Originally posted to wluw.org on 9/12/19.
Mannequin Pussy grabbed Chicago by the balls last night at their sold-out Lincoln Hall show. Originally booked at the sister venue Schubas Tavern, it was no surprise that Chicago folks turned out to see the established, and yet, rising band from Philly. Similar to their namesake, Mannequin Pussy wows and excites the crowd regardless of the setting-- whether it’s a killer set from last year’s Riot Fest or a successful new album tour.
It first should be noted how killer the bill was before Mannequin Pussy even graced the stage. First up was Ellis, which could be characterized as emo-indie-punk. The double guitars brought the heat and piqued the interest of many as the crowd filed in for the night.
Next up was Destroy Boys, a young Sacramento quartet with quite the Chicago following. After recording an Audiotree Session that afternoon, the garage rock riot grrrls arrived with extreme force. Lead singer Alexia energized the crowd with her relatable lyricism and total devotion to the punk performance. She bravely jumped into the mosh pit several times, and called for an all-girls and nonbinary pit. Her persona offstage similarly reflected female empowerment, offering advice to a young fan after the show (so wholesome I could cry).
We were all feeling a little impatient to see Mannequin Pussy by the end of the night. But as we know, Patience is a virtue. Marisa Dabice welcomed the packed house with her angular vocals, charismatic performance style, and resolute band alongside her. The debut song of the night was the self-titled track from their new album, entitled Patience. The crowd responded with polite moshing as they sang along to new and old favorites.
Marisa took some time to reveal how this tour is being perceived as the band’s first “headlining tour,” despite touring for years as musicians before the release of their third LP. She encouraged marginalized artists to make their art and promote it in this troubled state we live in. After teasing an unreleased song, the band shifted into “Drunk II,” which contains the perfect scream-along chorus : “Everyone says to me / Missy you’re so strong / But what if I don’t wanna be?”
The night ended with an emblematic song, and the final track off the new album, “In Love Again.” The optimism of falling in love (again) eased the audience with all of its grandiose and hopefulness. Looking onward, Mannequin Pussy will continue to capture the hearts of their fans, and sell out venues on their way--even if the world is burning all around us.
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