LOS ANGELES, CA- Mannequin Pussy formed in Philadelphia in 2010, initially as a duo with Marisa “Missy” Dabice on vocals and guitar and Thanasi Paul on guitar. They quickly built a reputation in the DIY punk scene for their blistering live shows, raw emotion, and the unapologetic energy they brought to every performance. Over time, the lineup solidified with the additions of Bear on bass and Kaleen Reading on drums, helping to shape the band’s dynamic sound. Their earlier releases, like Romantic (2016), showcased a fierce blend of punk and indie rock, while Patience (2019) marked a turning point, expanding their sonic palette and earning them broader acclaim. Known for their willingness to tackle themes like vulnerability, rage, and societal pressures, Mannequin Pussy has cultivated a loyal following and a reputation for live performances that are as cathartic as they are powerful.
Released in March 2024, Mannequin Pussy’s latest album, I Got Heaven, has quickly become a standout in their discography. The record is a sonic exploration that combines the band’s signature intensity with refined production, showcasing Missy’s piercing vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation. Critics have lauded I Got Heaven for its emotional depth and sonic versatility, with Pitchfork praising its “unflinching honesty” and NME highlighting its ability to blend chaos with moments of introspection. Stereogum described the album as “a testament to the band’s growth, balancing fury and melody with a finesse that’s rarely seen in modern punk.” With this release, Mannequin Pussy has solidified their place as one of the most compelling voices in punk today, channeling intense emotions into a cohesive and electrifying record.
This momentum carried into their live performances, as Mannequin Pussy brought the house down at a sold-out Bellwether show. The Philly-based band is currently in the home stretch of the second U.S. leg of their I Got Heaven tour, a relentless journey that began in April. With most dates on every leg selling out and venues even needing upgrades to accommodate the demand, it’s clear that I Got Heaven has struck a chord with fans. Experiencing their live show makes it easy to see why—each performance is a visceral expression of the very energy that makes their latest album such a powerful statement.
From the first note of ‘I Don’t Know You’ to the last of ‘Romantic,’ the energy was electric. A miniature sea of people, who had just been wrapped around the block, were in the palm of their hands. We hung on every word, screaming them back. It was one of those moments where one person moves, and everyone follows—a situation every fan of live music knows all too well.
That energy mirrored what we were witnessing. Everyone on that stage was in their respective pockets and never let up. Bear (bass) and Kaleen’s (drums) rhythm section was locked and loaded. Their groove bounced off Maxine’s guitar, and synth lines had you entranced one second and going wild the next. This stellar foundation was Missy’s playground, and she didn’t stop for a moment.
The only time she let the crowd breathe was when she explained their purpose for being on stage. She spoke in a deliberate whisper about feminine rage, the need to scream through anger and resentment, and the importance of not letting it build up inside as poison. She also spoke about how everyone has a role in resisting the injustices of the world. The audience received this message with attentive ears, thunderous cheers, and primal screams. The catharsis fed into the already palpable energy, creating a genuinely healing experience.
The whole night made me feel so proud of this band and helped me remember why I love live music so much. As cliché as it sounds, I’ve been going to shows since I was 12. I remember waiting outside venues for a good spot (my record is 8 hours) and running to the barricade to get as close as possible. I can still feel my heart racing as the house lights went down, screaming every word, and loving seeing everyone doing the same. After working in this industry professionally for over a decade, that thrill slowly fades without you realizing it. It takes something truly special to bring that magic back after you’ve seen behind the curtain, and they did just that. I got full-body chills and a tear in my eye watching them play ‘Loud Bark’ from the balcony. It instantly became a favorite of mine, and I’m so glad everyone else loves it too.
I’ve been following Mannequin Pussy for a while now. I discovered them in 2016 and got to see them play Voodoo Fest in New Orleans that same year. Three years later, I saw them again and photographed their set at The Echo during the Patience album cycle. This time felt especially meaningful. *I Got Heaven* is such a phenomenal record, and it’s one of my favorites this year. Seeing their crowds grow and their music reach more people has been incredible. I can only imagine where their heads are at after a year like this.
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LIVE CLIPS
