By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: The Linda Lindas with support by The Rat Utopia Experiment and Catnap – The Orpheum, Tampa, Florida – October 25, 2026
Rock At Night has been tracking The Linda Lindas since the quartet exploded onto the scene in 2021 with their viral anthem, “Racist, Sexist Boy.” Now, with ages ranging from 16 to 22, sisters Mila (drums/vocals) and Lucia de la Garza (guitar/vocals), cousin Eloise Wong (bass/vocals), and friend Bela Salazar (guitar/vocals) are in full riot grrrl mode—delivering sharp political statements and keeping the roots of punk fiercely alive.
I was chomping at the bit when I heard the band was stopping at The Orpheum in Tampa. Let’s face it: few edgy or authentic punk acts route through here, as the area typically favors legacy classic rock and metal outfits (I usually have to travel to Detroit just to catch my favorite punk or Brit bands). The grassroots energy was palpable before the doors even opened. While standing in line, I chatted with a volunteer registering voters ahead of next week’s midterm elections—a fittingly democratic prelude to a punk rock show.
On Sunday, October 25th, a multigenerational crowd of teens, twenty-somethings, and supportive parents queued up well before the 7 p.m. doors. Once inside, many made a beeline for the merch booth, which sweetly appeared to be manned by parents as well. Unlike my past experiences seeing bands like the Melvins on the outdoor stage, tonight’s chaos was contained indoors, amplifying the intensity.
Orlando-based trio Catnap kicked things off at 7:30 p.m., setting a melodic baseline with their emo-tinged indie rock and sweet, dreamy vocals. Following a quick changeover, Tacoma’s self-described “alternative circus punk” outfit, The Rat Utopia Experiment, hit the stage and instantly shattered the calm. Sporting clown makeup that was mirrored by a few dedicated fans in the crowd, these teens and early twenty-somethings brought a feral, Amyl and The Sniffers-esque vibe. Animated lead singer Phia Lane pranced and snarled, commanding a stage that was in constant, frenetic motion. Their infectious punk energy and sludgy guitars ignited a massive circle pit in the center of the floor. A standout moment was when Lane parted the sea of slamming bodies to call for a women-only mosh pit. Having just experienced a similar safe zone during the Sex Pistols gig in Detroit earlier this month, it was brilliant to see young women given the space to safely let off some steam. If you haven’t heard them yet, dial up “Blast!” and “Lobotomize Me.”
By the time The Linda Lindas lit up the stage at 9:15 p.m., the crowd was fully primed. They delivered a blast of bold, raw energy that immediately sent the pit into a renewed frenzy. Wong stalked the stage with high-kicking, fiery intensity, while the members seamlessly traded lead vocals. What truly stood out to me was the sheer tightness of their performance; beneath the raw aggression lies a highly polished band executing catchy, harmony-laden riffs with precision. While their lyrics often carry a lighthearted, philosophical pop-punk charm, the heavier, grungy track “Blood On My Hands” struck a particular chord. Its lyrics cut straight to the bone: “And I don’t care about your wealth / I don’t care about your tax breaks / Nothing big or beautiful about a fascist state.” Well said.
Leaving The Orpheum, the widespread buzz surrounding The Linda Lindas makes perfect sense. This isn’t some manufactured novelty act; they are a formidable group of musicians writing genuinely great songs. They bring all the necessary punk aggression to the stage, balanced with a touch of youthful earnestness. Without a doubt, this ranks as one of my favorite shows of the year—and if they roll through your town, you need to be there.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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