There’s definitely something to be said about doing things your own way and controlling your own destiny. Las Vegas rockers Adelita’s Way have done just that by going the full independent route and taking the rock world by storm on their own terms without the pressures or encumbrances that go along with being beholden to a record company. The band is very much ‘Notorious’ in their own right: “I am exactly what they say I am/I stand for everything that they can’t stand”.
Adelita’s Way is a band that I have seen perform so many times that I can’t even count, and they always bring their A game. Whether they are in a tiny club playing for a few dozen people or on a huge festival stage in front of tens of thousands, Rick De Jesus and company never disappoint. The band is currently out on tour supporting their newest EP ‘Rivals’ and recently made a stop in Charlotte at one of my favorite places to see a show, Amos’ Southend.
Opening the show was a surprise addition to the bill with North Carolina hard rockers To Begin Anew kicking off the evening. They’ve only been around since 2020 but are already having a huge impact on the music scene and even got the chance to perform at last year’s Blue Ridge Rock Festival. As soon as they hit the stage, it was easy to see why. The band has a hard-hitting sound and is full of energy with memorable riffs and hooks with songs like ‘Awake’ and ‘Break New Ground’ showing off their musical chops. Lead vocalist and guitarist Cody Boyette is a natural frontman as he posed and played to the fans at the barricade and drummer Casey Wagner is a beast behind the kit. This is definitely a band to show up early for and check out what they have to offer.
Next up was Charlotte’s own Scars Remain. In just a few short years, they have amassed a large following and even have their own fan group known as Scars Nation. Chances are if you have gone to a few rock shows in Charlotte, you have seen Scars Remain. Their set was fierce with songs like ‘Disease’ and ‘Wish I Was’ getting the fans into a frenzy. Along with top-notch musicianship, Scars Remain is one of the best and blending the line between hard and melodic. They can heavy as hell one minute and then blow you away with a solid hook the next. Go ahead and check them out and you may find yourself the next member of Scars Nation.
I was really looking forward to the next band because in all the shows I have attended, I have never gotten the opportunity to see Gemini Syndrome. There was always something that got in the way but tonight that would change in a big way. Before taking the stage, the band participated in a little ritual with incense and what I believe was sage. Drummer Brian Steele Medina’s kit was front and center and the band looked a bit eerie and magical as they took the stage. Lead vocalist Aaron Nordstrom was dressed in a black suit and looked every bit a gentleman as his voice powered across the venue as he led the band through a set full of wonder and musical majesty.
Guitarist Miguel “Meegs” Rascon was in a world of his own as he shredded for the fans up front and let his fingers do the talking while bassist Alessandro Paveri was a cryptic force, clad in a black hood and face paint as he kept the bass lines punishing. The real star of the evening was drummer Medina who simply was the most engaging musician I have seen in a long time. Not only did he provide the rock solid backbone for the songs, he did everything from standing up on his kit to throwing his sticks in the air, posing and pointing at fans the whole night. Of course, the crowd erupted for ‘Remember We Die’ and I can honestly say that Gemini Syndrome was well worth the wait.
After a short break, it was about to go down because the one and only Adelita’s Way was up next to close out one hell of a night of rock and roll. With the stage lights flashing from dim to very bright amidst an array of colored spots, we were soon getting ‘Sick’ together as the band opened with this hit from their 2011 ‘Home School Valedictorian’ album. Lead vocalist Rick DeJesus has one of the most commanding stage presences that I have ever seen. He can show his emotions through just one look and have you pumped up wanting more, not to mention that he crushes those vocals night after night.
Guitarist Tavis Stanley kept those riffs coming while bassist Andrew Cushing kept things flowing. If you like drummers who are really into the moment and let it fly, then you just have to see Tre Stafford live. I don’t think I have ever seen so many sticks flying up into the air as I did tonight. After an engaging set that had us experiencing all the highs and lows that the energy of live music provides, Adelitas Way took us for one final round and it was all highs on this one. Closing out the set with their breakthrough single ‘Invincible,’ the band had everyone shouting and jumping up and down and feeling a little, well, invincible, at least for a brief moment in time.
The ‘Rivals’ tour continues on through March but I’m sure we will see some more show dates added soon as Adelitas Way are true road warriors bringing their music to fans everywhere and thriving by doing what they love their own unique way. If you can’t make it to a show right now, don’t worry as new music will be dropping soon. New single ‘Up’ will be available this Friday (18 March) and it’s a pretty fantastic new collaboration with New Medicine. You can go ahead and pre-save it here.
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