IDLES w/ Mannequin Pussy: Show Review
Photo by Cecilia Orlando
Philly based punk rock band Mannequin Pussy started the night at Franklin Music Hall. From start to finish it was a packed venue. Opening with popular single “Control” off of their 2021 EP “Perfect”, singer Marisa (Missy) Dabice, whose vocals range from soft and vulnerable into loud and powerful, brought a beautiful energy that projected into the crowd. Four nonstop songs into the set, Dabice paused to announce, “We’re Mannequin Pussy”, followed by an immediate roar from the crowd. It had been months since playing a hometown show, so the energy in the room was at an all time high. MP surprised the crowd with 2 new fast and aggressive songs that were full of chaotic drum fills. Colins (Bear) closed the set on lead vocals with a powerful and heavy rendition of “Pigs is Pigs”. It was a moving and cathartic ending and the perfect transition into the IDLES set.
Photo by Cecilia Orlando
Just as “Pigs is Pigs” expresses feelings of anger and fear regarding police brutality in this world, Mannequin Pussy’s music expresses powerful emotions in scary, uncertain times through their music and lyrics. Their songs depict mental health, societal issues, relationships, giving raw, high energy performances that speak volumes to the crowd during their set. Over the years, MP has released quite a few albums and EPs including “Gypsy Pervert” (2011), “Mannequin Pussy” (2013), “Romantic” (2016), “Patience” (2019), and “Perfect” (2021). Their sound is a fun blend of punk, alternative, indie rock, riot grrrl, each song consisting of delicate vocals turning into fierce, in the best way.
Photo by Cecilia Orlando
Based out of London and popular for their strong, punk, noise rock music about the societal and political issues in the world, IDLES headlined the night in Philly. The band started the set with “Colossus” off of their 2018 album “Joy as an Act of Resistance.” There is a break in this song before a heavy drop hits, and during this pause, singer Joe Talbot said “Split the crowd. “You go there, you go there”, pointing to the left and right sides of the venue. Typically, at hardcore or punk shows, when the crowd splits like this, the music scene calls it “the wall of death”. With a space cutting through the middle of the venue, the drop in the song arrives and everyone clashes together and starts moshing. This is the energy that continued throughout the entire set, from the mosh pit in the front of the venue, all the way to the back, the fans sang along to almost every lyric. The fan base showed their passion for the band with immediate cheers once the starting guitar riff or drum hit started with each song as well. Within the first couple of songs, guitarist Lee started crowd surfing while still playing the music. Joe made a point to give a birthday shoutout to Lee as well, and without being asked, the crowd broke into singing happy birthday together. Afterwards, Joe expressed how much of an inspiration Lee is to him as a human being, and dedicated the next song to his hard work, his family, and how kind of a person Lee is. Everyone cheered and sang along, Joe sometimes pointing the microphone to the crowd while the audience sang the chorus, which happened with multiple songs throughout the night.
Photo by Cecilia Orlando
As for the band’s stage presence and the light show, IDLES projected this raw, energetic performance filled with intense drum fills, strobes on and off on each band member and following the simple yet catchy, fun guitar and bass riffs. Joe danced around stage, stomping to the pounds of the drums, yelling powerful lyrics that tackle matters of toxic masculinity, mental health, immigration and nationalism. While passionately dropping the F word in the most respectful way, he was also providing empathy and unity in his songs. One of IDLES’ shirts at the merch table read “hard rock for softies”, and that’s just what this band is. At one point in the night, I viewed the set up on the balcony. There’s nothing more chaotically wholesome than a sea of people raging in a mosh pit, jumping up and down in unison and crowd surfing while shouting lyrics about loving yourself. People even slow danced during one of their slower songs, “Beachland Ballroom” which is on their 2021 album “CRAWLER”.
Photo by Cecilia Orlando
Quotes such as “As much as we love to learn while traveling during tour, this feels like coming home. The audience was not built by us, it was built by you”, telling the crowd how grateful the band is “to be in your arms”, “We will always, always, always, always remember your support and your love. Thank you Philadelphia”. These are only a handful of moments where you could feel the love and warmth in the room as everyone cheered after Joe took the time to thank security for their work during the night, giving a final shoutout to opener Mannequin Pussy, along with expressing his love for and thanks to Philly.
Photo by Cecilia Orlando
About the Venue: Franklin Music Hall
One of the larger music venues in Philadelphia, Franklin Music Hall, formerly the Electric Factory, draws national acts that attract crowds to the 2,500-person-capacity room. Standing room at stage level is typically all-ages, while a balcony with unbeatable views and a full bar accommodates the 21-plus crowd. (https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/franklin-music-hall/).