Its quite fitting that Joan Jett and Morrissey were both instantly impressed by Girl In A Coma. (Jett signed them; Morrissey invited them to open for him.) Like both of those icons, Girl In A Coma keeps one foot planted in crunching punk-n-roll and the other in dreamy pop. The difference: frontwoman/songwriter Nina Diaz possesses a powerhouse voice that rivals rocks all-time greats. Diazs sultry, rich singing is extraordinary unto itself, but she also excels at throat-scratching grit, mixing the two styles so that they go together as naturally as chocolate and peanut butter. Diaz allegedly knocked her two bandmates dead with her abilities at the ripe old age of 12. Now 21, the wisdom and craft in her songs still belies her age. She titled the bands 2007 debut, Both Before Im Gone, for example, after James Deans quote about learning to be an artist and a person. With Veritas, Miss Derringer, Roxy Epoxy & the Rebound, Pedestre. All ages. Photo courtesy Sarah Quiara.
Fri., July 10, 8 p.m., 2009
