PHOTOS BY EMMA VALLES

Ultra Q has been performing headlining shows under this moniker for the past 5 years. However, the band used to be known as Mt. Eddy, and they generated an army of fans via their record, ‘Chroma.’ To a sold-out crowd, the group explored their discography in a double-headliner set at The Echo in Los Angeles on Friday, May 24, 2024.

California-based indie rock group Wayword opened the show. The groups share quite a history, as Wayword had opened during Ultra Q’s 2021 El Cid headlining set. Their symbiotic energies make them a match made in heaven; Wayword captivates audiences with their classic indie charm, occasionally incorporating actual punk tactics into their music and live set. This was my second time catching a Wayword set, and it is evident that they are more confident now than they were 3 years ago, giving them leverage when trying to appeal to a headliner’s crowd. They appear to be most satisfied during the latter half of their set, which features a few more upbeat singles and new material. Wayward has the potential to break out of their local bubble with their work ethic, skill, and attention to artistry. Their catalog is fantastic; whether you catch them as an opener or headliner, Wayword likely has at least one song that’ll make it into your regular rotation.

Next, the crowd excitedly buzzed as the headliners prepared to take the stage. Frontman Jakob Armstrong introduced the group by saying, “Hi, We’re Mt. Eddy!” — a treat for those who paid attention to the show flyer. I’ve caught a plethora of Ultra Q headliners, and their sold-out crowd at the Echo was unlike anything I had seen them do before. Of course, the goal was to touch on all their material, including most of ‘Chroma’ hits. However, the energy that emerged from the crowd stood out beyond the diverse setlist. There were diehard fans out there, screaming along to every word of songs that I previously might have claimed as my little secret. It was also noticeable that this crowd did their homework; each band member got equal attention, regardless of where you were standing in the GA floor area.

Ultra Q is at their best when they can perform a headlining show to new and returning crowds of people. They visibly feed off the crowd’s energy, so this sold-out venue must have made them feel they were on top of the world. I sure hope it did; guitarist Enzo Malaspina mentioned during the set that “some people wanted to have these spots (in the crowd) but couldn’t make it because the show was sold out.” He was undoubtedly correct, but I’m not sure he knew that he had just as many fans screaming for him specifically, along with his friends on stage. Everyone up there was somebody’s favorite guy. This kind of audience dynamic creates legacy groups that withstand the test of time and endure decades-long careers.

Though the group self-identifies as “indie-punk,” their punk roots carry over tenfold. Sources say the band got in a hint of trouble because friends and fans alike were also feeling the intensity of the crowd, taking time to crowd surf and stage dive to their favorite songs. The star-studded lineup of stage divers included members of Benches and Armstrong’s girlfriend, Jax. Though a potential safety risk, these antics showcase the crowd’s undying love for a group we are excited to see blossom into their fullest potential. It was a pleasure being shoved by excited fans all evening, happily packed wall-to-wall like a can of sardines.

After a run of opening and headlining tours, it seems as though fans are finally catching the Ultra Q wave. The group puts on a phenomenal live set; there are many reasons I keep returning (a friend described me as being “like a regular at a coffee shop”), but the undeniable skill and humility that shines through this band will keep me in their audiences for as long as they’ll continue to have me. It was truly incredible to see them get a taste of what they deserve at The Echo, and I hope this is what the shows are like from now on.