Alina Bea at The Echo — Photo: Andrew Gomez

Wire’s Drill Fest kicked off this past Thursday with performances by Bob Mould, Alina Bea and Immersion all at the The Echo! The first act of the evening at Drill Fest LA at was L.A.’s very own Alina Bea. As Alina took the stage, she resembles a sci-fi character with her hairstyle and piece of chest armor. Her appearance seemed appropriate since it was followed by synth-based sounds with dreamy vocals. Alina was backed by a four piece group that added some organic sounds that complimented the synths and effect pads. She showcased familiar material from her EP Live Undone and new singles “Take a Bite” and “Push Back.” One of the highlights of Alina’s set was her cover of Bjork’s “Army of Me” which caused some Bjork fans in the crowd to head bang. Alina Bea’s energy was electrifying during her entire set and it was wholeheartedly felt throughout the room.

Following Alina Bea’s upbeat set was experimental duo called Immersion who put the audience in a 45-minute experimental synth pop coma. Immersion’s set might have been a little easier to watch if there wasn’t a lack of some captivating visuals. Their set served well as a social intermission with a stimulating ambient sound.

Bob Mold at The Echo — Photo: Andrew Gomez

Finally it was time for Bob Mould to make his appearance and bless all the dads in the front row with some good ol’ fashioned nostalgic rock. Bob made his way onto the stage solo and got right into it and strummed the hell out of his guitar for the rest of the night. It was definitely a change of pace going from a synth pop act and experimental group, then transitioning to fast paced rock ‘n’ roll. Bob kicked off his set with two Sugar songs “Hoover Dam” and “Your Favorite Things.” Bob also played some new tracks from his latest album Patch the Sky such as “Voices In My Head” and “Black Confetti.” Bob Mould performed an incredible set with high intensity even without a band backing him. The Mould can do it all.

Photography: Andrew Gomez