Live Review: Courtney Love The Mercy Kills

Big, brash, and bold were The Mercy Kills as their guitars screeched to contrast their dark vocals. Pounding drums encapsulated the raw mood of the band as they maintained a certain nonchalance. Waiting On You featured skittish drums and bass while choral vocals provided a mighty roar. The band’s energy screeched like a rogue ’68 Camaro right until the very end as they drew out their exit with wailing riffs and crashing percussion.

The peachy faded sunrise of the 1990s was welcomed as hordes of fans gathered to witness the antidote to America’s sweetheart. The platinum icon and bad girl Courtney Love turned up with a killer attitude and some serious talent. With a growl in her voice she told the crowd that they were “little shits” as she launched into Wedding Day. Complex guitar work and debauched bass accompanied Love’s piercing vocals. The commentary between songs would soon become a highlight as Love sipped kale juice while strumming her guitar and wearing a tiara.

Violet crashed into the venue complete with dismissive lyrics spat from Love’s mouth onto her rose pink negligee and ripped stockings. The throng screamed back the lyrics to the grunge princess as she relaxed into their longing gaze while remaining gritty and true to her aesthetic. As she smoked a cigarette, she encouraged all the women in the crowd to throw up their brassieres, causing an avalanche of B-cups. Even a sports bra made it up there.

Malibu would be a welcomed return to her Hole days and her sweet side would soon come out to play. With hushed vocals that burst into snarls, combined with her three male guitarists creating a symphony, the hit song was nostalgic and empowering.

Love will always be true to form. As she casually mentioned that she has previously bedded three Australians, in the same breath she careened into Celebrity Skin. The raucous guitar riffs slammed into the night sky as Love turned up the apathy to a healthy ten. Her brazen and ballsy attitude was the key to entertaining the throng, but her sheer talent and love for playing provided the rich backbone to this set.