I’ve been wanting to see Toronto band Bad Waitress live ever since first falling in love with the riotous power of last year’s single ‘Strawberry Milkshake’, followed by weeks of listening to epic debut album No Taste on repeat. So, it was with much excitement that I was able to catch Kali, Moon, Katelyn and Nicole opening for Brooklyn band Gustaf at Hackney’s Moth Club on Monday.
Kicking off the rather sweaty night, Bad Waitress immediately blast into the seething discordant splendour of ‘Rabbit Hole’ with an immense, gritty energy – no introduction needed. As frenzied, relentless riffs ricochet off the sparkling interior, I become instantly utterly immersed in their scuzzy, angst-driven power. As a ferocious energy propels ‘Lacerate’, Kali’s raw, impassioned vocals ring out with a fierce emotion, reminiscent of the legendary Brody Dalle.
Continuing the set with racing, chaotic vigour, the band treat us to more hell-raisingly raucous – yet fuzzily catchy – offerings, such as wonderfully sinister punk anthem ‘Strawberry Milkshake’ and the eerily seductive allure of ‘Manners’.
As Kali leads the band with an immense, raging drive, the rest of Bad Waitress captivate the crowd; whether it’s the quirky charisma of guitarist Katelyn as they deliver the most impressive of riffs, Moon pummelling the kit with an infectious shimmering energy, or the ethereal charm of bassist Nicole.
Nearing the end of the set, Bad Waitress treat us to one of their earliest singles ‘That Sedative’, before showcasing their versatility with the sweeping, sultry ferocity of ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ and fierce latest single ‘Spit It Out’.
After a year of being desperate to see this Toronto band live, they do not disappoint. I remain utterly spellbound by their seething, empowering cacophonies throughout. A truly epic experience.
(Kills Birds – with their colossal grunge-fuelled fuzz and immersive stage presence – were also incredible!)
Mari Lane
@marimindles
