by Petyr Campos
Calva Louise and SickSense performed at The Brick & Mortar Music Hall on September 3rd. Calva Louise is a rock band formed in London, England, in 2016. They are comprised of lead singer Jess Allanic, drummer Ben Parker, and bassist Alizon Taho. The band formed shortly after the three members relocated independently to the United Kingdom from their respective countries: Allanic from Venezuela, Taho from France, and Parker from New Zealand.
Calva Louise’s music reflects each band member’s diverse cultural background. Their sound is a melting pot of influences, including Latin American folk, metal, hip-hop, and alternative rock traditions, creating a fusion of metal, punk, electronica, alt-rock, and art rock.
This is their first US tour as the headliner. The band has built a remarkable reputation for immersive, electrifying live shows that also showcase their DIY sensibilities through self-made, custom instruments, including a keyboard on rollers and homemade stage setups featuring animated backdrops and neon signs.
One of my favorite songs of the night was W.T.F., which sprinkled playful operatic keyboards and vocals between grinding riffs, vocal growls, and crashing cymbals. Jess also sang several songs in her native Spanish language, including my favorite, Con Corazón, which opens with a Spanish Flamingo-like guitar riff, then drives into a harder pounding metal chorus. Calva Louise put on a great show and did not disappoint. Their live show is not just a performance, it’s an experience, and one well worth being part of.
Setlist
Tunnel Vision
W.T.F
Third Class Citizen
Over the Threshold
El Umbral (notably a live debut)
Feast is Over
Con Corazón
Hate in Me
Under the Skin
Impeccable
Aimless
Oportunista
SickSense is an American nu-metal band hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. The band is comprised of frontman vocalis Robby J. Fonts (Rob The Ripper) and Vicky “Killer V” Psarakis, guitarist Phillip “Agent Phil” Lykostratis, bass guitarist Richard “The Gothfather” Regier, and drummer Joseph “Smokin’ J” Polizzi.
SickSense’s musical style is a blend of genre-bending sounds, including nu-metal, metalcore, and hip-hop influences. SickSense’s debut album, “Cross Me Twice” was released on March 28, 2025.
SickSense kicked off the evening with pure adrenaline that lasted the whole set. They’re a super tight band with a great sound and live energy to match. Killer V and Rob The Ripper’s vocal chemistry commanded the stage with powerful interplay between Vicky’s cleans/screams and Robby’s rap/growls. They traversed from guttural fury to heartfelt drama. I really like how to incorporate rap with metal. Certain elements of their music remind me of Korn, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. I look forward to seeing them again next time they come to town.
