Los Angeles Band Speed of Light Brings High-Energy Alt-Rock to Reno at the GSR
- Lauren Juillerat
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
By Lauren Juillerat and Kayla Duane
Photography by Kathryn Bowman
On April 3rd, our team at Biggest Little Bands had the pleasure of covering touring Los Angeles band Speed of Light at the Grand Sierra Resort. Inviting BLB photographers Kathryn Bowman and Kayla Duane out with media passes, the band gave us the opportunity to capture the night and experience their set up close.
As the crowd filtered in, there was a steady buzz of anticipation, fans of all ages filling the room, some already familiar with the lineup and others about to discover something new. From the moment Speed of Light took the stage, it was clear they were about to make an impression.
Since releasing music in fall 2020, the sibling trio has grown into a standout alt-garage rock band with punk influences. Fronted by Riley Christensen on vocals and bass, alongside her brothers Cameron on guitar and Tyler on drums, their chemistry is undeniable. Their connection goes beyond music, it’s family, and that bond translates effortlessly into their live performance.
Having played together since their early teens, long before they could even drive, Speed of Light has spent years refining their sound. What started with covers of bands like The Stooges and Queens of the Stone Age has evolved into a fully realized original project. Now, they’re bringing that same raw energy to bigger stages, opening for acts like Destroy Boys and Rise Against across their North American tour.
Their set at GSR felt both polished and electric. Riley’s vocals were powerful and controlled, yet full of emotion, while her stage presence kept the crowd constantly engaged. Between songs, the band’s natural interactions with each other added a personal, almost intimate feel to such a high energy performance. The flashing lights and driving instrumentals made it impossible not to get pulled into such an immersive show.
The band performed some of their newest music, including their latest release Inch by Inch (March 27). One of the most memorable moments came during “Fly On The Wall,” where the audience seemed completely locked in. The energy in the room shifted, people weren’t just watching, they were fully immersed.
Instrumentally, the performance stood out just as much as the stage presence. The drums and guitar carried a tight, dynamic rhythm that gave each song its punch, while still leaving space for Riley’s vocals to shine. It’s clear their sound has been carefully crafted over years of playing together.
Beyond the music, what stood out most was the band’s genuine appreciation for the crowd and the moment. That sense of camaraderie, both within the band and with the audience, is something that aligns deeply with what we value in the local and touring scenes we cover at BLB.
Wrapping up their run with Rise Against and Destroy Boys, with stops including Vancouver, Spokane, Boise, and Reno, Speed of Light proved they are far more than just an opening act. By the end of the night, it was clear they had gained new fans in the Biggest Little City.
Speed of Light didn’t just open the show, they set the tone for the entire night, leaving a lasting impression on Reno’s music scene and reminding us exactly why we love discovering live music in the first place. With their eyes set on stages as big as Coachella, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them there sooner than later.
Listen to Speed of Light's newest release, Inch by Inch, on all streaming platforms.
Find them on Instagram @speedoflightband
