BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo by Anna Vasquez
April 23, 2025 | Katherine Cruz-Alvarez
WESTWOOD, CA — APRIL 17, 2025 — Vibes were high at Cherry Pop’s “Rollin’ Stoned” show, sponsored by SoundSplore and Black Dahlia, last Thursday.
Tucked into the sloped parking lot of SigEp, the stage setup for “Rollin” Stoned” felt more like an underground dive bar than a typical backyard gig. Overlooking the scene, an investment club mixer was underway on the upstairs patio. At first, their attention wasn’t on the band — but as amps crackled and the crowd swelled, heads started to turn.
In the spirit of 4/20 weekend, guests were greeted with CBD-infused lollipops courtesy of Black Dahlia. Thanks to the natural slope of the lot, the space created a unique effect: the closer you got to the stage, the more eye-to-eye level you became with the band — blurring the line between audience and artists. The energy was undeniable. A mix of familiar faces and newcomers, all drawn in by the same magnetic pull, ready to have a good time.
Kicking off the evening was The Pockets, an indie-pop four-piece whose blend of original songs like “Second Time” and “Daisies” with well-loved covers set an energetic, infectious energy. Funky guitar-work paired with the lead singer’s smooth vocals drew the crowd in, while technical difficulties were met with humor and irresistible charm, as the guitarist’s quick wit kept the audience engaged and energy high.
The Last Minutes followed with a set that continued the momentum. Their cover of “Everybody Talks” got the crowd moving, but it was their performance of “Linger” that brought everyone together. Arms linked, voices shouting into the night — it was a full-on main character moment with the crowd swaying and singing along, caught in a moment that felt equal parts emotional and electric.
Closing the night was Cherry Pop’s own Lady Vengeance. From the first thunderous chords, the band reignited the crowd with commanding energy. Frontwoman Colette captivated the audience with her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Their standout track, “Punching Bag,” launched fans into a headbanging frenzy, while “Sweetface” brought a slower, more intimate closing to the night with swaying phones lighting up the crowd.
“Rollin’ Stoned” was a night that perfectly captured the essence of 4/20 with its hazy, loud, and unexpectedly heartwarming vibes. As the music rolled on, the air buzzed with just the right amount of chaos and chill. Equal parts house party and fever dream, it nailed the 4/20 vibe with a night where you lose track of time, and maybe your lighter.
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