Concert Review: 13th Floor at Hollywood Avondale on Wednesday, May 24, 2026

Awning, the opening act of the night, displayed ambition and potential as they performed on stage at Hollywood Avondale. With a lineup of six members, the band showcased a variety of musical styles, transitioning from gentle guitar melodies to more intense and robust sections throughout their set. The pauses for tuning between songs and acknowledgments of the venue’s size hinted at Awning adjusting to larger stages and working on delivering their ambitious sound effectively to the audience.

Despite the band’s evident growth and budding talent, the crowd responded with patience rather than restlessness, recognizing Awning’s potential for growth and development. It was clear that the band had moments of brilliance that hinted at their ability to become a commanding and coherent musical force, aligning the scale of their creative ideas with the scale of their performance.

Following Awning, Wednesday took the stage, focusing their performance on tracks from their album Bleeds. Songs like “Reality TV Argument Bleeds,” “Pick Up That Knife,” and “Elderberry Wine” formed the core of their energetic set. They also included select tracks from “Rat Saw God,” such as “Got Shocked” and the emotionally charged “Bull Believer.” Additionally, Wednesday treated the audience to a variety of musical influences, incorporating elements of country, Americana, shoegaze, grunge, and noise into their performance, crafting a unique sound that was distinctly their own.

The band’s lead vocalist, Karly Hartzman, engaged with the audience in a light-hearted and humorous manner, sharing stories and banter between songs. Their set also featured a mix of heavy rock elements, with distorted guitar riffs and intense vocals that added a raw and confrontational edge to their performance. The inclusion of a new song titled “June 2,” inspired by a local anecdote, further deepened the connection between the band and the city, creating a sense of intimacy and shared history within the venue.

Wednesday’s ability to blend country storytelling with dynamic rock dynamics was particularly noteworthy, with each band member contributing to the overall sound. Alan Miller and Ethan Baechtold provided a solid rhythmic foundation on drums and bass, while Xandy Chelmis on steel guitar added a distinctive texture to the music. Jake “Spyder” Pugh’s guitar lines complemented Hartzman’s rhythm guitar, creating a powerful and dynamic sonic landscape that captivated the audience throughout the performance.

As the night progressed, Wednesday’s set transitioned into a high-energy finale, prompting the crowd to engage in moshing and spirited movement in response to the band’s infectious energy. Before their closing song, “Bull Believer,” Hartzman addressed important social issues such as racism, deportation, and trans rights, emphasizing the band’s commitment to addressing relevant and pressing topics through their music.

In conclusion, Wednesday’s performance at Hollywood Avondale showcased their ability to deliver a diverse and captivating live experience that resonated with the audience on multiple levels. From moments of humor and camaraderie to intense and thought-provoking musical expressions, Wednesday demonstrated their prowess as a band that transcends genres and influences, creating a performance that was both emotionally resonant and politically charged.