Rolling Quartz said it best in their debut song “Blaze:” “there’s nothing that can’t be achieved.”

Two lines waited patiently outside Reggie’s Rock Club on on May 19: one for GA, the other for VIP. Fans with VIP benefits were treated to early entry to the venue as well as a signed poster, an exclusive photo card pack and a photo with Rolling Quartz. Fans who didn’t have VIP were still treated to a good view of the show due to the club’s small capacity and a second level with a perfect bird’s eye view of the stage.

The show’s choice for an opening band was interesting. Chicago natives Bullet to the Heart put on a great show, playing songs from their latest album Death, Oddities and Romance like “Black Widow” and “Graveyard Lovers.” Frontwoman Audrey Queen is captivating, a siren who commands attention under no uncertain terms. The Chicago metal band’s energy is deliciously sinister and relishes in its own venom like a viper ready to strike.

The energy between the two bands was completely different not just for the difference in genre – BTTH being metal, Rolling Quartz leaning more towards post-hardcore. They were enjoyable to watch and certainly a band to keep watching, but they just weren’t a good fit for Rolling Quartz’s opening act. They needed their own show.

As soon as the lights dropped a second time, the club filled with screams of delight. Rolling Quartz performed each song with tireless youthful enthusiasm. Wide smiles the girls wore at the beginning of the show still shined, bright and genuine, through the closing number.

This energy was bolstered by an impressive number of covers in the setlist. The band opened with a mashup of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes and “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Metallica, much to the crowd’s delight. Other covers included Paramore’s iconic “Misery Business” and a version of BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom” which far surpassed the original. Frontwoman Jayoung took to a keyboard for a heartbreaking rendition of “Always Remember Us This Way” from the 2018 film A Star is Born, the second Lady Gaga cover after “Bad Romance.”

Of course, it wasn’t just a cover show. Songs included “Delight” and “Holler” ignited the anticipation that had been building since BTTH left the stage. Frankly, it’s impressive a mosh pit didn’t break out during “Azalea,” as the song and energy would have perfectly fed into one. As someone who’s been a Diadem since Rolling Quartz’s debut, being able to see “Blaze” live on their first ever US tour was honestly tear-jerking. Watching these candy-colored rockers knock an early pitch of their career out of the park was inspiring, to say the least.

Had it not been for their impressive musicianship, one could be remiss to think they were watching a group of teenagers rocking out in their garage. In a way not dissimilar to My Chemical Romance, dueling guitarists Hyunjung and Iree have completely different styles of playing that shouldn’t work together. Hyungjung brings a stoicism and bluesy sound while Iree shreds with damn near mathematical technicality and a dazzling smile. Yet, they work perfectly: Hyunjung grounding the group while Iree helps it soar.

Also soaring is Jayoung’s voice, which smashed right through Reggie’s ceiling from beginning to end without a single crack. Her stage presence is bombastic and unpredictable, particularly a moment in the show where she enthusiastically strummed Iree’s guitar as she held it in front of her skirt. If this was a genuine display of her own sexuality or simply a fun moment with her bandmate, it was nevertheless captivating.

Drummer Yeongeun, while often hidden in shadow near the back of the stage, has strength behind the kit you wouldn’t expect from such a tiny, adorable young woman. Tying the performance together in a neat bow is bassist Arem, a hidden weapon whose subtle personality gives her a mysterious air you can’t disengage with. All together, they make an incredible team who have nowhere to go but up.

It goes without saying the band’s promised Rock n’ Roll Paradise was beyond fulfilled. The only thing left to do: wait on pins and needles for them to return.

Rolling Quartz wrapped up their Rock n’ Roll Paradise US Tour on May 24 in Dallas. Their 2022 EP Hybrid, as well as all their other releases, are available on all streaming services.

All photos taken by author and edited by Jonathan Knoell.

Update: In the initial post, Yeongeun’s name was incorrectly romanized as “Youngeun.” The In-Crowd has corrected this error and is committed to better fact-checking in the future.