THE BREEDERS PROVE ’90S ALT-ROCK STILL KICKS ASS AT SOLD-OUT HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
Not all of us were born to be cool, but thankfully, Kim and Kelley Deal were. Nineties alt-rock icons the Breeders stopped by the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles a week before Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival to remind everyone that they are still immensely cool. Former Pixies bassist Kim Deal led the foursome through nearly two hours of music that offered new tracks and plenty of nostalgic throwbacks.
Before the Breeders took the stage, the eclectic quintet Twisted Teens brought forth a unique blend of funky garage punk and country blues. Hailing from New Orleans, lead singer Caspian Hollywell performed with a scarf wrapped around his head while shimmying around in jean cut-offs; alongside him were guitarists in suits and ties, a barefoot bassist, and a drummer with pink bows in his hair. The band’s unusual look strangely matched their music, making for an entertaining and unforgettable opener. Their standout track “Florida Water Blues” was a catchy, soulful number full of the kind of humor found on a Tim Heidecker record. If you’re seeking a band that’s different and a bit uncategorizable in a good way, Twisted Teens are your best bet.
After Twisted Teens, the Breeders opened their set with the early deep cut “Doe” under moody stage lights, immediately setting the tone for the night. The crowd – a pleasantly surprising mix of both men and women of all ages – responded immediately with enthusiasm and joy. The Breeders, who last played in Los Angeles back in 2024, opening for Olivia Rodrigo (no doubt the one responsible for the young kids in the audience!), crafted the ideal setlist. The band’s second and most famous record, Last Splash, was given the most attention of the night – 8 tracks spread out across more than twenty songs.
Early hit “Hellbound” from the first Breeders record fit perfectly alongside newer tracks like “MetaGoth” and “Alien Eyes.” “Do You Love Me Now?” and “Hag” – despite being more than thirty years old – still sound as great as ever with Kim Deal’s breathy and evocative vocals alongside Josephine Wiggs’ unforgettable basslines. The band took a chance on brand-new track “Bite,” an unreleased song that fits right into the act’s oeuvre with ease, and the audience had no complaints.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the show’s closer: “Cannonball.” An instantly recognizable radio hit, even for someone who might never have heard of the Breeders, “Cannonball” brought back all the grungy nostalgia of the mid-90s. If there was any doubt whatsoever, the performance proved that – at least for the Breeders – coolness is eternal. These ladies were badass making music thirty years ago, and they remain so. I look forward to whatever new releases they have on the horizon.
TWISTED TEENS
THE BREEDERS
