K.Flay

Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

K.Flay can do it all! She kicked off her I’m Making Friends with Silence EP North American Tour at Ace of Spades in Sacramento, CA, on February 24, 2025, to a roaring, sold-out crowd.

The Grammy-nominated artist announced that this will be her last tour for a while as she undergoes surgical procedures to help restore the hearing loss in her right ear, which she sustained in 2022. Her new EP features two softer singles, “Bar Soap” and “Perfectly Alone,” plus six tracks from her 2023 full-length studio album MONO, including reimagined, stripped-back versions of “Punisher” and “Carsick.” These new renditions offer a more reflective sound, inviting listeners into an intimate sonic experience.

When I arrived at Ace of Spades at 3:30 p.m., a line had already formed, and the fans were amped up to secure a spot up close and personal with their favorite artist. I knew this was going to be an absolute killer show.

Inside the venue, there was an uplifting, infectious buzz as the crowd started to filter in. Most fans rushed directly to the front, securing their spots, while others headed to the merch booth to purchase memorabilia.

The opening band for the evening, Vienna Vienna, from NorCal, was the perfect choice to hype up the fans’ anticipation for K.Flay.

At 9 p.m., the venue lights dimmed, casting a thick red glow over the stage. The drummer and guitarist could be faintly seen as they took their positions and began playing “Bar Soap.” The crowd started chanting, “K.Flay! K.Flay!” as her image appeared on the projector screen, signaling the start of the concert. Opening with a softer song only amplified the buildup to her second track, “Giver,” also performed behind the screen.

K.Flay tapped into her power and set the stage ablaze with her electrifying presence as the whole crowd pulsed with energy. Then she came bursting out from behind the screen with the first chords of “Raw Raw,” a massive hit off her 2023 album MONO. K.Flay is a combustible force on stage, delivering each song with raw intensity and passion. Her style is a unique mixture of a raging mosh pit and dance aerobics, coupled with softer versions of new and older songs, creating an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and captivating. The energy she exudes is infectious, spreading like wildfire through her devoted fans.

Her energy was unmatched during her 21-song set, and she played favorites throughout the night like “Irish Goodbye” and “Weirdo.” All the while, fans pressed up against the stage, going crazy. She’s a whirling force—when she screamed, raged, and rapped, the crowd screamed, raged, and rapped back. It was intense to witness people of all ages and demographics completely unified in the moment.

Between songs, K.Flay took to the mic to thank her fans, stating that “she wouldn’t be able to live her dream if it wasn’t for their support.” She was elated at the response on a Monday night, as the fans escalated the choruses through the roof, creating a powerful and uplifting moment.

Midway through her set, the band gathered around the drum kit to perform three stripped-down versions of “Are You Serious,” “Chaos Is Love,” and “Punisher.” This led directly into a loud, amped-up, raucous version of “Punisher,” launching the crowd into a frenzy.

It felt like the most incredible roller coaster ride of highs and lows—though, ultimately, everything soared sky-high. K.Flay followed up with a beautiful cover of “I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles, sparking a massive singalong. Just when it seemed like the show was peaking, she catapulted into “Bad Vibes,” “Blood in the Cut,” and her finale trio of “Carsick,” “High Enough,” and “Perfectly Alone” to close out the night.

K.Flay’s performance at Ace of Spades was a testament to her ability to command a stage and captivate a crowd. Her presence radiated power and emotion, fueled by an undeniable passion and electric energy. There’s no doubt she left her mark on the audience.

For up-to-date tour information and news, check out www.kflay.com.