left coast of LA. They are a band known for their infectious energy and DYI spirit, which was on full display in an atmosphere that had an underground vibe like an “invite only after hours party”.
Orlando’s all-girl trio Catnap hit the stage with catchy hooks, upbeat energy, and an easy laid-back charm. Both polished yet authentic, the crowd was locked in from “Go!”, and fans from all three bands were attending in force.
Catnap boasts melodic guitars, steady rhythms, and expressive vocals. They flipped between high-energy tracks and quieter, more introspective moments without missing a beat, and are already accomplished young songwriters with a bold message. Catnap made it clear why they’re one to watch in Orlando’s indie scene, and we sure hope they return to Tampa on the regular, because I’ll for sure be attending!
Second act of the night was The Rat Utopia Experience, aka T.R.U.E., which is billed as “Circus Rock”, out of Tacoma, Washington. They brought serious intense energy to a by then buzzing Orpheum, delivering a hard-hitting set dense with driving rhythms, powerful instrumentals, and vocals full of passion. The band is dressed in clown gear, and lemme tell you, these are NOT happy clowns! They are clowns on a mission to tell you about all manner of societal injustice and won’t rest until their grievances are duly aired – and LOUDLY.
Lead vocalist Phia Lane is a dynamic little dancing dervish, with emotive vocals and a relentless antagonism that has fans frenzied over their performances. Many in the crowd were also in appropriate clown makeup, as a car wreck of a mosh pit collided during their set. Following in the footsteps of legendary Seattle bands like Nirvana, they have grabbed the torch and are setting stages aflame with their fury.
The set moved between full-throttle anthems and slower, heavier moments, showing off the band’s range without losing its raw edge. Tight musicianship and smooth transitions kept everything flowing, while the mix of sounds gave each song its own distinct punch.
T.R.U.E. also really knows how to connect with their crowd. Snappy jokes, casual shout-outs, and genuine thanks between songs made the show feel as if the fans are part of the message, and not simply loud. They might be young, but they are big on ideas, transmitted with an urgency as if every moment depended on it. Definitely recommend the band and their show if you get the chance to see them.
Not to be outdone, still young but already savvy veterans, The Linda Lindas deliver a rare blend of unfiltered energy, razor-sharp attitude, and relentless fun. Taking the stage with youthful fire and effortless confidence, the Los Angeles punk quartet immediately commands the room through tight instrumentation and an electric stage chemistry that draws you in like a magnet.
Formed in 2018, Lindas took their moniker from the 2005 Japanese film Linda Linda Linda, which was itself inspired by the iconic track by The Blue Hearts. The quartet gained early traction after catching the attention of comedian Amy Poehler, who tapped their music for the soundtrack of her 2021 film Moxie. Later that year, the band achieved explosive breakout success when a performance of their fiery anthem “Racist, Sexist Boy” went viral, launching them onto the global stage. The band recently performed at the Power to the People Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia on October 3, and has been praised by notable indie legends like guitarist Tom Morello, and bassist Flea. They feature sisters on guitar and drums, a cousin on bass, and longtime family friend as part of the quartet, ranging in ages from 16 to 22, with all providing vocals and harmony.
Many parents were attending with their children, even on a school night, both saying how they loved them and were excited to see their favorite band, making the trip all the way from the other side of the country. The sisters are multi-ethnic, with a Chinese and Latina heritage, while the bassist is Chinese and a Latina guitarist. As such, they are keenly attuned to modern issues surrounding race and ethnicity in America, and their experience as young adults reflects this in their poignant songwriting. I spoke with the parents of the band, who are chaperoning their national tour, and they could not have been nicer and more earnestly engaging.
The Lindas set moves at a blistering pace, seamlessly weaving fan favorites like “Oh!” and “Growing Up” alongside heavier, anthemic cuts, along with their new single “Burning Out”, which was released this past June. Despite their ages, the band plays with remarkable technical maturity, combining punchy arrangements with commanding vocal performances. Between songs, their candid banter and effortless humor foster an inclusive, empowering atmosphere, echoing the central themes of their music: identity, friendship, and self-discovery, all channeled through punk’s rebellious viewfinder.
As the chorus of the last encore rang out and the sweaty, spent fans bellowed in approval, a band member’s father asked me with a bit of apprehension, “Did you like it??” I confirmed with, “Are you freaking KIDDING me?! It was PHENOMENAL!” I can think of no current band that does so much to bring generations together and who has a pulse on the current zeitgeist of this country. The Linda Lindas have only been playing for a few years and it’s a real testament to the DIY spirit of punk rock, breaking down walls and confirming “We’re on this crazy spaceship together, and you can do it TOO!”
As I packed up my gear and returned to my vehicle, I contemplated how one thing remains undeniable: punk rock IS thriving, and gosh darnit, it CAN change the world! Driven by raw passion and uncompromising authenticity, The Linda Lindas solidify their place as one of the most vital young acts in modern rock today, not simply as “kids who play in a band”, but brilliant upstarts who have the drive and vision to turn the industry on its head.
