Once again, Fullerton’s Burger Records has given us a great reason to hang out in an anonymous business park in Santa Ana. On Saturday September 5, the Observatory in Orange County will host the second edition of the Burger A-Go-Go music fest with a fierce lineup of female-driven rock acts that doesn't disappoint after last year’s insane bill, which included Best Coast and Dum Dum Girls. The garage and punk-leaning label features a few bands from their roster alongside high-energy local groups and straight-up rock legends. Buy a ticket for $40 here and check out these anticipated performances.
The Julie Ruin
The 2013 documentary The Punk Singer not only chronicled Kathleen Hanna’s iconic status within the riot grrrl scene, but it also addressed her struggles with Lyme disease that have kept her out of the public eye in recent years. The underlying empowerment that propels her on stage has found an intergenerational fandom, so expect people to flock to the Hanna-fronted set from The Julie Ruin, which also features Kathi Wilcox from Bikini Kill.
Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) has a history of unpredictable performances. Haunting at times, she can turn a phrase like none other on her latest offering, 2012’s album Sun. It’s an all-or-nothing proposition when she takes the stage, and that sort of respect for the music is something to be admired.
Peach Kelli Pop
Peach Kelli Pop’s third self-titled LP was released on Burger Records earlier this year, and it’s a super catchy power pop recording. Fronted by Allie Hanlon, the band's first three songs alone—“Princess Castle 1987”, “Shampoo” and “Heart Eyes”—have killer hooks to get the crowd moving. As the titles suggest, the songs tap into a punk-tinged nostalgia for the simplicity of childhood. She’s been steadily touring for awhile now, so expect a high energy set on Saturday when she’s backed by a full band.
Bleached
Hailing from the Valley, sisters Jessie and Jennifer Clavin released a string of excellent singles under the Bleached moniker before dropping full-length debut, Ride Your Heart, in 2013. Elements of their noise music origins are on the album, but the backbone is solid garage rock with pop sensibilities. Their raucous live show is not to be missed.