​The Roxian Theater was grooving on Tuesday May 20th as George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic were in town!  The Pittsburgh rain did not chase anyone away, as the line to get into the Roxian went as far as the eye could see. George Clinton has been playing music for almost 70 years and still has not missed a beat.  He has worked with so many hip hop icons like TuPac, Snoop, Dre, Ice Cube and so many more. Also, his voice was featured in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

George made it out on stage to a thunderous roar from the packed crowd dressed in his famous sequined hat and robe.  P-Funk as they are often referred as have an interesting hip hop, funk, and rock n roll sound. This atmosphere made everyone move their feet for the entire evening.

If you are looking for a fun evening, I highly suggest checking out one of their shows. You are guaranteed to feel the funk!

Review/Photo By: Bob Piskor

Indianapolis natives, a notable hometown powerhouse of a band, Normundy, finished off their Immolate Tour with the feral prowess of tourmates FivebyFive at Black Circle on Saturday. Setting the tone for a verily enthralling night at such an unassuming venue with an outside presentation more akin to a geriatric office building than a music space; inside, however, immediately floods with authentic rock show experience featuring highly graffitied bathrooms and can't-be-ruined-by-mosh-pit- enthusiasts barstools: Chaos In Composure was first to grace the stage delivering a performance that left no clues this was their first time and it certainly won't be their last with a transfixing presence.
Taking stage after the opening newbies came a rare treat in the likes of female fronted Palecurse, a band you don't want to sleep on if you love it when the music hits you like a crowdsurfer boot to the head- unsuspectingly unforgettable just the same. There is something to be adored in a powerful vocalist commanding any room to witness such talent. A voice that makes it easy to forget she has band mates alongside her, but this performance gave us the comfort of familiarity we didn't know we needed before the stark intensity of the band to follow.

FivebyFive will leave you feeling hyped between the witty banter, light hearted shenanigans and a stage presence to fully match their unapologetic intense sound mixing rock, trap and metal: witnessing their captivating performance and stopping by their merch booth will have you giggling harder about their self proclaimed "music that cures even the worst case of daddy issues" bio line. Those gents know how to bring the heat and chill it out with all the humor; a fabulous lead up to the headliner and arguably most neck breaking performance of the night. Normundy brings a stage presence that will have you questioning if you were given the wrong ticket; a phenomenally enthralling experience rivaling veteran bands like Papa Roach and Fever333, you will soon find yourself effortlessly earning that bangover from rocking out so uncontrollably. From verily talented dual vocalists to well dressed baddies absolutely slaying guitars and a sincerely unique sound, it's hard to believe this band isn't already dominating sold out rooms with thousands of people. Moreso when you stop by their merch booth to find the softest hoodies and most comfortable beanies of your life.

  Hands down, closing night for the Immolate Tour was immeasurably one well worth the time that shall not soon be forgotten!

Review/Photo By: ​Josie Moreau

​Carbon Leaf has been making music for the better part of 30 years, often describing their sound as “ether-electrified porch music,” after an early album. It’s the kind of music that you can sit back and enjoy, or get up and dance and sing along in harmony, depending on your mood. The band’s music has evolved over the years, including a subset of songs with a distinctly celtic flair, making them a staple across the country’s Irish festivals. But with the long-awaited release of their 2024 album Time is the Playground, Carbon Leaf takes a fresh look at their porch music style. 

Tuesday’s show featured six new songs from the new album, interspersed throughout the show with fan-favorites from across their discography. They opened with the new album’s title track, moving seamlessly through the setlist and keeping the energy flowing. This show was the first after an unexpected break in touring for guitarist Terry Clark’s rotator cuff surgery, but the band didn’t miss a beat, literally or figuratively. That did, however, lead to plenty of jokes about the difficulties of getting older. Still, the band performs like a well-oiled machine. The setlist was thoughtfully crafted and the banter entertaining. It’s the kind of performance that comes from years on the road together while remaining passionate about their craft.

The new songs and this tour feels both familiar and fresh. Singer Barry Privett’s lyrics are deeply personal and nostalgic but also relatable. The guitar and mandolin driven melodies had the audience clapping along, easily joining to sing in harmony with the band. Near the end of the set, Carbon Leaf brought out their signature one-mic setup, with all 5 members performing several acoustic songs around a single microphone at center stage before returning to ramp up the energy with a few Irish-inspired favorites. 

After a brief break, Carbon Leaf returned to the stage for a two-song encore, discussing their many previous visits to the Pittsburgh area and highlighting the variety of local venues available for artists in all stages of their careers. They finished the evening with their 2004 song “Let Your Troubles Roll By,” giving guitarist Carter Gravatt time to show off his talents before finishing the show and taking a bow to a standing ovation from the audience. It’s clear that Carbon Leaf will always be welcome to visit Pittsburgh and will always have fans here to sing along.

Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre

​The Roxian was packed and ready to go on Friday as Chiodos brought their tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album, All’s Well That Ends Well. From the first song of the opening band, the crowd was in a high-energy mood and ready to mosh. First to the stage, The Callous Daoboys from Atlanta, started the night with fast, intense beats accompanied by heavy guitar and violin riffs. Their 30-minute set was relentless, quickly setting high expectations for the evening. They were followed by Emmure who picked up where the Daoboys left off, bringing the first crowd surfers out of the pit with their heavy sound and solid vocals. Though only a 4-piece band, Emmure had a huge stage presence and everyone was primed and ready for the main acts of the evening.

Following the two openers, emo legends Hawthorne Hights took to the stage in matching jumpsuits. Despite the main theme of the night being hardcore, Hawthorne Heights fit right into the mix. Their singable melodies and more than 20 years performing together made their set tight and memorable. Vocalist JT Woodruff joked that although the other bands may have a harder sound, Hawthorne Heights was really the most metal of them all, since their music hit your emotions. Though not quite mosh-pit energy, the entire Roxian crowd was on their feet screaming the words to “Ohio is for Lovers” to close out their 45-minute set. Band members even took a few minutes to greet fans at the merch table after their performance.

Finally, and with much anticipation, Chiodos took to the stage. Vocalist Craig Owens, the only original member of the band, grabbed the audience’s attention and didn’t let go. His high-energy performance brought the mosh pit to a frenzy. Chiodos played All’s Well That Ends Well in full, and the crowd shouted every lyric over the tight and well-rehearsed music. What was clearly a pivotal album for many was only the first half of an unforgettable night. After a brief break and background change for the stage, Chiodos returned to play some fan-favorites, much to the delight of the crowd. For well over an hour, fans danced, moshed, and partied away their Friday night to songs that brought back memories for many. This was not a show where people began to shuffle for the doors to avoid traffic. This was a nostalgia-fueled show with energy that leaves fans craving more. Since their return to the stage late last year, Chiodos has an obviously ravenous fan base who will surely support many more years of touring.

Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre

Taking the stage first was Nothing More, a Texas- based group who have been performing since 2003. Although they did not achieve mainstream success until the mid-2010s, it is clear they have built a loyal and passionate fan base. Vocalist Jonny Hawkins took the stage in his signature style: shoeless and shirtless and covered in black and white body paint. He expertly prowled the catwalk and pandered to the crowd while delivering strong vocals and a high-energy performance. Not to be out-shined by their frontman, the band leant their own energy with strong, tight guitars and headbanging drums. It may have been a long road for the group, but it likely won't be long now until they headline an arena four of their own.

Next to the stage was Daughtry, Aband made famous after singer Chris Daughtry's American Idol showing in 2006. Although they may have made their name with a lighter rock sound, Daughtry has since been leaning into A heavier sound, as evidenced by recent collaborations with rockers Bad Wolves and Nothing More. The group's performance featured heavy guitar and drums which perfectly complemented Chis Daughtry's strong clear vocals. Their sound grabbed the audience and got everyone primed for the main act.

Finally, the crowd reached the height of anticipation as Disturbed appeared behind a translucent curtain. Singer David Draiman was wheeled onto the stage and mask reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter. The band quickly moved to the opening chords of "Voices,” the first song on their debut album, The Sickness. for the 25th anniversary of this album which spawned a generation of metal fans, Disturbed played two sets. The first set featured The Sickness in full, while the second set featured a collection of greatest hits. 

They may be 25 years older, but the band sounded exactly the same. The music was tight as ever, with Draiman's signature vocals leading the crowd. The stage featured a large, industrial backdrop with occasional pyrotechnics exploding to the beat. Though bright and attention - grabbing, the sparks and flames only enhanced the power of the songs instead of distracting the crowd. Though a band of only 4, the members of Disturbed took over the stage and wowed fans, showing why they have been a metal powerhouse for 2 and a half decades.

Review/Photo By: ​Aarika MacIntyre

Nashville-based duo Doublecamp opened the show at the Thunderbird with an energetic set, encouraging the audience to sing and clap along to almost every song. Their pop/hip-hop inspired vocals and bass-driven sound warmed up the crowd, getting everyone moving and in the mood to dance along. Doublecamp had some fans of their own in the crowd, singing along to all of their music. Those who had never heard of the group were quickly won over, and visited the merch booth after the show to chat, take photos, and support the band.

Sub-Radio has built up a loyal audience online with their fun, catchy, and relatable social media content, most of which appears to have been filmed in their practice space: a basement. Their stage presence is just as high-energy, with endlessly repeatable lyrics and strong vocals backed by tight musical performances. Sub-Radio opened the show with their summer sing-along “Pink Lemonade” prompting singalongs from the first notes. 

Mid-way through the 90-minute set, singer Adam Bradley, who is openly bisexual, discussed the challenges of living in Washington DC and encouraged the crowd to support the trans community in any way they can. He also called for an end to silence, inviting fans to “make anyone who would tear down or scapegoat transgender people the object of your mockery, ridicule and scorn… it’s time to stop screwing around.” He then enlisted the “people of Pittsburgh, go out and be mean to your local bigot tomorrow.” This statement was met with cheers from every member of the audience, before the band moved seamlessly into their song “Cool,” a song about loving and accepting yourself exactly as you are.

The band also teased the release of a new album “in just a few short months” by playing several new songs touching on mental health and curating a brand new singalong to “heaven heaven heaven,” a song Bradley called the upcoming album’s “thesis statement.” He explained that although we may have plenty of nostalgia and wishing for better days of the past, the real joy is finding heaven with who you have right beside you, right now.

Sub-Radio’s show was about music, fun, singing, and dancing to all of the fans favorite songs. But it was also a place for the crowd to come together and be unapologetically themselves, and curating a community of like-minded folks in real life and not just on social media. The band is a beacon of light and hope for those who feel downtrodden, and it’s clear the fans respond to the message. 

​Review/Photo By: ​Aarika MacIntyre

I have photographed artist such as Aurora who uses the same techniques and similar styles. This includes riffs, reverb, as well as hitting really high notes. Norwegian musicians drastically use their voice a lot more than instruments when it comes to their work. I assumed I would be seeing something similar at tonight’s show, but was blown away by the diverse vocal range.

The artist Sylvaine music is the finishing piece of when you mix Norwegian multi-instrumental music. When you first look at this artist you see she is youthful. Her long flowing blonde hair gives her the otherworldly look. Her delicate facial features, yet intense expressiveness.
She has a striking and ethereal presence that perfectly compliments her atmosphere.
Throughout her serious and composed demeanor during the show is an artist that engages to her audience after the songs are over. Separating herself from her art.

In her album she uses a mix of black metal- post rock and show gaze. This creates a deep balance of delicate,reverb, as well as riffs that cause an echo around all of the audience. 

Her songs explore themes such as existence, inner struggle, nature, and spirituality. Most of which is in Norwegian, even if you don’t understand the lyrics you will through the sound. Her song (“L’appel Du Vide”) played above this previous photo shows exactly how raw the riffs of the guitar and speed can correlate to its meaning.

One of her popular songs involving raw vocals almost screamo is (“Mørklagt”). To anyone who isn’t used to this type of music you would think a woman wouldn’t be the one behind the microphone!  Sylvaine Music uses techniques such as kulning for the high pitches verses to signify a loss, and deep expression.

To anyone who has never heard of Norwegian music, or seen an artist they sound exactly like they do when they upload it. One of the very large growing group of artist who does not use auto tune or high editing in their work. It is very natural and engaging. 

Review/Photos By: Maya McKeefery​

Silverstein brought their 25 Years of Noise tour to Stage AE for the venue’s first show of the year on Friday with a high-energy, fan-centric performance.

First to the stage was Split Chain, a grunge/nu-metal inspired band all the way from Bristol England. Though the venue was only about half full, the crowd clearly resonated with the band’s heavy sound with memorable guitar and vocal hooks. Split Chain may be a new band, but they had the early arrivals to the show forming a mosh pit by the end of their  set, and are definitely one to watch as they break into the US market.

The second opener of the evening was Arm’s Length, a Canada-based emo/pop-punk group. The group’s clean vocals and catchy guitar riffs combined with a relentless touring schedule have seen them quickly gain fans and invitations to festivals throughout the country. The Silvestein crowd was no exception. Many early show arrivals were already fans singing along to their favorite songs, while new listeners were happy to dance along. Both early openers, despite being relative newcomers to Pittsburgh, set the tone for a fun, high energy night.

The final opening band was Thursday, the post-hardcore band who have been making music for the better part of three decades. Despite a mid-2000s hiatus and limited new music released since 2011, the band has plenty of fans in Pittsburgh. A throwback to their punk influences, Thursday made their political stances clear, including some anti-establishment statements that resonated with the audience. Their sound was heavy, singer Geoff Rickly’s vocals strong and emotional prompting the formation of another mosh pit and priming fans for the main act.

Silverstein opened their set with a video tribute to the fans. Their video chronicled the band’s start playing small venues to a handful of fans, and their growth through the years. The video highlighted the fact that the band would not be where it is without crowds to attend their shows and spread the word about their music. Silverstein took the stage to cheers, opening with their recent songs “Skin and Bones” and “Confession” from their upcoming album Anitbloom. They then encouraged the crowd to form a circle pit as they moved into a heavier song. 

Silverstein designed their setlist starting with their most recent songs, moving back through their discography throughout the nights. Fans had had the opportunity to vote on the songs selected from each album, and as such were delighted to hear many of their favorites. Crowdsurfing was common throughout the night, with varying degrees of success.* The show included a mid-set acoustic song or two, along with some chatting by vocalist Shane Told. But most of the night was about the music, and it was clear that the band was enjoying the performance as much as the fans. They laughed, moving around the stage and pointing out the antics of the crowd. It seems that even after 25 years, Silverstein are still riding that high of connecting with their fans through live performances.

*If you’re planning to crowdsurf at a future show, make your body stiff to avoid being dropped (likely on your head!) and be aware, not every venue allows crowdsurfing. Stay safe out there!

Review/Photos By: Aarika MacIntyre

The Young Dubliners may not be quite so young anymore, but they certainly know how to bring an audience to their feet. On Wednesday, January 8th they took the stage at the City Winery, opening with a bass solo and an instrumental tune to warm up the crowd. Then lead singer Keith Roberts took over with his deep raspy vocals and Irish brogue, ramping up the energy and setting the tone for the night.

After a few fan favorite songs, the band transitioned into a few new songs, teasing the upcoming release of a new album. They then seamlessly picked up the pace with some traditional Irish songs, including “I’ll Tell Me Ma” and “Foggy Dew,” prompting singalongs from the crowd. Fans would definitely have been dancing had there been enough room! But the seating didn’t stop any of the fun as the band moved through more original songs, taking time to highlight the talents of each band member with solos for the fiddle, lead guitar, drums, and bass. 

The band slowed the evening down with “Pair of Brown Eyes” before leaving the stage with only violinist Chas Waltz to carry the music. He spent the next 10 minutes winding his fiddle through an epic story composed of traditional jigs and reels interspersed with slower, moody pieces full of emotion. The show may have been at a winery, but for a few minutes the crowd was transported to an Irish pub.

The Young Dubliners returned to the stage, picking up the action again with two more original tunes before bidding the crowd good night. But the crowd wasn’t satisfied. It only took a few moments of chants of “one more song!” to bring the band back for not just one, but three more songs. A  few intrepid fans even found some space to get up and dance, encouraging more people to join in. The night ended as any good Irish show should: with dances, cheers, and toasts.

​Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre

Steel Panther has always been a fan favorite of the Steel City, and this year’s visit was no exception. The show was opened by Stone Horses, a rock band out of Baltimore, Maryland. The four-piece band got the fans ready to rock with their high-energy blend of blues grooves over a heavy rock beat. Their unique sound resonated with the crowd, who enjoyed the high energy performance and original rock tunes.

The main act of the night was Steel Panther, a glam rock comedy band based in Los Angeles. They opened the night with their hit “Eyes of a Panther” to cheers and most of the crowd singing along. Steel Panther has a well-deserved reputation for a fun high-energy, 80’s hair band metal parody performance. Friday’s show was no exception. Band members Michael Starr, Satchel, Spyder, and Stix (all stage names, of course) entertained fans with solid performances of their most popular songs and comedic banter throughout the 90-minute show. This year’s tour is a celebration of the 15th anniversary of their first major record label album, “Feel the Steel.”  

Steel Panther may be a bit of an acquired taste for many listeners. Their lyrics are overtly profane, their shows explicit and definitely not for children. Yet it’s clear it’s all in good fun, the songs very much tongue-in-cheek comedy; the band’s on stage personas are over-the-top parodies of the glam metal music scene. The act clearly resonates with fans, with many coming dressed up in their glam rock best, singing along and letting loose for an evening and returning show after show. Sometimes people need a night to trade their day job for a night of absurd fun, and Steel Panther is happy to facilitate.

Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre

The Spill Canvas brought their Bottle of Red Tour (version 3!) to the City Winery in Pittsburgh on Monday, November 18. Their limited tour, which included City Winery locations across the northeast, featured new takes on old favorites and a few new songs. 

Fans packed the City Winery, enjoying the venue before the show. With no supporting acts, The Spill Canvas started the show without fanfare. Unlike their usual rock shows, this set featured the addition of violin, keyboard, trumpet, and even accordion accompaniment on most of the songs. These new arrangements had an energy all their own, a more low-key acoustic style but with singer Nick Thomas’ solid and emotional vocals. Mid-show, Thomas took the opportunity to speak about his struggles with mental health and sobriety before performing a solo version of “Self-Conclusion.” 

Pittsburgh loves The Spill Canvas. A dedicated fan base packs the house regardless of the venue, singing along to old and new songs. The City Winery crowd enthusiastically responded to the stripped-down show throughout the evening, embracing the reimagined versions of old favorites. The band thanked the crowd for their 20-plus years of support through trials and triumphs, emphasizing that these songs are not just the bands but the shared experiences of everyone who hears and sings along. 

The tour continues for just one more weekend, but The Spill Canvas has scheduled several one-off shows through the end of the year.

​Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre

Wednesday night saw the opening night of Tall Heights’ Softly Softly tour at the Thunderbird Cafe. The show was opened by Dug, a folk duo based in Dublin Ireland. Although only having been a band for around one year, Dug’s sound had the crowd tapping their toes and moving to the music. Their sound, a blend of traditional Irish and American folk, was made all the richer by members Jonny Pickett and Lorkin O’Reilly accompanying themselves with a harmonium on the floor and bells strapped to their feet. Despite being a new band, Dug has clearly had plenty of experience in the music business, entertaining the crowd with stories and a song about the best and worst concert promoters (the Thunderbird, they said, is one of the best so far). After their set, O’Reilly and Pickett greeted fans and sold their hand-dyed Dug t-shirts and stickers. After the enthusiastic reception for their first show, I suspect they’ll need to dye another batch soon.

The main event was the return of Tall Heights to Pittsburgh. Also a folk duo, primarily playing cello and an acoustic guitar, Paul Wright and Tim Harrington played a stripped-down set without frills or fanfare. Wright and Harrington let the music and stories shine, and it paid off in a big way. The music was calm and quiet, reaching directly to the hearts of audience members.

The show also featured the live debut of a number of songs from the new album “Softly Softly.” Despite their claims of minimal practice and nerves playing the new music, their sound was clean and rich, and the vocals a beautiful harmony. It may be 15 years of making music together, it may be shaking off the dust of a break in touring, but the night was a showcase of storytelling and the emotions of the human experience. From the evolution of love with a long-term partner to the loss of loved ones and frustration with the current political climate, this show was more of a collective cathartic experience that reminded the crowd not of what makes us different, but how we are all alike.

The Softly Softly tour continues through January, with Dug providing support through all November tour dates.

​Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre

Pop Evil and Bad Wolves co-headlined the Animal Instincts tour that rocked an intimate crowd of die-hard fans at the Roxian Theatre on November 7. 

Five-piece metal band from Canada, Oni, took the stage first to warm up the crowd. As the first of four bands, they had limited space on the stage, but made the most of what was available. Oni delivered heavy, yet musically complex songs with strong vocals that got the fans ready to headbang through the evening.

Next to the stage was Sierra Pilot, another Canadian rock group who took the energy up another notch. Their songs combine melodic, highly-singable choruses with heavy, fast verses with driving beats. Their clear enthusiasm drew in many new Pittsburgh fans. After their set Sierra Pilot met with fans at the merch table and really connected with everyone. They continued this energy after the show, staying back and continuing to meet their fans and signing autographs. 

The first headliner, Bad Wolves, opened their set with heavy-hitting “Bad Friend.” Fans sang along from the first notes. Singer Daniel Laskiewicz kept the crowd fired up, offering fist bumps and chances to sing along, often singing directly to fans at the rail. Closing out the set with their cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” the crowd sang along, clearly having enjoyed the show and ready for the next act.

To finish the evening, Pop Evil blew their set open with their hit “Eye of the Storm.” Their energy was infectious, with guitarists bouncing around the stage, through smoke machines flanking the drum kit, and headbanging with the crowd. Mid-set the band paused for an acoustic performance of their song “100 in a 55” featuring singer Leigh Kakaty accompanied by Pittsburgh native Nick Fuelling on guitar. Pop Evil quickly ramped the energy back up to finish the set with a few heavier songs, followed by a one-song encore.

Though an intimate crowd for the Roxian, it was clear the fans were there to rock, and the bands delivered in a big way. After an emotional week in the city, the bands and concert goers avoided talking politics, instead focusing on what brings people together: the music.

Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre​

Sueco (whose name means “Swedish” in Spanish) rocked the Roxian Theater on Tuesday, October 29, with one of the final stops in his Attempted Lover Tour. Taking the stage to warm up the crowd, Suicidal-Idol performed bass-heavy electronic dance songs. The 20-year-old EDM artist skipped and bounced around the stage while delivering their vocals over the pre-recorded backing track. Despite the genre not being a great fit for the Roxian’s crowd, some pit members definitely enjoyed the beat.

Shortly before the main act began, guitarist James Marino took to the stage and announced to the crowd, “Sueco is super sick, so you guys need to sing extra loud tonight, okay?” And with that, the show began. Sueco, clad in red leather, opened the show with the recent releases “Bathroom Floor” and “Anastasia.” From his entry on the stage, Sueco pandered to the crowd, encouraging them to sing along, leaning for fist bumps and moving to the ramp to sing directly to audience members. 

Despite the warning, Sueco's performance showed little evidence of illness. His voice was a bit hoarse while bantering between songs, but otherwise, he was at the top of his game. Perhaps it was a bit of late-tour momentum or the excitement of the recent release of the deluxe version of the Attempted Lover album. Regardless, Sueco is an artist who values his fans and their enjoyment of his performance, which was clear in how he chatted with audience members and even paused the show to sign the arms of two fans (to be turned into tattoos, of course). Midway through the set, both guitarists crowd surfed, followed by Sueco himself and a few fans. 

Energy remained high throughout the entire show, both from the stage and the crowd. The set ended with a few older songs, with Sueco encouraging the audience to sing the lyrics, which they knew well. His voice held through the entire show, both clean and unclean vocals. When finishing the set with fan-favorite “Paralyzed,” the venue had the vibe of one big family connected through a shared love of music. And yes, ever the crowd-pleaser, Sueco returned to the stage for an encore, earning a much-deserved day off to rest his voice before the tour picks up on October 31 in Philadelphia.

​Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre

​The 90’s punk icons of Lit garnered a huge crowd during the final night of the annual four day Ribfest event that takes place in the big parking lot of the Fargodome venue in Fargo, ND. The fest features four days of award winning ribs and sides and nights filled with huge bands that bring out large crowds. Ribfest began Wednesday with music from country act Parmalee followed by Diamond Rio on Thursday and the rock band Fuel on Friday before closing out the festival with Lit on Saturday night.

The show was opened by local band FM All Stars who brought up the energy with their upbeat covers of hit songs across many genres. FM All Stars played from 7:15-8:15 as the night crowd rolled into the venue before Lit took the stage around 8:45pm and opened their set with “Kicked Off the Plane” from their seventh and latest studio album, Tastes Like Gold.

The setlist featured a handful of newer tracks from their recent release as well as all the hits and throwbacks like “Zip-Lock” and “Miserable” the crowd was eager to hear live! The setlist also featured a cover of “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and “Let’s Go” by The Cars, which they also recorded for their new album.

The show ended with their huge 2x platinum hit “My Own Worst Enemy” and the crowd roared with excitement as soon as they heard those first few seconds of the song’s intro. The band allowed me to photograph this last song of the show from the stage so I could really see how much energy the band was putting into their performance as well as the amount of energy the crowd was giving back to the band as they jumped and sang along to the 1999 track.

As the song ended, the crowd went wild, I gave the drummer a high-five as I walked off the stage and then the audience slowly started to disperse to get their last rib meal or fair food from one of the stands before Ribfest closed until next June.

The show was an energy packed event with great music and fans of all ages enjoying an outdoor concert to kick off their summer. The show absolutely showed that Lit is still rocking out and bringing out big crowds to hear new and old music two decades later.

Lit is Kevin Baldes on bass, A. Jay Popoff on lead vocals, Jeremy Popoff on guitar and Taylor Carroll on drums.

Watch Lit’s most recent music video featuring Adrian Young of No Doubt here: https://youtu.be/qk2TqHoMvCs

Follow along with upcoming releases and tour dates on the band’s social media pages!
https://www.litband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LitLounge/
https://twitter.com/LitBandOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/litbandofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/user/LitTV
https://www.tiktok.com/@litbandofficial

You can check out the band’s recent album here! 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5mgr0FFpvy267wKVAYg8qp
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lit/213555

Review/Photo By: Aly Goelzer

It was a nice cool evening in Pittsburgh when All Time Low, Mayday Parade and Games We Play rocked Stage AE on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Starting the night was Games We Play, who last year gained a lot of popularity on TikTok after their song “Get A Job” blew up on the platform. They even played here in Pittsburgh at last year's Four Chord Music Festival 8. They opened their set with “Get A Job” and “Deadbeat” before doing a cover of “Mr. Brightside” where their lead singer threw the mic into the crowd and had fans sing along to the cover before successfully catching the mic being thrown back on stage. The set closed out with “Kristina” and “Hey Ben” before playing another one of their TikTok hits “I Hope You’re Happy”.

Mayday Parade, one of my favorites, was up next. Playing a nicely stacked ten song set they opened up with hits “Three Cheers For Five Years” and “Oh Well, Oh Well” before playing their recently released single “Like A Car Crash”. Half way through their set they played a cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” then went straight into “Miserable At Best”. The crowd at a Mayday show is always great, being able to go from calm to crazy in a matter of seconds once the song changes. As soon as they started closing out the set with “Jersey” and “Jamie All Over” the crowd erupted and it was nonstop movement and crowd surfers. I’ve seen Mayday Parade so many times and have never been disappointed by a set they’ve put on and I don’t think I ever will. 

Then it was time for the band everyone came here to see, All Time Low! Kicking off their set with title track from their most recent album “Tell Me I’m Alive” and an oldy “Break Your Little Heart” before heading into “Modern Love” with a snippet of “Stella” in there. The guys always have so much energy when they’re on stage together and their antics are what make the show great every time, it really feels like a group of friends just hanging out, playing music and being goofballs together and we’re all here for every second of it. The night's setlist really gave a good mix of hits off of a lot of their albums over the years and their newest release. We got crowd favorites like “Somewhere In Neverland”, “PMA”, “Dirty Laundry”, “Therapy”, “Lost In Stereo”, “Time-Bomb”, and “Sleepwalking”. One song that I was sad we didn’t get to hear that I’ve heard at every ATL show I’ve been to was “Backseat Serenade”, which is one of my favorites so I might have been a little bummed. But if they were to play everyone’s favorites all of the time we’d be here for hours watching their set. For the encore the guys came out and played “Weightless” and “Monsters” before closing out the night with their most popular song “Dear Maria, Count Me In”. Overall the show was nothing short of a great time for everyone in attendance and I can’t wait for their next tour!

The tour has a few more dates left on this run and I highly recommend going if they’re passing through a city near you or you can catch them on their “The Sound Of Letting Go Tour” with Gym Class Heroes and Grayscale this fall!

Upcoming Tour Dates:
June 9th - Columbus, OH
June 10th - Stroudsburg, PA
June 11th - Portland, ME
June 14th - Richmond, VA
June 16th - Raleigh, NC
June 17th - North Myrtle Beach, SC

Photo/Review By: Cheyenne Simmons

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​English rock band You Me At Six’s newest album, “Truth Decay,” was released on February 10, 2023. This new record follows 2021’s SUCKAPUNCH. The 13 song record has a run time of 45 minutes and 37 seconds and is full of new music I’m sure you will enjoy!

The band’s eighth album goes through a wide range of emotions that can be fully felt in every aspect of its tracks. It talks about battling with anxiety and mental health and not knowing how to escape your own mind or if it’s okay to talk about it with someone on “Mixed Emotions (I Didn’t Know How To Tell You What I Was Going Through).” The lyrics of “Breakdown,” the album’s eighth track shows this release of emotions when it says, “I’m about to have a fuckin’ breakdown, throw a peace sign on my way out.” The band’s lyricism takes you right into the moments of pain or angst or letting go.

The album has special guest features from Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds on “No Future? Yeah Right,” and from previous The Voice contestant Cody Frost on “A Love Letter To Those Who Feel Lost.”


View Truth Decay's full track list:
DEEP CUTS - Watch the song’s music video here! 
Mixed Emotions (I Didn’t Know How To Tell You What I Was Going Through) - Watch the song’s music video here! 
God Bless The 90’s Kids
After Love In The After Hours
No Future? Yeah Right” (feat. Rou Reynolds)
heartLESS
Who Needs Revenge When I’ve Got Ellen Rae
Breakdown
Traumatic Iconic
:my dopamine:
A Smile To Make You Weak(er) At The Knees
Ultraviolence
A Love Letter To Those Who Feel Lost (feat. Cody Frost)


I beg you to go give this album a full listen through and fully appreciate all it has to offer! I believe that You Me At Six makes some of the best modern rock music in the game and they are definitely being slept on by many people who would enjoy what they put out! (And if you like what you hear, check out some of their old stuff to see how they’ve rocked and evolved over their 19 years as a band!

You Me At Six is Josh Franceschi, Max Helyer, Chris Miller, Matt Barnes and Dan Flint.


Recommended for fans of: PVRIS, Tonight Alive, Bring Me The Horizon, Boston Manor, The Maine, We Are The Ocean, Mayday Parade, Stand Atlantic.


Follow You Me At Six on their social media platforms for updates on their current Truth Decay Tour and information about new music!
https://truthdecay.co/
https://www.instagram.com/youmeatsixofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/youmeatsix/
https://twitter.com/youmeatsix
https://www.tiktok.com/@youmeatsix

You can enjoy music visualizer videos for every song on the album, as well as music videos for certain songs, on their YouTube page!
Listen on Apple Music
Listen on Spotify


Review By: Aly Goelzer

​On March 24, 2023, Fall Out Boy delivered what patient fans have long awaited with their first full length album of all new tracks since 2018’s MANIA. “So Much (For) Stardust,” the bands eighth record, brings 13 new tracks to life with an album run time of just over 44 minutes of new songs to scream out and dance to for new and old fans alike. The album was produced by Grammy award winning Neal Avron, who the band has worked with on past albums.

The album opens with the rock power hit “Love From The Other Side” which was the first single released in promotion for the new album two months prior to the album’s release. This track fully announced that Fall Out Boy was back and had never really left. They weren’t straying from their roots and I think even OG Fall Out Boy fans can appreciate this song and the influences throughout the album.

Following the opening track is the band’s second single leading up to the album’s release, released a week after the previous single, “Heartbreak Feels So Good,” which leads well into the rock power song filling track three, “Hold Me Like a Grudge.” This track is the latest Fall Out Boy song to get its own music video (Track one and two also have music videos!) which I have linked at the bottom of this review!

“Fake Out” brings a little more melody and pop into the classic Fall Out Boy sound with a beautiful chorus sure to get stuck in your head long after your first listen. The track, along with many others on the album, really showcases Patrick Stump’s vocals.

The lyrics “Scar-crossed lovers forever. I’m checking myself out forever.” really make track 5, “Heaven, Iowa,” stand out as a powerful song both musically and lyrically.

“The Pink Seashell” is the only track on the album that has a featured artist on it. That featured artist being popular actor Ethan Hawke in a snippet from the 1994 film, “Reality Bites.” The track acts as an interlude about half way through the record and is just a few seconds over a minute in length.

“I Am My Own Muse” is an absolute head banger and the angsty lyrics and beat make this track one to add to your most powerful playlists.


“Baby Annihilation” is another spoken word interlude on the album lasting 1:07 kicking off the last portion of the record.

Tracks 11 and 12, The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years) and What A Time To Be Alive are some of my personal favorites from the new record. They have perfect upbeat melodies to bop your head to and lyrics that call you to sing along, even if the lyrics don’t always match the upbeat tune of the track! “Everything is lit except my serotonin.”

The record’s title track ends the album with a bang. “So Much (For) Stardust” is the longest song on the album standing at just under five minutes and shows what the record has been all about. “So much for stardust. We thought we had it all.” I recommend you give the new album a front to back listen to fully take in all the record’s themes and to find your new favorite track!

The Album’s Full track list is as follows:
Love From The Other Side
Heartbreak Feels So Good
Hold Me Like a Grudge
Fake Out
Heaven, Iowa
So Good Right Now
The Pink Seashell (feat. Ethan Hawke)
I Am My Own Muse
Flu Game
Baby Annihilation
The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years)
What a Time To Be Alive
So Much (For) Stardust

Watch the music video for Love From The Other Side!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBrkbWSB3Ls
Watch the music video for Heartbreak Feels So Good! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGvLD7D2Xsg
Watch the band’s most recent music video for Hold Me Like A Grudge! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rAQGxRFvN0

In January Fall Out Boy’s co-founder and guitarist Joe Trohman announced he was stepping away from the band for a while to focus on his mental health. Fall Out Boy heads out on a US tour on June 21, 2023 with special guests Bring Me The Horizon, Alkaline Trio, The Academy Is…, Four Year Strong, Royal & The Serpent, Daisy Grenade, CARR, and Games We Play which is followed by a UK/Europe tour with guests PVRIS and nothing,nowhere.


Keep up with Fall Out Boy on their social media platforms to see tour dates, updates and news!
https://falloutboy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/falloutboy/
https://www.facebook.com/falloutboy
https://www.youtube.com/user/falloutboy


Review By: Aly Goelzer 

Colony House is one of those timeless rock bands that everyone loves. At their NYC show at Irving Plaza, the night could not have been better. This tour is kicking off their newest album, “The Cannonballers”, which is an emotional yet uplifting album from start to finish. Their openers on this tour are a band called Little Image. This band has an amazing sound and are definitely going to be making big in the music scene. Most of the audience was singing along to their songs which shows the loyalty of the Colony House fanbase. At one point the lead singer brought out his dad, and then the rest of the band and members of Little Image came on to sing acapella. They finished off after a strong encore with “Cannonaballers” and “You Know It”, two crowd favorites. I couldn’t have asked for a better night as a fan and concert goer.

​Review/Photo By: By Tharynn Olson

​“It’s not always about them loving you back. Sometimes it’s just  about them knowing you do.” This quote by Stephen during the concert encapsulates everything he does for his fans. Although he was talking about these lyrics and undoubtedly people in his life, this can also be felt during his concerts. When you are a fan at his show, the entire world feels like it is in that one room. The love, the intensity, the emotion that can be felt through his voice and love for his fans, as well as the fans’ love for him, is so pure.

​The opener, Kings Elliot, is such an amazing pairing to add to the beauty of the show. She has such a gorgeous voice and the fans were all sad to see her go by the end of her set. When it came time for Stephen’s set, he played energizing, amazing classics of his, like “Evangeline”, but we also got some gorgeous unreleased songs, one of those being "Stay”. He also got a bit emotional during the not, not only from the love of his fans, but about his own friend’s love. He played a touching cover of “Unchained Melody” and told an enchanting story of his friend who fell in love while listening to this song on a date with her, and Stephen shed some tears at the end. It was all very heartwarming and there were definitely more than a few people tearing up besides Stephen. Overall it was just a lovely, magical evening that I hope all fans of Stephen’s will get to experience during this tour.

Review/Photo By: Tharynn Olson

“Strawberry Pie” is a pop hit by young artist Arden Alexa that tells the story of a turbulent relationship and breakup and the journey to being okay following it.
The new track is Alexa’s first release of the new year following her 2022 EP “Day Dreams.”

Here's what she had to say about the songwriting process: "It wasn’t until four years after meeting my first love that I was actually able to write a song about him. When I sat down to write Strawberry Pie, I knew I wanted the song to recreate all the playful, fun, youth of that relationship while simultaneously conveying the sarcastic hurt following our breakup. Just as this song was a cathartic experience for me to write, I hope listeners can use it as both an ironic “getting over you” song and a freeing, joyful anthem".

The artist from San Francisco, CA takes a lot of her inspiration from pop icons like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry and you can definitely hear that inspiration throughout her recent releases. “Strawberry Pie” shows off a more modern side of Alexa while keeping her same fun, sunny personality that you can hear in her older releases. 

Stream “Strawberry Pie” here! https://hypeddit.com/ardenalexa/strawberrypie

Catch up with Arden Alexa online:
https://www.ardenalexa.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ardenalexa04/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk%3D
https://www.facebook.com/ardenalexa04/
https://www.tiktok.com/@arden_alexa?lang=en
Listen to the song and look out for the music video later on Arden Alexa’s YouTube! The video was made in her backyard with her best friend and gives viewers a vision into Arden’s fantasy world with tea parties, stuffed animals. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOI5RY8qQ6mCnvEgAAqxvIg

Review by Alyssa Goelzer