The Aces Rock a Sold Out 7th Street Entry

The Aces sold out 7^th Street Entry quickly. The all female group from Provo, Utah has earned a steadily growing fanbase across the country—and Minneapolis is no exception. The 18+ show was packed with fans of all ages, but the front rows were undeniably dominated by teens, black X’s marked the back of their hands as they held up their phones, snapping pictures of every ounce of commotion that happened on stage.

Before The Aces walked out, however, opening act Tishmal captivated the audience with surprising ease. The solo project of New York City resident Rachel Brockbank, Tishmal brings a depth to the danceable songs of her genre. Her shimmering, melodic vocals layered perfectly over an electronic undercurrent—think Banks but a with the sweetness of Rachel Platten.

Before we knew it, it was time for The Aces to perform. Singer and guitarist Cristal Ramirez was first to emerge, in an all leather outfit with an anti-violence button pinned proudly to her chest. Cristal was followed by fellow band members (and hometown BFF’s) guitarist Katie Henderson, bass player McKenna Petty, and drummer Alisa Ramirez. They didn’t waste any time. It was time to play.

The band’s indie pop sound was fully present for their performance, but with an added grit that doesn’t exist on their recorded tracks. It culminated in an empowering and danceable performance that brought new complexity to songs from their first album When My Heart Felt Volcanic. The audience knew all the words to more than just “Stuck,” their first hit single. Teen girls happily released their angst by belting along to songs like “Volcanic Love”, and “Waiting For You.”

Signed to Red Bull Records in 2016, The Aces have been on an undeniable rise since then. They’re one of those bands that get you excited for the future. Only time will tell what The Aces will churn out next. I, for one, can’t wait to find out.