Duckwrth Embraces Black Alt Tradition with Explosive “All American Freak Show” Performance at the Echoplex

By Tara Byars

Duckwrth’s newest project, All American F*ckboy, reminds us that the Black Alt scene is alive and well.

On the last weekend of April, Duckwrth took to the Echoplex in Los Angeles to perform his new album, for the “All American Freak Show” alongside collaborator BLK ODYSSY. The venue quickly filled up with loyal fans ahead of a lively night of ear-pounding music, active crowd engagement, and much appreciated encore. I arrive just before his set to a room of niche-ly dressed punk enthusiasts, gearing up for what would soon be a stirring night of music and connection.

The last time I attended a concert at the Echoplex, it was in 2018 for Rico Nasty. I was a rising senior in college, a lot more angsty, and eager to see her perform her recently dropped project “Nasty.” Coming back to the venue some seven years later, it was comforting to see the energy was one and the same, with diehard fans crowding the stage ahead of the show. In the haze of marijuana smoke one could spot Duckwrth peaking around the corner to watch his openers, King Isis and Sherwyn, just as excited for the musical performances as everyone else in the space. 

The Black alt community is one that has long carved its own lane, representing experiences and identities outside of mainstream pop culture. Existing at the margins of popular culture, it can overlap between genres, such as punk rock, rap, metal, and pop, as Duckwrth demonstrates, and seeks to express complex emotions and experiences. With All American F*ckboy, Duckwrth is demonstrating just that, as he explores fraught relationships to gender and masculinity, familial trauma, unhealthy relationships, and more.

By Tara Byars

Attendees were aptly clothed in an array of Black alternative fashions: multi-colored leather, mesh tops, fishnets, metal stud adornments, tight black bustiers with fringe straps, layers of chains and silver jewelry, and a crocheted headpiece with Shrek ears, no doubt referencing lyrics from one of his new songs, “Escapist.” There were even some relatively unique choices such as a vintage 80s windbreaker, Compton Cowboys hoodie, and patchwork denim sets. The glam was just as expressive, as fans could be seen with technicolor braids fashioned into different shapes, bantu knots, shaved eyebrows and piercings, thick eyeliner, chunky glitter, and black star eye makeup, referencing the artist’s look from his album visuals. 

The crowd erupted with excitement as his band began to set up, the lights dimmed, and the base blared so loud I could feel the vibrations piercing in my throat. The beat for track two of his album, “Toxic Romance,” begins to play and outcomes Duckwrth. He snatches the mic off the stand, and shouts to his audience, “Sing that shit!” before immediately jumping into the first song of the night. 

What ensued was one of the most lively and interactive performances I have seen all year. Notably, especially for today’s concert-going standards, there were very few cell phones in the crowd. The majority of attendees could be seen shouting along to lyrics, being fully present in the moment, as opposed to recording snippets on their devices.

By Alex Rivera

Duckwrth’s presence on stage was that of a natural star, as he performed with a sense of self-assurance that often comes as a result of deep reflection and self-exploration — the very theme of his current project. Dressed in a similar ensemble of his thematic album visuals, he performed in a pool blue, Hot Rod-esque stunt suit, black star-shaped eyeshadow, and customized black Converse, with his natural hair tufted in soft, mini spikes. 

He guides his audience through an electric sonical journey of this new era, contemplating themes of modern dating, going to therapy (to which the crowd shouted in support of), and pent up resentment. “This song is the hardest song I’ve written in my life,” he shares, as he details his inner work facing addictions and vices, ultimately leading back to his strained relationship with his father. The crowd supported his vulnerability, as well as his anger, following the range of emotions through song, with favorites of the night including “LA Traffic” and “Permanent Vacation.”

Feeding off of the crowd’s energy, he climbed the side scaffolding, bent backwards while partially suspended into the air, and eventually jumped into the crowd, igniting a mosh pit for the tail end of his set. He safely found his way back to the stage to close out the lively performance and conclude the night, that is, until he comes back moments later for an encore performance of “Hoe Phase,” causing fans to rush back in to witness the final, final song. 

Duckwrth’s Echoplex performance set the tone for what will continue to be an eclectic and exploratory era, in line with what Black alternative sound is all about.