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CONCERT REVIEW - CAROLINE CARR WITH OLIVE VOX AND TURNING JANE @ CHAIN REACTION, ANAHEIM, CA (06.29.24)

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Caroline Carr’s headlining show at Chain Reaction, with support from Turning Jane and Olive Vox, is a night I won’t forget. From accidentally getting myself trapped on stage, to the artists giving it their all with each song, and the wholesome reactions of fans getting to talk to the artists they came out for, there was never a dull moment. Everyone there was really nice, and you could tell that many fans were long-time supporters. Even newcomers were clearly enjoying themselves.

Turning Jane kicked off the night with a bang. Their iconic fashion sense and catchy, powerful rock music are sure to hook you. They give off the vibe of if the Hex Girls started an all-girl rock band in Los Angeles—what’s not to love? Their setlist included "Crucified," "Honey," "Haunted," "Darling," "Supermassive Black Hole," "Daydream," "Trouble," and "All Because of You." The lighting at Chain Reaction matched the band’s fashion color palette, adding to the cool and confident vibe they exuded on stage. "All Because of You" is their most recent release—a track perfect for jamming out when dealing with someone you just can’t tolerate anymore. The drum parts in their songs are particularly noticeable, adding depth to both the music and their performance. Hats off to the drummer for not only performing with Turning Jane but also with Olive Vox immediately afterward—she kept the energy high all night.

Earlier, I mentioned accidentally getting myself trapped on stage during Olive Vox’s set. I got on stage as a photographer, but the experience of being right there with the band, as opposed to just in the crowd, truly enhanced the show. I ended up going through a door to the stage that locked behind me. In hindsight, I should have used the other door, but sometimes accidents and unexpected events make for the best memories and stories. Once I realized I was stuck, it didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable again. Olive Vox is definitely a band worth being trapped with on stage. Being up there gave me a perspective I wouldn’t have had otherwise. For example, the drummer’s energy is impressive, though somewhat hidden from the crowd. Since they're hidden behind the band in the back. You could tell from the band members' faces and their movements that they were just as excited as their fans. There was even an Olive Vox doll on stage that looked a bit like a voodoo doll. One fan was particularly excited about it, and their reaction when the doll was placed on one of the band member’s guitars was priceless.

Olive Vox’s setlist featured songs like "All My Friends Are Dead," "Bury Me Low," "Middle Name," "Bistro," "Wash Me Away," and "Finger." Their lyrics are well-crafted and paint vivid pictures. One of their songs is a cover of "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked," so if you’re a fan of Cage the Elephant, you might enjoy Olive Vox as well. The lead singer has a lot of energy and makes the best expressions. Towards the end of their set, one of the guitarists jumped into the audience while the band members remaining on stage continued to deliver an amazing performance. No matter where you looked, there was something to see. Olive Vox is a tough act to follow, but Caroline Carr was up to the challenge.

Before Caroline’s set, I had the pleasure of interviewing her, which made me even more excited for her performance. I also spoke with her guitarist, Cat. They were both wearing matching white dresses and slayed with their makeup looks. They are both incredibly down-to-earth and sweet, and it was clear from our brief meeting. I truly admire Caroline for her strength and the love she shows her fans. She frequently leaned into the crowd to interact with them, making their night even more special.

Joining Caroline on stage were two members of Olive Vox. The entire lineup was supportive of each other. Caroline’s setlist included "Female Commodity," "Black Velvet," "The Devil’s Mind," "Fool Me Twice," "Second Chance," "Innocent Consent," "Cherry Bomb," and "Confessions of a Serial Dater." During her cover of "Cherry Bomb," the entire audience was dancing, and one audience member even sang into the mic. Cat was spinning around on stage while also shredding on guitar. Cat is one of the most badass guitarists to watch live; her interaction with the band members makes the performance even more engaging. Whether I was on stage, in the front, or at the back of the crowd, I could feel the energy and excitement of the fans. Caroline’s music is fun, relatable, and the kind that helps people feel less alone in their struggles. "Innocent Consent" is a powerful reminder that "boys being boys" is a phrase we need to discard, as making excuses now can lead to more serious problems later. "Female Commodity" features strong lyrics and a beat that will stick with you. Caroline delivers nothing but bangers, making her the perfect artist for dancing the whole set while also experiencing songs with depth.

This was a show where people of all ages had a night they’ll remember. It was a show you didn’t want to end. Having friends with me enhanced the experience, but even if you came alone, you’d still make friends and have a great time. There were even other musicians in the crowd, and everyone was respectful of each other. Caroline came out after her set, despite being exhausted, to give hugs to her fans. It’s rare to see headliners making such efforts to interact with their audience, so seeing Caroline go the extra mile was refreshing. It was a different experience from any other show I’ve attended, but I’d happily go through it again, even the part where I was trapped on stage. I’m excited for my next opportunity to see Caroline again—hopefully soon.

 

Toren Brown

Photojournalist - Los Angeles

Website: www.instagram.com/xneyon Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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