Not In Your Head: The Linda Lindas Show They’re the Real Deal at Minneapolis Concert.
With the energy of a teenage garage band and the presence of seasoned punk rockers, The Linda Lindas solidified their presence on the punk rock scene and validated their continued rise to stardom.
The Los Angeles-based all-female band is touring in support of their new album No Obligation, recorded over two years in between their tour and school schedule. Seriously. Some members only recently finishing up middle school. Yet they have amassed over 340,000 followers on Instagram and now sold out The Fine Line for an all-ages show.
And for a band of teenagers, they rocked with purpose and authority to an eager and energetic audience. And one that filled the venue almost instantly. The band opened with their new release “No Obligation”, with lyrics that encapsulate the resistance motif found in songs of the genre: don’t let them own you.
From there, the band played coming-of-age tracks like “Growing Up” to covers like Talking Heads’ “Found a Job”. Throughout the setlist, they alternated lead singing, with each member seamlessly contributing for various songs. All while an array of animations projected on the screen behind them that was as entertaining as it was complementary.
And at no point did you feel like you were watching a “new” band. The Linda Lindas rocked with authority, flying across the stage and displaying a vocal range from singing to screeching as each song commanded. After all, it is punk rock. And the audience, ranging from grade schoolers in earphones to teenagers slam dancing to adults bopping in place (some seemingly chaperoning) grooved along to each track.
Highlights from the setlist included an enthusiastic singalong to “Nino”, even as a late song in a high-energy evening. The band closed with songs like their viral “Racist, Sexist Boy” and one of the top indie tracks of 2024, “All in My Head”.
The encore included another cover, a slightly truncated version of Green Day’s “When I Come Around”. Likely as a tribute to an influence and band they opened for on a recent tour. While the music was flawless, the bassist seemed to strain a bit on some lyrics. Perhaps after almost an hour of intense performing…and earlier moshing?
Opening the evening was Maryland-based rockers Pinkshift, who blazed into the night with their blistering anthem “One Nation”: One nation/This kingdom's rotting at its roots/Our generation/We don't believe in you.
Further setting the tone for the evening, the lead singer encouraged the audience to split the floor for slam dancing. And for the better part of the set, a circular mosh pit ensued, full of the frenetic energy of youth. Even the Linda Linda’s bassist hopped in, a considerable feat considering her later responsibilities to the band.
But joy also ran throughout the crowd. Band members shook hands with fans from the stage. Family members ran the merchandise booths. Audience members gave out fan bracelets and complimented each other on their attire before sets.
When thanking the crowd, both bands made time to acknowledge trans and gay rights while encouraging them to look after each other against current political oppression. And both were met with rousing cheers and applause. It rounded out a night of rock and resistance, yet love and acceptance. And gave the feeling that larger venues are in the cards for future shows.
