Animal Instincts tour featuring Pop Evil and Bad Wolves brings a night of hard rock to Pittsburgh

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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​