The Aces @ The Troubadour 2/13/19
Pop rock, queerness, and youthful invincibility are a winning combination.
The Aces, a quartet from Utah, make music in the vein of Muna or Great Good Fine Ok: catchy and impeccably composed rock music. Their debut, When My Heart Felt Volcanic, emerged as one of my favorite records last year, and naturally I wanted to see how they translated to the stage. I was not disappointed.
Guitars blazing and rainbow flags waving, they filled the Troubadour with a communal celebration of young love, friendships, and heartbreak. Even the more somber material such as “Last One” or “Fake Nice” gave off positive vibes – misery loves company, and the Aces make commiseration feel like a community.
Truly, they shine the brightest on their upbeat bops such as “Lovin’ Is Bible”, “Stuck”, and “Physical”. While lead singer Crystal at times struggled with certain higher notes, the overall performance showcased a band with plenty of heart and potential to create music for years to come.
