As a part of their 35-stop tour, the Mexican Slum Rats, accompanied by their opening band Love Letter, stopped by The Maintenance Shop on Saturday to bring their distinct indie sound to the people of Ames. Originally from Granada Hills, a part of Los Angeles, California, the distinctly SoCal influence of their music seeped through every move. 

Opening up the night was Love Letter, also a SoCal band; this three-piece trio tore down the house the second they stepped on stage. Energetic and bold with finely tuned stage presence, these post-hardcore musicians know what they’re doing. 

Also fresh off a new album release, they played a mix of both old and new music. Certainly hyping up the crowd, they even had a song during which they encouraged the audience to jump. There wasn’t a single person in the crowd who wasn’t leaping up and down with each drumbeat. 

For fans of screamo and hardcore alike, Love Letter may just be your new favorite band. 

Not long after Love Letter, Mexican Slum Rats took to the stage. 

The group wasted no time, starting their set off with a bang. They’re a band that’s for the people; they have no fear of interacting with their audience.

By the end of their set, the frontman, Kevin Villalba, was wearing a Jake the Dog beanie from an audience member he had been chatting back and forth with on the stage. 

Midway through their set, the band had the audience drop to the ground. The room filled with anticipation, and as they started their next song, everyone leaped up. The crowd was jumping, headbanging and having a great time overall. 

The show left the audience with fuzzy ears and joyful minds. 

They played hits like “Bad Girls Club,” “I Thought You Had the Lighter?” and “Away,” alongside standout tracks from their new album, including “Cowboys” and “New Song.”

The Mexican Slum Rats have six shows remaining on their 2025 tour, including stops in Denver, Seattle, Portland and Las Vegas.