HOT FLASH HEAT WAVE TEARS INTO THE ZEBULON IN LOS ANGELES
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ALLYSSA CORNIER
It was a cold and crispy night in LA, making it the perfect time to go to the Zebulon to stay warm in a crowd of people there to see Hot Flash Heat Wave and Rinse & Repeat tear up the stage. Upon arrival, there were people in the bar and outdoor areas, but the big room was packed with even more people conversing with each other or watching the bands onstage.
Rinse & Repeat was a fun band to see open for Hot Flash. Their music sounded relatively similar to The Garden at times and the band had the stage presence needed to match the sound and energy.
As a fan of Hot Flash Heat Wave's since 2017, it was nice to see and photograph them again after years. They've grown immensely since I started attending their shows so it was very sweet seeing how much they packed the venue, and it was even better getting to hear the new music they've released as they evolved from their indie rock sound.
The crowd didn't have much energy so it wasn't as lively as it could have been, but there were a few times when a small pit would form toward the front of the stage when people wanted to dance and mosh to an old song.
It was a good show overall, but I have to admit the lighting could've been a lot better as well. As a photographer, it can be difficult and boring to have one or two colors that don't move for the entirety of a band's set. The disco ball wasn't used as much as it could've been either, so lighting was a bit of a dud for two bands that would benefit from a more lively, colorful, and energetic production.
At the end of the day, the two bands put on a good show given the crowd and lighting. Hot Flash Heat Wave and Rinse & Repeat are two bands that should be seen live the next time they're in town!
