Winona Fighter is devouring the rock music genre. Following the release of their debut album, My Apologies to the Chef, the three-piece punk-rock group has been touring all across North America, enjoying their journey full of firsts, from early EP releases to a nationwide tour filled with newly won fans.
As their headline tour came close to its finish, frontwoman and multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon made their stop at the Vivarium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, alongside bandmates Dan Fuson, lead guitarist, and Austin Luther, bassist, on their final leg of this album cycle’ tour. On stage, Kinnon noted how they wanted to "save the best cities for last."
The best part about catching Winona Fighter at such an opportune time in their career is that there is so much left to be heard from them. For each show, they play almost the entirety of My Apologies to the Chef. In the same breath, Kinnon commented on how they are constantly observing the news on the road, getting angry about what she sees. However, the headlines are inspirational to her, making fans excited about what new music will be born out of Winona Fighter's rage.
To kick off the night, the openers, Rat Bath, were the sole support. The self-proclaimed trans-punk band had huge energy on stage. With their lead singer constantly interacting not just with their bandmates but also making multiple trips off the stage and into the crowd to get up close and personal. Rat Bath's music is not just inclusionary; it's important and thoughtful. They sing for those whose voices have been stifled or silenced, bringing a match-level energy to the headlining act of the night, Winona Fighter.
Rage and frustration are part of the core values of what formed Winona Fighter; that energy is brought to the stage 100% of the time.
Opening with one of their most popular songs, "You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers," was an instant crowd-pleaser. Filled with catchy hooks and an easy sing-along chorus, the audience was one of the loudest I have ever heard.
After an exciting introduction, Coco hops off the guitar for the next two songs. But she never slows down. A combination of high kicks and guttural belts earns her position as the front woman in this group and the voice of a community. She demands attention, and the crowd hangs on her every move.
Winona Fighter's explosive debut album is bursting at the seams with defiance and snarkiness equally matched with intelligence and self-awareness, perfectly encapsulating what this band has to offer to the world.
One of the highlights of the night, where I witnessed some of the best and most respectful moshing, was during their cover of "Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys. Personally, this cover was unexpected to land a place on their setlist full of original music, but the way it wowed the crowd was next level. Coco Kinnon's range of vocals and stage presence was truly showcased here with the intensity of this track.
What's next for the newest, hardest, and most socially aware rock bands of this year? Plan to see them tearing up a stage on the return of Vans Warped Tour in Orlando, Florida, this November. Their set is certainly one you won't want to miss
Keep up with Winona Fighter on social media here:
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