Written by Sophia Bronwyn
I’ve been on a bit of a mission lately. I've been searching for femme-fronted bands that don’t just hold their own, but bring a real sense of fire, bands that marry sheer intensity with fierce femininity. So when I walked into The Fillmore in Minneapolis to catch Speed of Light, I wasn’t sure what I was in for. But within minutes, I was completely floored. The venue was already packed wall-to-wall, the buzz in the room undeniable, and by the time the band launched into their first song “Wolf,” it was clear something special was happening.
At the center of it all is Avy Gonzalez, the band’s electrifying frontwoman. The moment she let loose, her commanding vocals ripped through the venue like a wake-up call. Raw, fierce, and full of conviction, her voice didn’t just cut through the room, it owned it. She sings like she has something to prove, but more importantly, like she already knows she doesn't have to. Every lyric carried weight, and every growl and howl had the crowd leaning in, then losing their minds.
Backed by her brothers, Speed of Light hit with the precision and punch of a band well beyond their years. Their energy was feral but focused, turning The Fillmore’s slick stage into a garage-sized riot. Punk can sometimes feel performative, all style, little substance, but this wasn’t that. This was real energy.
If you’re on the hunt for bands with a strong female lead, Speed of Light doesn’t just check the box, they light it on fire. They’re not asking for space. They’re taking it.
For fans of: The Linda Lindas, Joan Jett, Bad Brains, Amyl and the Sniffers
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