M'Lou Elkins
CONCERT REVIEW + PHOTOS
THE LINDA LINDAS
w/ Be Your Own Pet + The Tulips
4/5/25 – The Novo – Los Angeles, CA
©M’Lou Elkins / Skip2Phtography.com
There’s something undeniably captivating about The Linda Lindas. Onstage at The Novo in downtown Los Angeles Saturday night, they proved that punk is not just a genre; it’s a voice, a stance, and an attitude that knows no bounds. And at the heart of this quartet of powerhouse performers is a refreshing twist: they’re still in their teens.
Opening the night were The Tulips, a seemingly very young female duo from Los Angeles that have achieved some level of fame via TikTok. While not my cup of tea, some of the younger people in the crowd were dancing and singing along to several tracks in their 30-minute set.
Be Your Own Pet is a raucous, high-octane celebration of punk-rock rebellion. The Nashville band returned in 2023 with the release of Mommy after a long hiatus and proved they’ve still got the magic. From the moment frontwoman Jemina Pearl hit the stage and launched into “Black Hole,” the crowd was electrified. Her fierce, unrelenting energy was contagious.
The band blasted through tracks from their latest release Mommy alongside fan favorites like “Becky” and “Wildcat!,” and were joined by The Linda Lindas for “Hand Grenade.” The mix of scrappy, noisy guitar riffs and punchy drumbeats kept the audience in a perpetual frenzy. Every song was a chaotic burst of youthful defiance, and Pearl’s raw, powerful vocals were the perfect fit for the band’s rebellious spirit.
The crowd? Wild. The sound? Perfectly imperfect, just like BYOP always intended. Whether you were a long-time fan or a first-timer, the sheer fun of it all was undeniable. With a setlist that seemed tailor-made for a punk lover’s dream, Be Your Own Pet’s show was a reminder that, sometimes, loud and brash is exactly what we need.
If you’re wondering what pure punk energy looks like in 2025, Be Your Own Pet is here to show you: it’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s thrilling from start to finish.
Check out our concert photo gallery from the show of Be Your Own Pet below:
The Linda Lindas, a punk band from Los Angeles, made waves a few years ago with the release of their viral hit “Racist, Sexist Boy,” a defiant anthem that quickly earned them legions of fans and critical praise. Formed in 2018, the group is made up of Eloise Wong (bass, guitars, vocals), Bela Salazar (guitars, vocals), Lucia de la Garza (guitar, vocals), and Mila de la Garza (drums, vocals). Though their ages are between 14 and 20, their punk ethos, fearlessness, and musical maturity are way beyond their years.
Their story is as punk as their music. The band first came together at a community event, with the four girls jamming together for the first time at the LA Public Library. What began as a fun project quickly turned into a movement, fueled by the release of their self-titled debut EP in 2020, and then the viral success of “Racist, Sexist Boy.” The song, a direct critique of societal norms and harassment, catapulted the girls into the spotlight, with their raw energy and sharp lyrics resonating with listeners across the globe. Since then, they’ve been riding a wave of momentum, playing sold-out shows and collaborating with legends like Joan Jett, who has championed them from the start.
Saturday’s show was a celebration of both their roots and their evolution. From the very first notes of “No Obligation,” the crowd was on their feet, erupting in cheers as the song’s aggressive, unapologetic chorus rang out. It was clear the audience knew exactly who they were seeing: this wasn’t just any band; they were the future of punk.
Throughout their set, the Linda Lindas alternated between politically charged anthems and emotionally driven tracks, showcasing their impressive range. The song “Oh!” with its catchy riff and quick tempo had the crowd jumping and moshing from the first beat. It’s a perfect blend of infectious energy and raw teenage angst, and the crowd became so worked up that the show had to be stopped to check on a fan in the crowd.
But the night wasn’t just about fast guitars and loud drums. It was about the heart behind the music. “Nino,” a deeply personal track, showed the band’s more vulnerable side. It was a reminder that, beneath their punk exterior, The Linda Lindas are also teens dealing with all the highs and lows of growing up. Their authenticity was a major part of what made their performance so captivating.
Perhaps one of the most powerful moments came when they played “Growing Up,” a song from their debut album Growing Up released in 2022. The track captures the bittersweet yet hopeful reality of adolescence, perfectly encapsulated in the chorus: “We’re just growing up, and it’s gonna be alright.” The audience sang along with every word as if they, too, were embracing the collective experience of navigating the challenges of life at any age.
The Linda Lindas’ relationship with their fans is something truly special. The band members aren’t just performers, they’re your punk rock big sisters, inviting everyone in the room to scream, sing, and laugh along with them. Their dynamic onstage is equal parts playful and powerful, with plenty of inside jokes and spontaneous moments. They even took time to shout out their love for Los Angeles and thanked everyone for their support, which allowed them all to do what they love most: play music.
For those who were lucky enough to be there, the night felt like a declaration that punk is in good hands. The Linda Lindas are more than just a “girl band” or a viral sensation, they’re a new generation of musicians breaking down barriers and reclaiming punk’s rebellious roots. Their sound is unmistakably their own: a blend of rapid-fire punk energy, thoughtful songwriting, and youthful defiance. But more than that, they’re unapologetically loud, proud, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Their set ended with a cover of Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl,” in which they were joined by their tour mates in Be Your Own Pet. After posing for a group photo with the crowd behind them, they walked off stage to cheers that echoed through the venue. The crowd knew that this was just the beginning for The Linda Lindas…these teenage punks are bound for even bigger things. It’s not just about the music; it’s about their voice, their message, and the undeniable power of youth. Keep an eye on them, because these girls are going to change the game.
Check out our concert photo gallery from the show of The Linda Lindas below:
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