by Norm de Veyra
Philadelphia’s Mannequin Pussy continue to cultivate their status as indie-punk darlings after Saturday night’s blistering Sacramento show that followed a triumphant and notable Outside Lands appearance the day before.
The triple digit heat did little to deter the line of fans snaked around the block outside Channel 24 for the sold out show. No doubt a testament to the strength of the lineup anchored by Cap City’s own coheadliners and fellow punk rising stars, Destroy Boys. The Irish indie band, NewDad, opened up the evening with MP following.
Pulling mostly from the group’s latest LP, I Got Heaven, the hourlong set wasted no time settling in and getting the packed crowd amped and moving. From the opening trio of “Sometimes”, “Nothing Like”, and “Softly” the propulsive drumline eased everyone into a steady groove. The set hit its frenzied highs midway through with a block that showcased “I Got Heaven”, “Of Her”, and “Aching” and didn’t let up until nicely capping off the evening with 2016’s “Romantic”.
Simply put — Marisa Dabice is as a formidable lead; a coy powerhouse of a singer with a dynamic presence. Often cooing in a calming voice one minute then quickly transitioning into an explosive chorus. It’s a thrilling progression to experience as it was over the weekend. Dabice remained front and center throughout most of the evening with bandmates, Colins Regisford (bass) and Maxine Steen (guitar) holding position at her sides. Drummer, Kaleen Reading, held it down upstage center. The stage remained mostly bare with only a large white backdrop with a graphic and band name as decoration.
Mannequin Pussy is a band that isn’t messing around. They hit hard, fast, and often with a primal urgency and honesty that speaks to the very core of rock music. A break near the end of the set to call for unity, inclusion, and care for the most marginalized communities received the loudest and most positive roar of approval from the audience that night. They are a must-see band for these current times with the chops and music to back up any of the hype.
They head off to Europe for festival dates in August but return stateside in September for additional I Got Heaven tour dates through October.
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