Dark-pop RIVALS brings dangerously good music to Houston

LIVE SHOWS

By: Mars Puckett
Photography by: Violeta Alvarez

HOUSTON, Texas - Los Angeles Dark-Pop act RIVALS pulled an impressive crowd of music allies during their latest tour stop at Secret Group in Houston. Fans got to rock out to the band's newest certified-banger "Dangerous". The new track highlights the quartet's energy and undeniable confidence. The new single was met with exuberance and the crowd didn't hold back, they sang along. It was hard not to get caught up in the immediate momentum the band produced.

The Los Angeles quartet — vocalist Kalie Wolfe, bassist Sebastian Clarke, guitarist Micket Woodle, and drummer Josh Alves, took an enthusiastic audience on a dark, fantastic ride. 

​Opening with "Fake Rich", Wolfe commanded the stage from the start with her powerful and dynamic voice. Next up was "Alkaline", being introduced as  Wolfe's favorite song. The title track "Sad Looks Pretty on Me" followed. 

The band was a well-oiled machine, the set was tight, and there was no shortage of great interaction with the crowd and one another. 

At one point, Wolfe brought a young fan to the stage and spoke of him as their biggest supporter. He was beaming as the crowd applauded and saluted him. Talk about a core memory.

RIVALS Set List 9.17.22 Houston, TX - Secret Group | Photo by Mars Puckett

The band's song "Change Things " was described by Wolfe as a track to help break some generational sh*t in life. Soon after, the group beat drumsticks as a powerful introduction to an unexpected drum solo by Clarke, Woodle, and Alves. Wolfe exited stage left asking, "Are you awake yet?." The audience response was clear, "YES!"

The RIVALS songstress then took an impromptu walk through the crowd as she beckoned them to come closer. She boldly declared her love for them and proceed to serenade her fans. 

RIVALS closed the show with "Dark Matter" and it was so engaging and entertaining. Time flew during this concert. It's safe to say RIVALS is a "dangerously" good band. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do it! 

Remaining tour dates: ​

• 9/21 - San Diego, CA - Voodoo Room @ HOB
• 9/22 - Anaheim, CA - Chain Reaction

You can find them at 
WWW.WeAreRVLS.com

Follow them on social media:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

---

“I’ve been feeling new energy lately, something that I’ve finally accepted and am letting into my heart, soul, and my music. As I grow internally and my heart expands, I have realized something. I am amazing. I have fought, clawed, and become the person I wished I was when I was younger. I’m not letting people walk on me, I’m not backing down, and I want my energy to grow with me on this amazing journey through life. I hope others out there can use this song as a way to direct that same energy into themselves and believe that they can do anything and everything.Become Dangerous <3”
​- Kalie Wolfe ​

RIVALS at Secret Group 9.17.22 - Houston, TX | Photo by Mars Puckett

Kalie Wolfe at Secret Group 9.17.22 - Houston, TX | Photo by Violeta Alvarez

SLIDESHOW: RIVALS at Secret Group 9.17.22 - Houston, Texas

---