Daisy Grenade had so much to say on their first headlining tour in Philadelphia.

July 2, 2026 Leave a comment

If there’s anything that Daisy Grenade knows how to do, it’s give a sold-out crowd the time of their lives. The duo–consisting of Keaton Whittaker and Dani Nigro–has become one of the biggest up-and-comers in the alternative scene, bringing glitter-goated angst, catharsis, and chaos with them everywhere they go. Their most recent release, So Much To Say, arrived earlier this summer and introduced a raw explosion of the reality behind femininity, fame and heartbreak through five thoughtfully constructed tracks. 

After years of touring as support for bands like Fall Out Boy, Pierce The Veil, Waterparks, and more, Daisy Grenade finally took the step forward to become the headliners this summer. The pair spent the beginning of June on the road across the United States, stopping in Philadelphia for the So Much To Say Tour’s penultimate show at The Foundry on June 18.  

Vienna Vienna took the tiny stage first, delivering a hard-hitting set that served as an introduction and declaration of his “glimmer-rock” sound. The California-based musician’s cathartic take on the alternative genre celebrates self-expression, rebellion and emotion, with each deeply personal track telling the story of his lived experiences as a queer artist. Vienna Vienna performed a handful of songs from his latest EP Entertain Me and his most recent single “Grief Is For The Living” before finishing with “God Save The Queens.”

The set design mirrored the atmosphere of their So Much To Say short film with artificial plants, small trinkets and the same fake fish tank from the “Rent To Own” video decorating the stage. The duo opened the show with “A Beautiful Woman Is A Weapon, I Guess That’s Why They Call Her A Bombshell,” already demonstrating the unstoppable force they become as soon as they step foot on any stage. The crowd at The Foundry wasted absolutely no time reciprocating that energy as a mosh pit formed and crowdsurfers continuously hurled towards the barricade almost immediately. 

The energy only intensified when “Got It Bad” and “Are You Scared Of Me Yet” followed as the crowd grew louder with every word. Quick shoutout to Whittaker for the fun sing-along moment we shared during “Got It Bad” (my favorite song of theirs) for being a personal highlight of the night. There’s something about the way that she and Nigro carry themselves on stage that always leaves you coming back for more. Seriously, this was my seventh show of theirs and I also attended their final show at Bowery Ballroom the very next day–I can’t get enough of Daisy Grenade. 

Broadway performer, friend of Daisy Grenade, and “It Must Be Me” music video star Caro Daye Attayek was brought onstage for fan-favorite track “Emily.” However, her special appearance wasn’t the only trick the duo had up their sleeves. Later on, they brought out Dan “Soupy” Campbell of The Wonder Years to perform “Rent To Own.” Campbell actually co-wrote the emotional track and made the sweet moment a fun surprise for the audience. As a huge fan of both bands, I had a gut feeling that he’d show up in some capacity at the show and I was ecstatic that I was right. 

Though I’ve seen Daisy Grenade live numerous times, I’ve never been lucky enough to hear anything from their Sophomore Slump EP. “Real Horror Show” was easily one of the night’s biggest stand-out moments as Whittaker delivered the most harrowing, guttural vocal performance during the song’s final minute that I’ve ever heard. More recent songs “It Must Be Me” and “Good Luck (Wish You Hell)” also allowed the duo’s vocals to take over, as they belted their hearts out and gave the crowd a taste of their impressive range. 

“Riot” and “Sick In The City” gave everyone one last chance to let loose before “Hypocrite” made an appearance for the encore. Within the sea of people jumping, moshing and surfing, there wasn’t a single still body in the room from the second the show began until its eventual end. 

Philadelphia doesn’t play around when it comes to live music, and neither does Daisy Grenade. The invigorating balance of energy between the band onstage and the crowd before them left me in awe for the entire hour and 15 minute set. This tour made it clear that the duo has mastered the art of performing with an even bigger display of their undeniable chemistry and consistent crowd interaction. There’s so much I could say about the level of skill they bring to their craft, but for now, I’ll leave you with one last sentiment: Daisy Grenade was always meant to be the headlining band. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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The sound Hot Mulligan makes at a sold-out Stone Pony Summer Stage.

June 30, 2026 Leave a comment

If you’re able to stay up-to-date with modern emo’s biggest names then Hot Mulligan shouldn’t sound too unfamiliar. The #1 Hot New Band has taken the scene by storm with twinkly midwest emo influences, ridiculously hilarious song titles and devastating lyricism at the core of their identity. Consisting of Tades Sanville (lead vocals), Chris Freeman (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Ryan Malicsi (lead guitar), Jonah Kramer (bass), and Brandon Blakeley (drums), the group has had arguably the biggest year of their career since the release of their fourth album, The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still, last August. 

In the midst of performing at massive festivals like Vans Warped Tour D.C., Gov Ball, Summerfest and Bonnaroo, Hot Mulligan made their way to the Stone Pony Summer Stage on June 16 for their largest headlining show to date. With support from Koyo, saturdays at your place and Joyce Manor, Asbury Park was treated to a night of pure chaos from each band on this stacked lineup. 

Koyo is one of those bands that needs to be experienced live. Sure, you can listen to them in your car or with headphones on during a workout, but nothing will compare to the influx of crowdsurfers and brutal mosh pits that occur right in front of your eyes and ears. Their setlist mainly consisted of tracks from their recent heavy-hitting sophomore album Barely Here along with two beloved fan-favorites “You’re On The List (minus one)” and “Moriches.” The Long Island post-hardcore band brought an indescribable energy to the stage at 6pm on a Tuesday that I’m honestly wishing I could relive right now. 

saturdays at your place took the stage next, bringing the Midwestern ache of Kalamazoo, Michigan to the Jersey Shore. I’ve been a huge fan of the trio since discovering them in summer 2024 and it warmed my heart to see how many people showed up in their merch and sang along to every word. The setlist was arguably perfect, standing in the space between every fan’s dream and the most well-rounded introduction to their music for those unfamiliar. Hearing tracks like “what am i supposed to do?” and “tarot cards” live in 70 degree weather while standing at the edge of a mosh pit felt extraordinarily therapeutic.

Joyce Manor has been on my list of must-see bands for what feels like decades. The best and honestly funniest part of this show was that they practically performed an entire headlining set because of how short most of their discography is. The setlist was 16 tracks long, powering through material from their older releases alongside their latest album, I Used To Go To This Bar. Watching them perform classics like “Constant Headache” and “Heart Tattoo” as the sun began to set has left me unable to stop thinking about how cathartic those moments felt for me. “Catalina Fight Song” brought their set to a close and it was fun to get the chance to scream along to the chorus, well, actually right by the ocean.

I forgot how at home I always feel right in the eye of the storm at a Hot Mulligan show. As soon as “Drink Milk And Run” began, the energy that consumed the Stone Pony Summer Stage was unreal. While you may expect the momentum to start to waver as a band rips through 23 songs with minimal breaks, it was the exact opposite. Hot Mulligan and the 4,500 people in front of them kept feeding off each other’s energy, only becoming crazier and more animated as time passed. I may have even almost broken my camera at one point to help lift a crowdsurfer (don’t worry, though, both my camera and the surfer lived to tell the tale)

There are few bands that have the same on-stage humor as Hot Mulligan. I wish I kept track of how many times Sanville amusingly told the crowd to loudly boo the band (only once for no reason, though!). There was another hilarious moment where he forced the crowd to admit that they never actually listen to any of the interlude tracks and then subsequently made that fact change as “This Makes Me Yucky” blared through the speakers. 

My favorite bit of the night was when Sanville declared that the setlist was heading into the section that was just about “guys,” including “Bon Jonah,” “Featuring Mark Hoppus” and “John ‘The Rock’ Cena, Can You Smell What the Undertaker.” It’s hard to explain to a normal person that the most emotional part of the night for me was during a song called “Monica Lewinskibidi,” but it’s somehow one of the most beautiful ways that I’ve ever seen grief described in a piece of music. This track has been my unrivaled favorite from their last record since its release and experiencing it live felt otherworldly. 

Freeman also joked with the crowd by briefly convincing them that the real Mark Hoppus was about to join them for their performance of “Featuring Mark Hoppus.’’ Although it was a little cruel, it was admittedly pretty funny watching everyone completely lose their minds before realizing that they’d been lied to. 

They continued playing a mix of new and old favorites before reaching the show’s final stretch that displayed their most popular hits. “BCKYRD” and “*Equip Sunglasses*” saw the massive crowd at their loudest and rowdiest, with every word being echoed back at a deafening volume. As the lights turned on and security started ushering everyone to go home, I left Asbury Park with an insane adrenaline rush, a setlist and one of Freeman’s guitar picks. 

The first time I ever saw Hot Mulligan was at the Stone Pony Summer Stage when they were a part of Sad Summer Festival in 2023. I lack the vocabulary needed to properly describe how it felt to watch them come back for their own headlining show three years later. This era has given the post-emo inventors a new vitality, with their sound and personalities being louder, bigger and more confident than ever before. Milestone shows of this stature remain concrete evidence of the true impact bands like Hot Mulligan have as they continue to evolve. They were playing to crowds of 1,500 just two years ago; now those numbers have tripled. Though self-proclaimed, Hot Mulligan really is shaping up to be the scene’s #1 Hot New Band with each passing minute. 

Missed out on Hot Mulligan’s string of summer shows? You’re in luck! The band announced that they’ll be back on the road again across North America this fall, hitting cities including Ottawa, Baltimore, Tampa, Charlotte and more. More information for these upcoming shows can be found here.

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Heart Attack Man and Phoneboy kick off first night of co-headlining tour in New Jersey | Photos & Review

April 24, 2026 Leave a comment

If you’re wondering what to expect from a Heart Attack Man show: buckle up. Frontman Eric Egan, drummer Adam Paduch, and guitarist Ty Sickels emerged from the depths of Cleveland, OH in 2013 and have been raising hell in the modern rock scene ever since. Over the years, the trio has released four full-length albums and made their chaotic live energy an absolute must-see. The first night of their spring co-headliner with Phoneboy, on April 2nd in New Jersey served as a wild start to their 28-date run across the United States. 

Fans poured into White Eagle Hall before the night began with opening sets from Pony and Slow Joy. Canadian grunge-pop band Pony gave such a delightful performance that won me over by the end of it. Everything from the melodies to their bubbly energy had me completely enthralled for the entire 30 minute set. Slow Joy, the solo project of Dallas-based singer-songwriter Esteban Flores, spent his allotted time delivering an ode to emo and shoegaze influences through catharsis, healing and jumping right into the crowd during one of his songs. 

Pony

Slow Joy

While it took a second for the crowd to pick up momentum, Heart Attack Man were their usual energetic selves the second that the lights went down. Each time I see Heart Attack Man, I am instantly comforted by the amount of sheer chaos unfolding around me. The adrenaline rush of watching as those mosh pits get rowdier and crowdsurfers glide towards the stage ease is truly unmatched. 

They opened their set with “Lay Down and Die,” which is my current all-time favorite in their discography. They delivered a good mix of their last album Joyride The Pale Horse and older crowd-pleasers like “Leap Year” and “Fake Blood.” Heart Attack Man also performed both of their most recent singles, “Limb from Limb” and “Mechanically Separated,” which were extra fun to see come to life for the first time. 

While many come for their intensely chaotic energy, the jokes and bits that occur in between songs are just as great. The funniest part of the night was when Egan asked the NJ crowd about their stance in the ‘Pork Roll’ vs ‘Taylor Ham’ debate before declaring he’d choose the one that matches the band’s acronym (and being met with a handful of boos).

Phoneboy honestly surprised me a lot. While not super familiar with the indie-rock four-piece, I was introduced to their music not too long ago by a close friend. As soon as they kicked things off with “Wayside,” the energy in the room remained electric throughout their entire set. I walked out of White Eagle Hall that night with two things: a shirt from Heart Attack Man’s merch table and a newfound love for Phoneboy. 

The fun thing about this tour is how fundamentally different each band on the lineup is. Pony delivers a sickly sweet grunge-pop vibe minutes before Slow Joy comes on stage with a melancholic blend of emo and shoegaze. Heart Attack Man then feels like whiplash compared to the first two acts as the crowd feeds off their in-you-face energy through rowdy mosh pits and endless crowdsurfers. Phoneboy closes out the night with a dynamic performance that twists the definition of pop-punk and rock into something entirely their own. It’s hard to explain why it works, but the varying atmospheres from band to band made the experience exponentially better. 

The tour continues across the United States until its final show in Heart Attack Man’s home state of Ohio on May 9th. Tickets and information for the remaining shows of Heart Attack Man and Phoneboy’s spring co-headliner can be found here. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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The Happy Fits says CELLO to Irving Plaza, NYC | Photos & Review | Throwback Thursday

February 5, 2026 Leave a comment

A night of top-tier indie-rock tunes, locked in fans from the front to the back of the house, a surprise marriage proposal, and to top it all off: The most badass electric cello performance ever known to humankind. No one does it quite like The Happy Fits.

The high-energy band returned to New York City on December 10, 2025, at Irving Plaza in support of their stellar fourth studio album, Lovesick, released in September.

Originally set to play at the Brooklyn Paramount days later, the band announced weeks in advance that their New York date was rescheduled and would take place at a different venue. Although this Wednesday evening was met with some dreary weather, concerns about nasty rain and mid-week haze were left at the door, as it began with not one, but two standout support performances.
NYC-based band Double Standard opened the night, setting the tone for an evening of incredible indie vibes and powerful female vocalists taking the stage. Everything from their confident presence, comfort in front of an audience, and overall style had me hooked from the first note of their opening song, “nvr c u again,” through “Crush.”

The five-piece project toured in support of their self-titled debut EP, Double Standard, released earlier in the summer. Performing seven of the eight songs on their project, Double Standard’s set provided the perfect introduction of the band to a largely new audience, and had me sharing their music with friends before they even left the stage.

The second act of the night was the vibrant indie rock band Pom Pom Squad, hailing from Brooklyn, NYC. Performing songs from their latest third studio album, Mirror Starts Moving Without Me (2024), I loved the sweet-but-don’t-cross-me sort of vibes from the whole band, and the enchanting vocals from frontwoman Mia Berrin.

The only bummer of their set was that Berrin spent a majority of the time in dark lighting… Her outfit was gorgeous, and she had such a graceful presence… I wish the audience could see better from the back. However, this was changed throughout the set, and when they broke out the pom poms, they had a moment to (literally) shine!

After a couple of hours of anticipation and plenty of great tunes to set the mood, it was finally time for The Happy Fits to take the stage.

The four-piece put on a performance nothing short of exceptional, yet again beating expectations with their incredible stage presence and electric personalities.

The main character of the night is certainly the electric cello (well, the person playing the cello is included, of course). Vocalist and cellist Calvin Langman plays like no other, spotlighting an otherwise classical instrument in a new, indie-rock environment. This has always been and remains just one of the ways The Happy Fits are so unique – that, and their unmatched raw talent and energy, of course.

The setlist included just under half of the Lovesick album, opening with powerful singles “Cruel Power” and “Everything You Do.” Also from the latest album, The Happy Fits showcased “The Nerve,” “Shake Me,” “Black Hole,” “Do You See Me?,” and “I Could Stare at You for Hours” after a lovely proposal at the back of the house,  thanks to the band’s assistance (she said yes!).

“Lovesick #1 (Misery)” was the one song I was particularly excited to hear live. I wish I could relive the moment I first listened to this track, over and over again, as it’s perhaps my favorite from Lovesick (don’t make me choose, though). This song places a spotlight on Raina Mullen’s impeccably emotional vocals. There is something so magical about her delivery, with all its genuine angst and grace, and she exceeded my expectations early in the set.

I had the pleasure of seeing both newest members, Mullen and Nico Rose, in 2023 at Happy Fest, before they were officially a part of the band. I remember being so excited to hear two fresh female voices paired with songs I’ve known and enjoyed for years, in awe of how these beloved tracks just got better and better. Seeing them again,  years later, now permanent members and with a brand new album at their side, felt so empowering.

While focusing primarily on the new album, The Happy Fits did anything but neglect their earlier work. It was exciting to see some of my favorites, like “Do Your Worst” from Under the Shade of Green (2022) and “She Wants Me (To Be Loved)” from What Could Be Better? (2020), and some of my all-time faves, “Heart of a Dancer” and “Mary” from Concentrate (2018).

The group went even deeper into their discography when performing “Dirty Imbecile” and “Too Late” from their debut EP Awfully Apeelin’ (2016), making for a memorable show closer for longtime fans.

Beyond their own discography, The Happy Fits also did a fun cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit “Go Your Own Way,” perfectly matching the tone of the rest of the set, keeping up with their energy and performing the song as if it were their own!

If you’re in the mood for an uplifting night of positive vibes, a stacked setlist, and incredible indie-rock tunes, The Happy Fits show is the one for you. Bring a group of friends, come in a duo, or find a friend or two in the crowd– You’re bound to run into a smiling face waiting to scream lyrics beside you.

If you’ve missed out on this tour, it’s not too late! The Happy Fits will embark on the second leg of their U.S. Lovesick tour in spring 2026! Tickets and more information are available on their official website, here.

The Happy Fits’ Irving Plaza, New York, NY, 12/10/25 Setlist:

  1. Cruel Power
  2. Everything You Do 
  3. She Wants Me (To Be Loved)
  4. Moving
  5. Lovesick #1 (Misery)
  6. Dirty Imbecile
  7. Do Your Worst
  8. The Nerve
  9. Cold Turkey
  10. I Could Stare at You for hours
  11. Shake Me
  12. Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac cover)
  13. Hold Me Down
  14. So Alright, Cool, Whatever
  15. Black Hole
  16. Mary
  17. Do You See Me?
  18. Heart of a Dancer
  19. Too Late

Photos & Review byEmily McCormack

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Winona Fighter commands KEMBA Live’s “ATTENTION” on The Prowler Tour |11/29/25 | Photos & Review

December 23, 2025 Leave a comment

Winona Fighter has spent the last year cementing themselves as punk-rock royalty. From the release of their groundbreaking debut album in February to playing non-stop shows all over the world since, the Nashville-based trio is one of the best and most exciting rising acts to hit the scene in modern years. Frontwoman/multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon, lead guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther channel their own vulnerability, blistering rage and emotional turmoil to resonate with their growing community that they’ve built from the ground up.

When it was first announced that Winona Fighter would be joining Waterparks on The Prowler Tour for select dates in the midwest and west coast, I was devastated. That initial devastation soon turned to scheming with my friends to see if we could make the trip out to the closest date from New York: Columbus, Ohio. Before I knew it, I was spending eight and a half hours in a car to see the trio at KEMBA Live on November 29th. 

The second Winona Fighter stepped on stage, it solidified that I had made the right choice in traveling so far from home. Kinnon wasted no time, immediately jumping and running around the stage from the first few notes of “R U FAMOUS.” The band’s live energy is unlike anything I have ever seen. They took full advantage of the short time they had to let everyone know what they’re all about. 

For a lot of Waterparks fans, they had no idea who Winona Fighter were before walking through the doors of KEMBA Live. While I had the time of my life screaming along to every word, it was even more thrilling to watch the people around me fall in love with their music. This is one of the many things I love about showing up to shows early in time for the openers. You seriously never know if you’re going to find your new favorite artist, even if 30 minutes ago you could barely remember who was even on the bill. 

The setlist consisted of the biggest heavy-hitters from My Apologies To The Chef, including “I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE,” “You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers” and “ Wlbrn St Tvrn.” The trio also gave the crowd an incredible cover of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.” I vividly remember being blown away by their performance of the song at their New Jersey headliner earlier this year and it was exciting to see others having a similar first-time reaction. 

While the response to the band was generally positive, it shocked me a bit that we had made it almost entirely through their set with no mosh pits. This quickly changed once Kinnon offered the crowd some motivation, exclaiming that they had a job to do and Waterparks would be very unhappy with them if there continued to be no moshing. They closed out their set with “HAMMS IN A GLASS” and the mosh pit that raged on from the center was almost enough to make up for the other seven songs. 

My apologies to anyone who still has yet to see Winona Fighter live. If driving eight and a half hours just to see them again doesn’t prove how good they are, I don’t know what will. Their shows, whether supporting or headlining, are some of the most vibrant and energetic spaces I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in. This year was only the beginning for Winona Fighter and I am stoked to see where 2026 takes them next. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Grandson brings the revolution to Brooklyn on the INERTIA headlining tour at Warsaw, NYC | 11/07/25 | Photos & Review

November 21, 2025 Leave a comment

New Jersey punk rap duo HO99O9 opened the night, bringing intense, hardcore vibes to the stage. The self-identified “Death Kult Mutant Freax” are currently supporting their third album, Tomorrow We Escape. I found myself stuck in the “stank face” for their entire set, impressed with their sick vocals and blend of metal, electronic, and rock. This performance was my first impression of the band, and they quickly made a fan out of me. 

Just a few minutes before grandson’s performance, actor and comedian Walter Masterson made a surprise appearance for a quick comedy routine about recent local politics, highlighting the controversy over the NYC mayoral election earlier in the week. While HO99OR set the mood for the music, Masterson set the tone for the political motivation. 

Canadian rockstar, activist, and overall badass grandson brought his headlining tour to Brooklyn in November, marking his return to New York City as an independent artist for the first time. Supporting his third studio album, INERTIA, the “Blood // Water” singer delivered an electric performance showcasing his dynamic discography and bringing his signature activism-meets-music energy to a crowd prepared to shout by his side. 

Even in my pre-show setlist snooping (Yes, I’m one of those people), I didn’t realize that grandson would bless fans with a performance of INERTIA in its entirety! This went undetected as he intertwined his previous work between his newer songs, creating a perfect blend for longtime “grandkids” and newcomers alike. 

The first time I listened to the new album, I had my pick for the opening song of his tour… I was over the moon to find out that I had manifested the absolute banger that is “AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY ROBOT” as the first song of the night (if this didn’t set the tone for the rest of the night, I don’t know what would). This track had fans screaming at the top of their lungs for song after song; it was only fitting that he kicked things off with a bang!

I particularly enjoyed the back-to-back songs I call the “!!!” portion of the set, performing “Oh no!!!” and “We Did It!!!” one after another, tying his final modern tragedy ep in with his debut album, Death of an Optimist (2020). He also pulled from his most powerful earlier tunes, incorporating a sick back-to-back-to-back performance of “Darkside,” “Overdose,” and “6:00” just after “Stigmata,” a lineup so legendary that it would send long-time fans into a head-banging frenzy. 

Performing the entirety of INERTIA, grandson naturally played all my album favorites (and everyone else’s, of course), nailing the heightened energy for tracks like “YOU MADE ME THIS WAY” and “PULL THE TRIGGER” that I envisioned while bopping my head to the songs on my way to the show. While I love the album front to back, the live show gave me a whole new appreciation for one track in particular… 

Since the initial announcement of the headlining shows, the INERTIA tour underwent a lineup change. English punk rap duo Bob Vylan were originally set to open the night, but had their visas revoked by the U.S. after political statements made at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival about the IDF. The irony was not lost on fans, who not only share similar political ideologies but also value civil participation in government and continue to stand up for what they believe in.

Grandson played a chilling recording of Bob Vylan’s frontman, which played during “WHO’S THE ENEMY?,” a song they feature on, explaining the reason behind their absence in America. Ironically, they can’t cross the pond to perform on a song about taking a knee in the face of injustice. Grandson took a step back from the spotlight and let Bobby Vylan’s moving words take center stage:

“Our access to the country has been restricted, and our visas have been revoked […] all because we dare to speak up for the people of Palestine. And we urge each and every single person that is in the audience tonight to do the same thing. Let your government know that you do not stand by their actions…”

The room felt heavy, the room felt upset… and if nothing else would encourage a crowd of people to take action, I don’t know what would. 

Following the latest trend in tour setlists, the 17th song of the night switches from date to date, something similar to the “8-ball” song concept. grandson shared that his chosen song for Brooklyn would be for the longtime fans, surprising the audience with his single “Fallin (Temptation)” from his 2019 a modern tragedy vol. 2. In my mind, it feels like just yesterday that grandson announced that EP, so I may or may not have lost my marbles at this one (just kidding, they’re gone). 

Amid all the headbanging and mosh pits, the most memorable moment of the night was the slower side. I held back tears throughout the entire set, but the one song that I knew would break me finally did: For just one song, grandson sang on an acoustic guitar with just a spotlight, bringing to the stage his beautifully heart-wrenching song, “Heather.” It brought me back to the first time I heard the I Love You, I’m Trying (2023) track, staring at the lyrics in awe. Dedicated to a fan who took her own life, this is grandson’s letter to her and a message to his fan base: no matter how tough times get, you will always have a friend in him and his music, showing his deep appreciation for everyone in the audience, or anyone who’s ever played a track of his in their headphones. 

“This is dedicated / If you put me on your playlist / If you showed up to the stages / If I never get to say this / I’m proud of you”

The set ended with the songs that started it all: “Blood // Water.” This iconic 2018 single is what put grandson on so many fans’ radars ( it was certainly what hooked me on his music when I first heard it that same year). Also from a modern tragedy vol. 1, the night ended with the high-powered song “Stick Up,” as fans pushed their last bit of energy into one final mosh pit. I stood next to a couple who screamed the lyrics at one another with such passion, losing one another briefly to the circle pit… I couldn’t help but look at them and smile. Everyone was so alive!

If one thing’s for sure, this was a packed room filled with like-minded people – In politics, in music, in walks of life. Sometimes it’s relieving to be in a space with others and leave your worries at the door. 

In over a decade of attending concerts, I cannot say that there is a single artist who evokes more emotion in me than grandson does. He is not only a compelling and talented singer and musician, but also a genuine human being who stands up for what he believes in and gives others the strength to persevere, even in the toughest times. 

Like many others, his music has been by my side through the best times and the worst times as I graduated from high school, lived through the pandemic, and navigate adulthood. I am forever grateful for his fanbase, who are always willing to make new friends in line at the venue, or leave a positive comment on social media, and to grandson for keeping the revolution alive and kicking.

Grandson’s Warsaw, Brooklyn, NY, 11/07/25 Setlist:

  1. AUTONOMOUS DELIVER ROBOT
  2. BURY YOU
  3. We Did It!!!
  4. Oh No!!!
  5. BELLS OF WAR
  6. Stigmata
  7. GOD IS AN ANIMAL
  8. PULL THE TRIGGER
  9. Darkside
  10. Overdose
  11. 6:00
  12. LITTLE WHITE LIES
  13. SELF IMMOLATION
  14. Masters of War (Bob Dylan cover)
  15. BRAINROT
  16. WHO’S THE ENEMY
  17. Fallin (Temptation)
  18. Heather
  19. Drones
  20. YOU MADE ME THIS WAY
  21. Blood // Water

Photos & Review by Emily McCormack

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As It Is makes their triumphant return to New Jersey’s House of Independents |11/9/25 | Photos & Review

November 20, 2025 Leave a comment

For those of us who felt an As It Is-shaped hole in the scene when they announced their hiatus last year, we have never been more back. The British-American pop-punkers are currently on the road for their first United States headliner in over six years to commemorate their return and the 10th anniversary of their debut album Never Happy Ever After. On November 9th, I had the awesome opportunity to catch the band at House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey for a very special show (that also happened to be on my birthday!).

Cherie Amour was the first band of the night and one that I have been dying to see live for a few years now. The energy during their set was absolutely electric. From frontman Trey Miller’s vibrant stage presence to their infectious songs, there wasn’t a soul in that venue who wasn’t moving whether they knew the band or not. 

 

 Bearings took the stage next fresh off the release of their most recent full-length album Comfort Company, which released two days prior. The Ottawa-based group delivered a high-energy set that was a fun mix of older fan favorites and tracks from the new record. I love catching these guys live and it was exciting to hear some of the newer songs, especially “Water Your Flowers” and “Float Away.” 

 

If I was to sit here and say I didn’t tear up a little bit once As It Is got onstage and opened with “Speak Soft,” I’d be the biggest liar. I’ve been listening to the band since 2017, but had never gotten to catch them live until now. They absolutely exploded with energy once their set began and you could tell just how much the crowd and the band had been anticipating this moment. 

The first half of their set was a full play through of Never Happy Ever After. “Dial Tones,” “Sorry” and “Cheap Shots and Setbacks” were some clear standouts of the night. It was awesome to watch everyone come together to celebrate a 10 year old album like it had been released yesterday. 

The second half of their set compiled songs from the rest of their discography, including their emotional new single “Lose Yourself & Find Your Way.” Before they played this one, frontman Patty Walters confirmed that new music was being worked on and the band’s fifth album would be released sometime next year. 

I was most excited to hear tracks from their 2017 album “okay.” and I think somehow the band sensed that. After “Patchwork Love,” Walters announced to the crowd that they were about to play a song that they haven’t yet on the tour and one that they thought “New Jersey would go crazy for.” I, in fact, went crazy because the song in question was “Hey Rachel,” which is my all-time favorite of theirs. It was so fun and special to hear this song live and I can confirm that New Jersey also went crazy for it too. 

The night ended with “The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry)” and you could feel everyone in the room trying to hold onto the moment for as long as they could. This show was extra special for so many reasons. Not only was it a successful return back to the east coast for As It Is, but it was a full on celebration of their art and the community they’ve built surrounding it. Not to mention spending your 22nd birthday photographing one of your favorite bands since your teenage years is pretty cool, too. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Silversun Pickups’ epic return to The Wellmont Theater, New Jersey 8/23/25 | Photos & Review

September 7, 2025 Leave a comment

American rock band Silversun Pickups continue to treat New Jersey well. Stopping by what seems to be their favorite venue, the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ, remains a staple on their headlining tours!

While this tour has several different openers throughout its four-month run, NJ was lucky enough to be blessed with the rock throwbacks from Kentucky, Girl Tones!

Sister-duo Kenzie and Laila served as an incredible opener to the night. My introduction to them was their angst-ridden single “Blame,” which served as SiriusXM’s Alt Nation “Impact Track” this summer. Excited to see them for months, the pair certainly did not disappoint!

This performance was Silversun Pickups’ fifth show at The Wellmont Theater, last performing in September 2024 in support of their sixth studio album, Physical Thrills (2022). Though they haven’t released a new project since, the Los Angeles group is still killing it on tour, and playing fan favorites from throughout their impressive 25-year discography. 

The alternative-rock band paid homage to the late legend Ozzy Osbourne with a “Crazy Train” introduction to their hit “Panic Switch,” getting an emotional cheer from the front to the back of the house. 

I got a chuckle out of frontman Brian Aubert’s story about meeting a frog on the streets of Montclair, who asked to live in his throat for warmth before turning into a spider that altered his voice. In short, he shared that although his voice wasn’t in the best shape, there was no way he would cancel his performance at the Wellmont.

It’s always fun to see the songs I’ve known for years, performed live on stage, especially hits like “Substitution” and “Lazy Eye!” Even after the singer explained that his voice may not have been up to his standards, I kept thinking to myself: Wow, they sound even better live than in the studio!

The members of Silversun Pickups are true talents, with dynamic vocals, incredible instrumentals, and lively stage presence. This band is the real deal. 

Here’s to hoping SSPU will return to The Wellmont in another three years (or, perhaps, even sooner!) 

Silversun Pickups’ The Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ 8/23/2025 Setlist:

  1. Well Thought Out Twinkles
  2. It Doesn’t Matter Why
  3. Panic Switch
  4. Scared Together
  5. Little Lover’s So Polite
  6. Alone on a Hill
  7. Kissing Families
  8. Don’t Know Yet
  9. Three Seed
  10. Substitution
  11. Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance)
  12. Dots and Dashes (Enough Already)
  13. Empty Nest
  14. Creation Lake (The Movies cover)
  15. Lazy Eye

Photos & Review by Emily McCormack

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Idobi Radio’s Summer School Tour deserves straight As for sophomore year at Starland Ballroom | Photos & Review

September 7, 2025 Leave a comment

With their sophomore class featuring seven of the most dazzling rising acts in alternative rock, Idobi Radio’s Summer School Tour rocked New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom on August 8th. The electric lineup consisted of Huddy, If Not For Me, Arrows in Action, Beauty School Dropout, Taylor Acorn, Charlotte Sands and Rain City Drive, with each act delivering an unforgettable set that deserved straight As across the board. 

Huddy kicked off the night with “Vendetta,” the lead single from his soon-to-be-announced second record. The Los Angeles based up-and-comer warmed up the crowd with an undeniable stage presence and a setlist packed with infectious anthems. Huddy closed out his opening slot with “Cyanide,” an aggressively explosive track that features Palaye Royale and showcases his raw, invigorating live energy.

Huddy

 If Not For Me were up next and absolutely lit up Starland Ballroom from the first few seconds of their set until the very end. The Pennsylvania-born metalcore group were the heaviest of the night and gave New Jersey a lesson in guttural screams, intense mosh pits and neverending crowdsurfers. The four piece played some of their most popular heavy-hitters from their debut record Everything You Wanted, including “No Thanks To You,” “Blameless” and “Feel Me Now.”

If it wasn’t already clear, If Not For Me are one of the most electric and exciting new acts in metalcore. Frontman Patrick Glover has a commanding presence on stage that’s unlike any other, with his high-energy kicks, stellar vocals and emotionally-resonant screams that echo through every set of ears in the venue. The band’s effort to connect with the crowd paired with their inescapable passion for performing highlighted their intense energy that made If Not For Me a clear stand-out of the night. 

If Not For Me

Arrows in Action ran on stage in matching tracksuits as they threw inflatable basketballs into the crowd and the “Space Jam” theme song blared through the speakers. They kicked off their set with a mash-up of two of their recent singles, “Feel It Again” and “Light Like You,” from their upcoming sophomore record I Think I’ve Been Here Before that releases later this month. The pop rock trio delivered a fun, energetic performance of their new music and older fan favorites from their debut album Built To Last, including “Uncomfortably Numb” and “Over It.” Their breezy, interactive performance of “Head in the Clouds” was also one of the highlights of their whimsical and impactful set.

Arrows In Action

BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT delivered a high-energy set complete with their unrelenting, dynamic punk spirit. Opening with “FEVER,” the energy in the crowd completely shifted into a chaotic, thrilling atmosphere that ate up every second of their performance. This stayed consistent as they made their way through their 7 song setlist, before eventually finishing with “FIGHT MODE” as Starland Ballroom obeyed the lyrics and opened a mosh pit as if it was a cyclone. 

BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT

Taylor Acorn put on one “Hell Of A Show,” as she opened her portion of the night with a dynamic performance of the track from her debut effort Survival In Motion. Arguably standing as one of pop-punk’s most interesting modern acts, Acorn delivered a set full of cathartic singalongs, infectious guitar riffs and vengeful anthems. “Goodbye, Good Riddance” and “Final Nail” saw the singer at her most vibrant and electric as the audience screamed back every word. 

Taylor Acorn

Charlotte Sands delivered the second to last performance of the night with her iconic bright blue hair and powerful vocals. Her stage presence was undoubtedly captivating and enticing. Her effortless ability to command the stage beneath her was undeniable from the moment she stepped on stage. Her set definitely rivaled If Not For Me’s for most crowdsurfers of the evening as it felt like every second someone was up in the air hurdling towards the barricade, especially during the heavy rendition of her most popular hit “Dress.” Sands concluded her set with her ‘brat-rock summer’ anthem “HUSH” that left the crowd in awe of her vigor and talent. 

Charlotte Sands

I knew Starland Ballroom was in for a treat the second I found out Rain City Drive would be headlining the evening. Skyrocketing to the forefront of the scene with their 2024 record Things Are Different Now, the group delivered a stunning display of their alt-rock grit and vulnerable lyricism with this heavy-hitting set. “Concrete Closure” and “Frozen” got the crowd relentlessly moving, from huge circle pits to multiple crowdsurfers having the time of their lives. It was the perfect end to the night and allowed the crowd one last hurrah before the school bell rang for dismissal. 

Rain City Drive

If I was the one grading this year’s sophomore class, everyone would receive a perfect report card. Idobi Radio’s Summer School Tour stands as a reminder of why it’s so important to foster community within the scene and uplift its most vibrant rising acts. Even long after Rain City Drive had concluded their set, multiple bands were hanging out at their merch tables chatting with fans, signing albums and setlists and thanking everyone for coming out. The touring festival’s sophomore year was a complete success and I’m super excited to see what’s in store for next year’s junior class.

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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The Afterglow Tour Lights Up Anaheim: Sleep Theory Feat. Nevertel, Oxymorrons, & Stray View Deliver Big | 5/31/25 | Photos + Review

August 27, 2025 Leave a comment

Sleep Theory has been on heavy rotation for me ever since their 2023 EP Paper Hearts dropped. Their sound is an electrifying blend of modern metalcore and hard rock, laced with just enough 2000s nu-metal nostalgia to hit that sweet spot. They’ve been storming the scene like a summer downpour in the South, and honestly? It shows. For the first leg of their debut headliner in support of their debut album Afterglow, Sleep Theory ripped through Anaheim alongside Nevertel, Oxymorrons, and Stray View—selling out their only California stop. From the pit to the stage lights, the energy never dipped once.

Stray View (Dallas, TX)

Opening the night was Stray View, who wasted no time setting the bar high. Easily the heaviest support on the bill, they kicked things off with “Who You Really Are” from their Displace/Erase EP—a synth-heavy punch that locked me in immediately. Frontman Dave Escamilla commanded the stage with a presence that felt larger than life, while guitarist Brandon Rodriguez’s downtuned riffs hit like a hammer. Bassist Jake Lewis provided crushing low-end, especially on the freight-train intensity of their newest single “Come Down”. Their experimental streak shined on “Forget It”, which pulled the crowd into an industrial haze, showing just how versatile this band can be. With drummer Lucas Vitullo driving everything forward with relentless energy, Stray View’s seven-song set was a perfect spark to ignite the night.

SETLIST

  1. Who You Really Are
  2. Come Down
  3. Forget It
  4. Escape
  5. Vivid
  6. Wasteland
  7. The Riddle

Oxymorrons (Queens, NY)

Next up were Oxymorrons, who brought rap-rock chaos and swagger in full force. Brothers Dave “D” and Ashmy “KI” Bellevue worked the crowd with co-lead vocals, bouncing between fiery rap verses and raw screams with ease. They opened with Enemy off their newest album Melanin Punk, laying trap-infused beats over sharp nu-metal riffage that had the crowd moving instantly. Green Vision and Head For The Hills followed, with Jafe Paulino’s guitar work slicing through and drummer Matty Mayz pounding out massive grooves. Oxymorrons thrive in high-energy delivery and crowd interaction—their eight-song set felt like a party onstage, a collision of grit and swagger that proved they’re not just part of rap-rock’s revival, they’re pushing it forward.

SETLIST

  1. Enemy
  2. Green Vision
  3. Head For The Hills
  4. Definition
  5. Melanin Punk
  6. Insomnia
  7. Look Alive (Netic)
  8. Justice

Nevertel (Tampa, FL)

By the time Nevertel hit the stage, the room was buzzing. I’ve been spinning them since their 2021 album Everything In My Mind, so finally seeing and photographing them live was a huge moment. They opened with Losing Faith from their upcoming record Start Again, locking the crowd in immediately with their blend of heavy rock and melodic flair. Jeremy Michael’s smooth, almost delicate vocal tone stood in sharp contrast to Raul Lopez Jr.’s rap and R&B layers—together, their dynamic felt fresh and exciting. Tracks like Sacrifice and Back On Me leaned hard into trap-rock fusion, with Kevin Marks’ precision drumming and Alec Davis’ downtuned riffs pushing the breakdowns into filthy territory. Over ten songs spanning their catalog, Nevertel showcased why they’re one of the most compelling crossover acts in the scene right now. Genre lines blurred, energy soared, and by the end, they’d set the stage perfectly for Sleep Theory’s arrival.
SETLIST

  1. Losing Faith
  2. Sacrifice
  3. Back On Me
  4. Sym
  5. Feed The Machine
  6. Modified
  7. Some Things
  8. No Reverse
  9. Everything In My Mind
  10. Criminal

Sleep Theory (Memphis, TN)

Finally, it was time for Sleep Theory—and they did not disappoint. They stormed in with “Fallout”, the perfect mission statement for their sound: modern hard rock colliding with Linkin Park-style nu-metal and a dose of metalcore grit. Cullen Moore’s vocals were the centerpiece, soaring and crystal-clear, cutting through every layer of sound. Daniel Pruitt’s riffs and grooves paired perfectly with Paolo Vergara’s deep basslines, both pulling double duty with strong backing vocals, while Ben Pruitt’s intricate drum patterns elevated tracks like “III” and “Paralyzed”. This debut headlining setlist was no half-measure. Twenty songs stretched across Paper Hearts and Afterglow, bolstered by bold covers—Paramore’s “My Heart”, NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye”, Boyz II Men’s “Can You Stand The Rain”, and even Nevertel’s “Break The Silence”. Pair that with a slick lighting production, and Sleep Theory felt like a band already built for arenas. They’ve solidified themselves as one of the fastest-rising names in the heavy scene, and if this first tour is the blueprint, their trajectory is only up from here.

The best part? All four bands are hitting the road again for the second leg of The Afterglow Tour (Sept 18–Oct 12, US). If it comes to your city, don’t miss it. These are the acts shaping heavy music’s future.

SETLIST

  1. Fallout
  2. Enough
  3. Parasite
  4. Hourglass
  5. Just A Mistake
  6. Gone or Staying
  7. Can You Stand The Rain (Boyz II Men cover)
  8. Bye Bye Bye (NSYNC cover)
  9. Afterglow
  10. Gravity
  11. III
  12. Paralyzed
  13. Break The Silence (Nevertel cover)
  14. My Heart (Paramore cover)
  15. It’s Over
  16. Another Way
  17. Words Are Worthless
  18. Stuck In My Head
  19. Numb
  20. Static

Sleep Theory | Nevertel | Oxymorrons | Stray View

Photos + Review Courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | X

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