NFV Song Spotlight: Pegzilla's Giver

I first crossed paths with Olivia Lee Saperstein of Pegzilla in 2018 when her band, at the time, Egg Drop Soup played The Echo during Slugs residency. That was a fun residency. Slugs had a team sports theme going for the night. I also might have caught Egg Drop Soup's last show ever (or close to their last show ever) at last year's Happy Sundays Long Beach. Lead singer and bassist Samantha Wastervelt announced around that time that it was off to New York City. Of course, never say never when it comes to Los Angeles bands. There is always the possibility that they'll have a reunion show. 

Pegzilla at Permanent Records Roadhouse

I first came across Pegzilla in 2022 at Little Joy (when they had live music in a side room). It was a surprise encounter. My purpose for the night was to see The Great Sadness and Spirit in the Room. I did not know that Saperstein was in a new band. At the time, I was just hoping that Egg Drop Soup would start playing again (which they did later that year at Permanent Records Roadhouse). Since that encounter, I've crossed paths with the band a number of times. I love their metal sound that just sends pulsating waves of sound into the crowd. 

Pegzilla at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Talking about Permanent Record Roadhouse, the band recently played a set there and as soon as I noticed that they were on the venue's calendar, I circled the date. I was not the only photographer who circled the date. There were four photographers in the audience, including Scott Free who I hadn't crossed paths with in a few months. I should say that it was not just the photographers that had this night circled. The fan base also showed up and packed the front of the stage way before the band was scheduled to start. Saperstein had to mention to the audience that they were just doing a sound check and wouldn't be playing until 9:30 p.m.  

Pegzilla at Permanent Records Roadhouse

When they did finally get on stage, they pounded us all into submission with their opening song "Pamela." The bassist Juan Miguel Munoz Barssé played it heavy and the sound gave a villainous vibe, "We lived a life of crime. In whatever slum we could find."  

Comment of the set: The rest of this set is for anyone who needs to get all that sh*t off their f*cking chest.  

Pegzilla at Permanent Records Roadhouse

The band introduced a new song, "Virginia Werewolf," to the crowd. The band started off the song on an extended metal instrumental run with drummer Ryan Swain slamming the cymbals. During the back half of the set, a fan took Saperstein's statement about needing to get sh*t off your chest to heart and made his way to the front of the stage to headbang to the fast tempos of the guitar. His foot stomping had the floor of the venue bouncing. And I've got to say, I'm betting that all four photographers loved it when Saperstein leaned back and played the guitar in a near vertical fashion. Click. Click. Click.

 

Pegzilla at Permanent Records Roadhouse

The band released the EP Giver in 2022. The EP includes the first song from their setlist "Pamela" and also includes the title track. The song has the band focusing on extended instrumental riffs that merge the talents of the three band mates. Interspliced within the song are two verses of poetry.

We're only ever at war with ourselves.  

Setlist: Pamela, Giver, Eyes of Phthonos, Virginia Werewolf, Troll on Speed, Queef in a Castle, Pistola.