Concert review: Lambrini Girls w/ Big Girl & Big Special | 10.02.26,

Photo of Phoebe Lunny from Lambrini Girls by Laura Jerele

Lambrini Girls—oh hell yes! Give me more of this, please! Punchy, full of grit, singing about everything from fighting fascists to the Epstein List to being epically, unapologetically, fabulously queer, the band made sure the mosh pit began at song one and with clear direction from lead singer, Phoebe Lunny. She literally parted the crowd in the first song, dividing into the pit in half with that inviting and empty line straight up middle, waiting for everybody to bounce into one another, off of one another, and straight into the void of fun! It’s like you could feel all of the pent-up excitement from this show being previously postponed from its original May date and finally happening, because the crowd was rowdy and ready. Also worth noting: even in its most rowdy moments, there was that expectation that we all must look out for each other and cause no harm.

This show was some epic riot grrrl shit. And I mean that in the absolute best way possible! Seeing so many strong personalities lead the crowd the way they did was a sight to behold! It was feminism at its best because it was standing up for everyone, making sure that every queer person in attendance not only felt safe, but they felt celebrated and included. It was about fighting fascism, speaking up for Palestine and Cuba. It was about togetherness. It was fun and raucous, full of punk rock goodness, and a set list that did not disappoint. I think everybody’s favorite moment of the night was singing along every word to “Cuntology 101”!

Opener Big Girl was in our faces right out of the gate, with an f-ton of girl presence and power. Their set got heavier and heavier, a four piece with attitude and catchy songs. Their efforts to make themselves memorable certainly did work. They had grit and guts, and they hate fascists. Catchy but heavy tunes with great merch. That’s all good in my book!

Hailing from Birmingham and joking that the cat was outta the bag that they were, in fact, not from St. Louis, Big Special felt like a hybrid of all the good bits from Royal Blood and Idles pumped into a staggeringly unassuming duo. Mixing bits that felt eerie (à la Gary Numan-esque) but with a driving bash of drums. I feel like they’re in the wrong decade or right on time, and in the moment, I loved that so much about them. Mesmerizing and simple, worth discovering for sure! | Laura Jerele