The Bots @ Warped Tour0

Throughout the day, as I was rushing back and forth between the Teggart Main Stage and the Nintendo DS Stage, I repeatedly passed by the Kia Kevin Says Stage. For those who don’t know, this is the founder’s stage and features Kevin Lyman’s personal picks (hence the “Kevin Says”). Every time I passed, I simply hurriedly sped by, glancing over, ultimately choosing not to stop. It’s nothing at all against the bands playing on that stage, but I was typically on my way to catch the first three songs of a main stage performance, and didn’t feel compelled enough to stop and miss my scheduled shoot. That is, until I walked by and heard The Bots. Keep reading for my review and check out the rest of the photos here.

The Bots definitely grabbed my attention with their simple, yet fresh and raw punk sound. Then I looked up and realized they were just two kids. I was totally blown away. The Bots are made up of brothers Mikaiah Lei on guitar and vocals and Anaiah Lei on drums (16 and 12 respectively). Watching them perform was a really enjoyable experience. They both have a visible passion for playing music, and their pretty damn good at what they do. I’m left wondering why there aren’t more bands like this. There’s nothing bland, theatrical, or over produced here, just two kids making music and having a lot of fun doing it. Mikaiah, who seemed to have far too much energy to contain, was running all over the stage with his antics, while his younger brother Anaiah kept a very serious and focused look on his face, though he occasionally broke into a wide smile. In short, they were a really fun and unique group to see, and I’d definitely recommend giving them a look!