Ecca Vandal resists definition. The South African-born, Australian-raised, singer-songwriter recently performed her first ever headlining show in the US at Night Club 101 in New York City’s East Village. Formerly known as The Pyramid Club, Club 101 was the preeminent venue and hang out for some of punk and New York City’s most famous acts in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Even Nirvana played their first NYC show at this same club, making it the ideal place for Ecca’s US debut.

The sold-out show had the room packed to the brim, buzzing with anticipation, the hot room bringing back memories of the sweat-soaked energy of early 2000s DIY shows. After the raw and unique performance of openers, AFK, who blended the chaotic energy of dubstep with emo screams, the crowd was primed and ready for Ecca. As she took the stage, in her corseted dress and Puma sneakers, she sparked an unstoppable energy. The first few songs were absolute chaos, filled with wild frenzy, dancing, and scream-singing along especially during “Bleed But Never Die.”

Despite her limited discography, the crowd was completely engrossed in her every song, and Ecca had the stage presence of someone who has been doing this for decades. The highlight of the show was the first of her two encores, her most streamed song to date, “Cruising to Self Sooth,” which had everyone on an absolute high and the room at its sweatiest. As she ended the show, she genuinely thanked the crowd for making her first headlining such an incredible one.

With mosh pits opening, fans screaming along, and the absolute joy of seeing a star in the making, this show was one for the history books. The music scene needs more acts like Ecca Vandal, but luckily for us, she’s one of a kind.