Monster tapping runs. Wild whammy dives on a Jackson Soloist. Impeccably sculpted leads worthy of Brian May. All are staples in an Olivia Rodrigo show, and Arianna Powell is the virtuoso responsible for melting the faces – and capturing the hearts and minds – of a young impressionable crowd, who might just end up the next generation of guitar heroes.
It certainly seems like Rodrigo has set herself the goal of reviving guitar music in the pop sphere. A student of riot grrrl and ’90s alt-rock, the 22-year-old brought the Breeders out on a recent tour, guested with No Doubt at Coachella and cited Rage Against the Machine as a major influence on her last record. Her latest record, guts, is a trojan horse, all catchy riffs and punk powerchords wrapped up in pop hooks and witty odes to adolescent breakups.
