The Aces: Bringing Girl Power Into The Indie-Pop Music Scene (Tour Review)
Editors Note: "The Aces: Bringing Girl Power Into The Indie-Pop Music Scene" was originally written for UIC Radio's old website on March 15, 2019
By Tara Bolar
On March 11, the all-girl indie-pop band, The Aces, made their way to Chicago’s Lincoln Hall on their Waiting For You Tour. The Aces, consisting of four talented artists — lead vocalist and guitarist Cristal Ramirez, guitarist Katie Hendersen, bassist Mckenna Petty, and drummer Alisa Ramirez — proved themselves to be absolute rockstars.
Going into the night, I did not know too much about The Aces or what to expect from their show, but by the end of it, I was a certified stan.
As The Aces appeared onstage, the night kicked off with Put It on the Line. “I thought that you were family / you’re not speakin’ to me / I put it on the line for you,” the girls effortlessly sang as their fans chanted the words back to them.
The four Utah hailing girls were all dressed in 70’s inspired fashion that suited well with their summery vibe.
Katie and McKenna commanded the front corners of the stage while Alisa covered the back. Cristal held a charming stage presence, while all four of the girls kept up a solid interaction with the crowd.
The Aces played a total of 16 songs, all which were upbeat anthems with one slower track, Hurricane. “Wish I loved you like it’s yesterday, yesterday / Before our love became a hurricane, hurricane / I hoped you would wish that I was happy too.”
When transitioning into their performance of Volcanic Love, the girls agreed that this was the one song that truly sums up who The Aces are and what they are about.
The song goes: “Out of the darkness I sparked a match that set the fire / Hear the wind talking / It’s stirring up my bad desires,” “You’re burning me up / I know you need it now / Lo-o-o-ove, volcanic lo-o-ove.”
I would agree that this track really does represent The Aces. It highlights their shimmering indie-pop sound while also serving their lyrical edge.
Volcanic Love also does its job at summarizing their entire debut album’s (When My Heart Felt Volcanic) glitzy summer aesthetic that was being promoted on this tour.
After spending a night with The Aces, the best way to describe their sound and attitude is: feel-good. Feel-good music made by four feel-good musicians with immense girl power.
It was beyond refreshing to see and hear a strong and authentic all-girl band who demonstrates purpose, control, and confidence within their music.
Their breezy charm and down-to-earth coolness makes them the perfect band to blast on the stereo and sing along with.
I strongly recommend everyone gives The Aces a listen and go catch them on tour if you can.
The Aces's Full setlist:
1. Put It on the Line
2. Stay
3. Bad Love
4. Touch
5. Lovin’ Is Bible
6. Holiday
7. Strong Enough
8. Baby Who
9. Just Like That
10. Last One
11. Volcanic Love
12. Physical
13. Fake Nice
14. Waiting for You
15. Hurricane
16. Stuck
