Debo Takes the Stage in Mount Pleasant

Destroy Boys is a punk rock band that’s been on the up-and-coming for years now. The band from Sacramento, California, has been making waves in the scene since its origin in 2015. On stage, front and center you'll find founding member Alexia Roditis on main vocals and the occasional backup guitar. Left of the stage, you’ll find Violet Mayugba on lead guitar and backup vocals. When they were just 15 years old in 2015, these two created Destroy Boys together; now joined by Narsai Malik (drums), David Orozco (bass), and Nastacha Beck (guitar). 

With support from Rise Against, Destroy Boys made a tour stop at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan; they had their fans roaring in the crowd all night long. From every corner of the room, fans were shouting lyrics, jumping up and down, and waving their flashlights. DeBo kicked off the night with their song “You Hear Yes” from their newest album, Funeral Soundtrack #4. They lit up the concert hall with an array of purple and red lights, kicking off what everyone knew was going to be an electrifying night. With Roditis on lead vocals and Mayugba on guitar, these two are a duo that have bold energy together on stage. Constantly smiling and laughing with each other, always making sure the crowd is feeling each note in the beat as they jump and dance around the stage. 

At every performance, Destroy Boys reminds the crowd that if anyone is crossing boundaries or acting out of line, they should speak up and let someone know. This is in reference to their hit, “I Threw Glass at My Friend's Eyes, and Now I’m on Probation.” While we didn’t get a chance to hear that one, we did get to hear some other great songs such as “Drink,” “Muzzle,” and “American River.” 

Destroy Boys have always made it known that community and love are something they want to bring with them wherever they are. Before bursting into their song, “Boyfeel,” Roditis tells fans that trans rights have never been more important to talk about than right now.  Roditis goes on to say, “Trans people have existed since before the United States of America.” The room filled with cheers and applause as their set list carried on with hit songs such as “Impulse Control,” "Fences,” and “Locker Room Bully.” 

Destroy Boys is a pillar in the new age punk rock community. Everything they stand for highlights all of the best parts of what the music industry should be steering towards. When attending a DeBo show, you’ll find that the crowd they attract and the energy they bring are nothing short of welcoming and energetic. Being able to experience their shows time and again is a memory and feeling people won't forget.

Photos and review by Lyra Dicken