The She Demons at the PlayStation Theater

Priva Panda

Jerry Only of the Misfits posted an audition notice in April 2015. He sought five women to form a band that, like the Misfits, would mix horror themes with punk, but also would cross the Ramones with the Ronettes. He selected vocalist Priya Panda, guitarists Constance Day and Kiki Wongo, bassist Alicia Vigil and drummer Jessica Goodwin, all of whom had played in bands in Los Angeles, California. Even without an album to promote, the She Demons, named after a low-budget 1958 horror film, then took to the road, opening for the Misfits.

At the PlayStation Theater, Only enthusiastically introduced his pet project. The She Demons then skillfully filled the huge stage with sight and sound. Visually, the youthful women were attractive, wore eye-catching rock star wardrobe, and worked the audience well. Sonically, the band brought punk energy and metal power to cute 1960s pop covers (the Ronettes' "Be My Baby", the Crystals' "He's a Rebel") and newer horror-themed compositions ("Fresh Blood", "Once Bitten", "She Demon"). Like the Runaways, Suzi Quatro, Girlschool, Fanny and many similar all-women rock bands, the She Demons took hard rock and roll and gave it a feminine touch. The musicians displayed impressive talents, but like actors interpreting a script, they were still working on building their own common voice. The newborn band needs time to live in its own skin, but already shows promise.

Visit the She Demons at www.shedemons.rocks.