Fans came from as far as San Antonio and “El Valle” (the Rio Grande Valley) to witness Girl in a Coma headline a sold out all-female lineup at Red 7.
By the time the band was on stage, my friends and I were able to secure one of the booths along the back wall of the club and I had a great view of the entire club when I stood on the bench. It was quite an experience to see the crowd, made up of mostly young Hispanics outfitted in black, waving their arms, dancing, and singing along to many of the songs.
Lead singer Nina Diaz, peering through her long curtain of bangs, told the crowd that she remembers being drunk the last time they played this stage after the release of their first album, Both Before I’m Gone.
The San Antonio trio, comprised of lead singer Nina, her sister Phanie on drums, and Phanie’s best friend Jenn Alva on bass, has come a long way. The band that started by playing a high school talent show and a kid’s birthday party are signed to Joan Jett’s label, Blackheart Records, and have toured with 80’s music icons Morrissey and Cyndi Lauper, as well as punk band Social Distortion and indie rockers Tegan and Sara.
I did not get the chance to interview the band, but I have heard reports that Nina is a bit shy in person; hard to believe since she really knows how to work the crowd. Her face is full of expression as she sings and she even shows off her Gwen Stefani imitation, which is actually pretty good.
The whole band is full of energy, jumping around the stage to some of the punkier songs. Although I am dead tired, I am under their spell and I can’t seem to stop bobbing my head to the music.
As a Valentine’s gift to the audience, GIAC played “El Monte”, the chorus of which is “I do, I do, I do want to marry you.”
“No, I love you!”, Nina screamed back to one of the many fans who professed their love to her that night.
For me, the highlight of the show was their cover of Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight”, from their latest album Adventures in Coverland. If you haven’t seen the video for the song, directed by bassist Jenn, check it out here.
Opening for “The Red Party” were Paradise Titty, an all-girl Guns n’ Roses tribute band, and Agent Ribbons. A portion of the proceeds from the event were to be donated to Girls Rock Camp Austin.
