MILITARIE GUN with Gouge Away, Heart to Gold, and Human Garbage
El Rey Theatre
Los Angeles, CA
7.25.24
LIVE REVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY WOLF REQUIESTAS
On July 25, 2024, the El Rey was electric as Militarie Gun headlined a highly anticipated return to Los Angeles, making it the band’s first show in the city in a year. The venue was filled with excitement from start to finish, thanks to a stellar line up of punk and hardcore acts that set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Human Garbage, the six-piece hardcore punk band from the San Fernando Valley, opened the evening with an intense performance. Their heavy screams, blistering riffs, and pounding bass lines immediately ignited the crowd, sparking mosh pits, two-stepping, and floor-punching that set a high energy tone for the night.
Following them, Minneapolis trio Heart to Gold brought a different flavor with their indie punk rock sound. Their skilled guitar work, vibrant stage presence, and engaging vocals from Grant Whiteoak, paired with bassist Jim Kiser’s dynamic moves, kept the audience energized. Their lively set was a perfect transition, maintaining the momentum and excitement.
Next up were Gouge Away from Fort Lauderdale, who reunited in 2022. Their hardcore punk set—seasoned with post-punk, shoegaze, and indie rock, and fronted by Christina Michelle’s powerful, ripping screams, ethereal vocals, and strong stage presence—ramped up the intensity of the crowd.
When Militarie Gun took the stage, the El Rey reached a fever pitch. Formed by Ian Shelton in 2020, the band’s performance was a powerful display of post-hardcore excellence. Moments into their opening track, “Seizure of Assets,” the crowd surged forward, with fans stage diving and crowd surfing in a thrilling frenzy.
Between songs, Shelton expressed his excitement about returning to Los Angeles and performing at the historic El Rey, where his brother currently works. The band debuted a new track, “Gun Under the Gun (MFG).” The experience was chaos, as more concert goers jumped on and off the stage. Amidst all the pandemonium, a friend of the band was called on to the stage to handle guitar duties, which added more energy to the night.
Although there was no formal encore, the band ended with “Do It Faster,” playing it three times in a row, which left the crowd exhilarated and craving more. Militarie Gun’s return to LA was nothing short of spectacular. A whirlwind night of punk and hardcore brilliance, each act delivered memorable performances that culminated in an electrifying headlining set. Militarie Gun is a must-see act!
