Photos: Go Betty Go and The Dollyrots at the Roxy, Los Angeles 1/25/15

photos by Chad Elder | words by Cassie Purtlebaugh | Wednesday, January 28th, 2015

Reboot — that’s a fitting title for Go Betty Go’s crowdfunded six-song EP, the band’s first release in a decade. The band played at the Roxy on January 25th in support of the album alongside The Dollyrots and A Pretty Mess. If the names of these bands don’t ring a bell, you’re probably not too familiar with the happenings of LA-based pop-punk back in the mid-2000s. In this case, consider 2015 to be your second chance to acquaint yourself to a trio of worthwhile bands.

Go Betty Go is a all-girl four-piece (including sisters Nicolette and Aixa Vilar) that gained traction around 2004, having signed with SideOneDummy Records and performing on two Warped Tours. However, original singer Nicolette departed in 2006, followed a year later by bassist Michelle Rangel. Though replacements were brought on, their traction was clearly stifled by these lineup changes — that is, until 2012 when the band restored the original lineup. While watching them play live, I felt transported back in time, as the band plays as well now as they did at the height of their popularity.

The Dollyrots originated in 2000, and were at one time signed to Blackheart Records, the label belonging to the mother of punk, Joan Jett. They’ve seen plenty of touring and five album releases, though they have recently embraced the DIY method and have self-released the past two albums on their own crowdfunded label, Arrested Youth Records. The playful banter between Kelly and Luis is endearing, and the occasional addition of Luis’s vocals adds a nice contrast to Kelly’s. The Dollyrots’ music is head-bobbing fun, and made me feel happy and young again. If you haven’t checked out these bands and are a pop-punk enthusiast, you are missing out — see them while you can and get an audible history lesson of the not-too-distant past.

Chad Elder is a Los Angeles-based photographer who focuses on live music and band portraits, and Cassie Purtlebaugh is a writer and musician in Los Angeles.

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