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By Mariko Obrero

Daily Bruin Contributor

It was unfortunate that The Distillers played the shortest set at an all-ages show held at The Troubador on Aug. 12. The Los Angeles-based band performed alongside The Explosion, The Lillingtons and headliner The Queers.

But despite the length of their set, the three-piece punk outfit entertained with aggression, attitude and profound lyrics.

The rapidly growing audience included a large number of females who attended solely to hear The Distillers. The band took the stage at 10:15 p.m., with crowd members singing along with lead vocalist and guitarist Brody Armstrong.

Armstrong’s edgy vocals focused on Russian history in “Red Carpet and Rebellion” and a cover of Patti Smith’s “The World Comes Tumblin.’” As a lyricist, Armstrong is one who doesn’t waste her words.

As a performer, she is equally powerful, which was apparent in “Open Sky” when she played a hard-lined guitar solo with her instrument almost on the ground by her feet.

The Distillers possess a rare approach to playing punk rock that contrasts greatly with the often diluted and contrived mainstream sound. With music characterized by catchy melodies reminiscent of old-school, fierce punk, it’s hard to believe that the group only formed two years ago.

Playing in a band is nothing new for the members of The Distillers. Australian native Armstrong was in a band called Sourpuss and well-respected drummer Mat Young had stints with ADZ and CH3.

Bassist Kim Chi’s stage presence is remarkable carrying herself like a legend. Kim was tough, sporting a perfectly crafted mohawk, but sweetly smiling when her fans excitedly cheered throughout her impressively fast and clean solos.

So it isn’t surprising that up-and-coming bands such as Debauchery and so many other punk bands aim to achieve the same well-rounded sound and the ability to play as powerfully as The Distillers.

In addition to their musical prowess, fans respect the band for who they are as individuals. And their standout performance was a mere glimpse into the multi-dimensional band, of whom only great things should be expected.