Sweet Queens of Chaos Set Portside Pub Ablaze with Unrelenting Psychedelic Fury

Photo by Damara Grace

By Johnny Kosmos

Sweet Queens of Chaos didn’t just play a show at Portside Pub the other night—they detonated a sonic bomb that left the crowd reeling in the best way possible. Their sound, a hypnotic blend of raw, irreverent riffs and sprawling, droning psychedelia, doesn’t just nod to the mid-'70s rock greats—it channels that spirit and warps it into something distinctly their own. Unlike some nostalgia-driven acts (ahem, looking at you, Detroit...), Sweet Queens of Chaos feel fresh, vital, and just a little dangerous.

Pulling a solid crowd for an early set is no small feat, but the audience was clearly in on the secret. From the first notes, the energy was undeniable—heads bobbing, bodies swaying, people fully locked into the moment. The band wasn’t just playing to the room; they were commanding it.

The rhythm section was a force of nature, tight as hell, keeping everything grounded while still giving the music a wild, free-flowing edge. Their guitarist? An absolute shred machine. The kind of player who doesn’t just play fast but plays with purpose, every note dripping with the kind of attitude that makes you stop mid-drink and just listen. And then there’s the singer—Jesus. Some people sing, but this woman owns the stage. With a voice that can cut through walls, violin skills that add an unexpected yet perfect layer to their sound, and the kind of presence that’s rare in a city like Vancouver, she’s got that elusive “it” factor that turns a great band into something unforgettable.

Sweet Queens of Chaos left an impression. This wasn’t just another gig. This was a moment, one of those shows you walk away from knowing you just saw something special. Whatever they do next, I’m already on board.