News

Live Review: Darling Stilettos — Dragonfly, Hollywood

Rock n' roll doesn't have to be a boys' club.

The Darling Stilettos are smoking hot proof of that. In fact, these four vivacious vixens could be some sort of female superhero collective—ready to save rock n' roll from becoming forever de-sexified by bad haircuts and tight guy jeans. Remember that line in Pulp Fiction about Mia Wallace's pilot, Fox Force Five? Well, The Darling Stilettos could very well be the real Fox Force Five, and they're here to make things right. Each girl has her own style and aura that's both sexy and sophisticated. Ace Harper nails each and every high note with a bang, as Gina, Allie and Lindsey carry hooks and execute burlesque choreography with panache and passion. On stage at The Dragonfly last night, DS played a raucous set to a packed house. It was a half-hour of pure rock ecstasy, as legendary drummer Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver/Guns N' Roses/Camp Freddy) pounded the skins while the girls rocked.

In some ways, The Darling Stilettos are the antithesis of Steel Panther. Whereas Panther espouse '80s groupie gospel through encouraging toplessness and stage-grinding, The Darling Stilettos possess some serious "grrrl power." All clad in leather pants and tight tops, the girls have a futuristic look that pays homage to the classic aesthetic while adding a modern edge. Think The Pussycat Dolls with attitude, and you'll get the right idea. More importantly, the girls can sing, dance and charm even the most jaded rocker into submission.

After welcoming everyone to "The church of rock n' roll," Matt introduced the girls. All eyes immediately shifted to them, and they wasted no time with the rock. Matt quickly assumed his spot behind the kit, and bashed out the rhythm to Led Zeppelin's "Rock N' Roll" with a fire and fury that'd make John Bonham proud. Over the course of the night, The Stilettos busted out a set of classics and originals. Everything was fueled by Matt's impenetrable rhythms, and it was the perfect rock n' roll concoction. "Rock N' A-Go-Go" was bombastic and arena-ready, while "Devil's Little Rebel" allowed the girls to get sultry on the slow and entrancing verse. David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel" has never been this sexy, as the girls' lithe dancing brought it to life, and "It's Only Rock N' Roll" felt prepped for a stadium sound system. Each girl got her time in the spotlight too, showing that the team all has the goods.

Mixing the best elements of punk and rock, The Stilettos put on a sexy show with the right dose of classic swagger and hot n' hypnotic presence. Maybe Tarantino should make a movie about them...They'd kill Bill with a wink…

—Rick Florino
05.27.09