LA-based duo Holychild turned live six-piece sold out the Troubadour last night and with little effort incited a predictable dance party. At the helm of Holychild is Liz Nistico and Louie Diller – and there is no better way to categorize their sound than with the genre they’ve already pioneered (at least in name): brat pop. Their first studio album, “The Shape Of Brat Pop To Come” is a collection of sugary synths, snotty bubble-gum pop, and their live show was a perfect example of their unruly spirit with indie-pop hooks and tongue-in-cheek feminist lyrics. They opened their set with “Diamonds On The Rebound” from their debut. The four other members on stage, two multi-instrumentalists and two back up singers/dancers made the performance busy and contagious – even if ‘brat pop’ isn’t your thing. Liz Nistico’s candied vocals and knack for commanding attention in short shorts and fish nets added to the quirky glamour of Holychild and their undeniable bounce. She hopped out into the audience during “Money All Around” and pranced around in retro platform heels. Their fans were devoted, many singing along to every word as the back up singers shook shining pom poms. The band closed the main set with “Best Friends” but the excitable crowd brought Holychild back for an encore of “Happy With Me” making it quite clear that their catchy rebellion is in fact the shape of brat pop to come.

Shot by me for Restless Cities.