Die Spitz is taking the world by storm one city at a time already selling out Chicago’s Schubas Tavern, and they only just started. Chicago’s own Edging opened the show with an equal amount of fun and fury. Just like Die Spitz, you can count on Edging to become a legendary punk band to bless […]
Die Spitz is taking the world by storm one city at a time already selling out Chicago’s Schubas Tavern, and they only just started.
Chicago’s own Edging opened the show with an equal amount of fun and fury. Just like Die Spitz, you can count on Edging to become a legendary punk band to bless your city by playing there.
Already having opened for Amyl and the Sniffers, this fall they will be touring with one of my all time favorite bands, Lambrini Girls (so excited!).
I love it when I see female bands conquer the scene.
Die Spitz was first formed in 2022 in Austin, TX and released their first EP, The Revenge of Evangeline, in the same year. Their follow up EP, Teeth, was released in 2023 and won Austin Music Awards’ Album of the Year. They also recently signed with Third Man Records with plans to release their debut LP with them later this year.
Die Spitz live is a totally rowdy and wild experience, complete with band members crowd surfing and audience participation. At one point they called for all girls to the front and on stage; you can tell they thoroughly enjoy what they are doing and put their all into every moment.
For a band that has not been in the scene for very long they are very quickly, and well deservedly, making a name for themselves.
Check out the full galleries below and support the bands!
Chicago lipstick-punk band Sweetie returns with a new music video just in time for Pride Month, and Dying Scene is giving you the exclusive premiere! Oh Sweetie, didn’t you know? Nice girls DON’T wear cha cha heels. Chicago’s favorite lipstick-punk band, Sweetie, is back with another banger, and this time it’s loaded up with hairspray, […]
Chicago lipstick-punk band Sweetie returns with a new music video just in time for Pride Month, and Dying Scene is giving you the exclusive premiere!
Oh Sweetie, didn’t you know? Nice girls DON’T wear cha cha heels. Chicago’s favorite lipstick-punk band, Sweetie, is back with another banger, and this time it’s loaded up with hairspray, attitude, and a pencil-thin moustache.
Inspired by the iconic line from John Waters cinematic masterpiece, Female Trouble (1974), “Nice Girls Don’t Wear Cha Cha Heels” is an energetic song that grabs you and shakes you as hard as she can, filling the listener with queer energy and blind feminine range.
For the video, Sweetie brought in a variety of scenes referencing John Waters films. “I really wanted to make this a love letter to John Waters. I’ve been obsessed with him and Divine for so long and I really wanted an homage to his films. The moment I wrote “Cha Cha Heels”, the ideas for music videos started pouring into my mind. Luckily, I have a badass group of pals who love to get dressed up in drag and be silly and make art, so I had LOTS of help. I also wanted to open it to the community, so I had people send in lip syncing clips for the video!”
This music video premier leads up to the release of Sweetie’s sophomore album, La Vie en Rouge. Sweetie will be having their record release show on Friday, June 27th at the Egyptian Theatre in Dekalb, IL, with their musical performance being directly followed by a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, accompanied by the Irrational Masters shadow-casting the film. Presale tickets can be purchased here.
Before their record release show, you can catch Sweetie on June 14th in Chicago for the Queer Takeover at the Color Club!
Check out the Dying Scene exclusive premiere of Sweetie’s “Nice Girls Don’t Wear Cha Cha Heels”!
Teen Mortgage just debuted their first Roadrunner Records album Devil Ultrasonic Dream on April 11th and are wrapping up their headlining tour with support from Babe Haven, Spoon Benders and Upchuck. Check out what you might have missed from their stop in Chicago! Opening act Upchuck set the tone with their own brand of punk rock. […]
Teen Mortgage just debuted their first Roadrunner Records album Devil Ultrasonic Dream on April 11th and are wrapping up their headlining tour with support from Babe Haven, Spoon Benders and Upchuck. Check out what you might have missed from their stop in Chicago!
Opening act Upchuck set the tone with their own brand of punk rock. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the band leads with a commanding presence as vocalist KT scowls relentlessly on stage.
Upchuck released their second LP in 2023, Bite The Hand That Feeds, which was produced by Ty Segall. The album goes hard and has all the high energy you would expect from a punk band.
Chicago got a taste of what happens when you light up a garage punk Molotov cocktail in an intimate sold out music venue as Teen Mortgage took the stage; chaotic, loud, and filled with defiant energy.
The duo boasted their signature sound at Cobra Lounge, blending abrasive guitar riffs with implacable thunderous percussion. The mosh pits were non-stop as well with zero signs of slowing down. Seeing Teen Mortgage live is a sharp reminder of exactly what punk should feel like.
Their newest album Devil Ultrasonic Dream is filled withfuzz-drenched grinding tracks that you would definitely hear on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Highly recommend listening to this album!
Soft Play brought their fierce energy to Chicago on April 22nd, selling out the Bottom Lounge with support from the equally ferocious punk band Babe Haven. Meet your newest favorite bands. Babe Haven is a badass queer punk band from Durham, North Carolina that needs to be on your radar if they are not already. […]
Soft Play brought their fierce energy to Chicago on April 22nd, selling out the Bottom Lounge with support from the equally ferocious punk band Babe Haven. Meet your newest favorite bands.
Babe Haven is a badass queer punk band from Durham, North Carolina that needs to be on your radar if they are not already.
Best described on their Bandcamp, “With a mission to elevate femme-presenting individuals, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, they transform each show into a sanctuary of empowerment and acceptance. Their sound can be classified as early 00s nu-metal rebellion meets riot grrrl sass – a sonic assault that grabs you by the ears and refuses to let go.”
Babe Haven released Nuisanceon June 21, 2024 and is easily one of the top ferocity femme albums of the year. Every track is a certified banger that you can shamelessly put on repeat.
Their live performance is equally nothing short of stunning; with a stage presence reminiscent of Kathleen Hanna and Kat Bjelland, vocalist Lillie Della Penna scowls aggressively, shouting for “GIRLS TO THE FRONT” and calling out men who cat call during “Can’t Call This Cat”. Between the take-no-shit energy, their song lyrics, and the fact that we all were wearing leopard print clothing, I felt seen by Babe Haven and the feeling of being in a supportive environment with other femmes was powerful.
The band just finished their tour supporting Teen Mortgage before making their way from Texas to Chicago to support Soft Play’s short stint of North American shows (most of which are now sold out!) so if you were not quick enough to snag tickets, you’ll have the opportunity to still see them for their recently announced tour of the South West.
English two-piece punk band Soft Play has taken the world by storm since their release of Heavy Jellyon July 19th, 2024. It is the first album Soft Play has put out under their new name (they were formally known as Slaves) and was in my top picks list of 2024.
Soft Play recently released an expanded version of the album, appropriately titled Heavier Jelly,adding six new tracks to the original album. The new single “Slushy” features English singer-songwriter Kate Nash and is an absolute bop.
Soft Play’s aggressively unique sound has another exceptional trait; not only is the drummer the lead vocalist, but Isaac Holman also plays while standing up. Topped with guitarist Laurie Vincent’s quick dashing jumps and robust riffs, Soft Play has proven themselves to be a sonic energy not to be reckoned with.
They played a lot of crowd favorites, including “Mirror Muscles,” “Act Violently,” “Punk’s Dead” and “The Hunter”. The song “John Wick” was also played which is all about being…John Wick. They recently posted an open letter to Keanu Reeves asking him to play bass in the song at this year’s Coachella music festival with the band.
We may only be early into 2025, but this easily is one of the top concerts of the year. Soft Play is slated to play more shows throughout Europe this summer before returning to North America in the fall for several festivals, including Shaky Knees, Furnace, and Riot Fest.
Check out the full galleries of Babe Haven and Soft Play below, and don’t forget to give them some support!
Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it. The hardcore punk band just finished their North American farewell tour after initially reuniting in 2012, with plans to continue the tour in Europe and the UK in the summer and fall. Joining Refused on this leg of the tour is New York’s post-hardcore punk […]
Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it.
The hardcore punk band just finished their North American farewell tour after initially reuniting in 2012, with plans to continue the tour in Europe and the UK in the summer and fall. Joining Refused on this leg of the tour is New York’s post-hardcore punk band Quicksand. Chicago’s own Racetraitor also joined the lineup for this show at the Salt Shed.
Racetraitor is a hardcore punk/metalcore band formed in 1996 and kicked off the night of steadfast punk rock energy with powerful political rally cries. They are known for addressing a variety of issues through their music, such as systemic racism, inequality, and social justices.
Quicksand played next with legendary frontman/guitarist Walter Schreifels. He is known for being the main visionary charge behind the Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools, and the bassist for Youth of Today. Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools all played sets at Riot Fest 2023.
Formed in 1991 in Umeå, Sweden, Refused are renowned for their creative fusion of hardcore, punk, and metal, which has left a lasting impact on the music scene. Their 1998 album, The Shape of Punk to Come, is often hailed as a fundamental album that influenced numerous bands spanning many genres.
The lyrics of Refused emphasize far-left politics, with influences from anarchism, socialism, and other related principles. Between songs frontman Dennis Lyxzén gave inspiring speeches on today’s political climate, with the backdrop behind him read the daunting message of “THIS IS WHAT OUR RULING CLASS HAS DECIDED WILL BE NORMAL.”
They performed “Hate Breeds Hate” for the first time in 30 years and paid tribute to Iggy Pop’s Stooges by covering “Loose” who played at the Salt Shed the night before.
Refused has always been one of my all-time favorite bands and they will dearly be missed by all their fans…I certainly would not complain if they decided to rise from the dead once again, especially in an era where their resonating message of social justices are needed now more than ever. Refused may be fucking dead but their legacy will live on forever.
Orange County’s Movements is currently on a hefty North American spring tour with special guests Citizen, Scowl, and Downward; of course Dying Scene would not miss this (and neither should you!) Tulsa, Oklahoma’s dreamy shoegaze band Downward opened the night with a set of beautifully light and ethereal songs. They recently released Downward (LP2) on […]
Orange County’s Movements is currently on a hefty North American spring tour with special guests Citizen, Scowl, and Downward; of course Dying Scene would not miss this (and neither should you!)
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s dreamy shoegaze band Downward opened the night with a set of beautifully light and ethereal songs. They recently released Downward (LP2) on March 5th and are slated to play Furnace Fest this year in October.
Scowl took the stage next with furious and infectious energy as the crowd grew larger. Lead singer Kat Moss’s iconic lime green hair illuminated the stage along with her fierce prowess that bellowed through every note she sang.
Scowl is releasing their newest album Are We All Angels on April 4th via Dead Oceans and I cannot tell you how psyched I am for it. You can pre-save the album here! Bonus: watch the video for “Not Hell, Not Heaven” here!
According to their Bandcamp, “Much of Are We All Angels grapples with Scowl’s newfound place in the hardcore scene, a community which has both embraced the band and made them something of a lightning rod over the past few years… At every turn on Are We All Angels, the band explores ambitious new directions and bends genre norms. Moss makes the most immediately noticeable evolution, dropping some of the gnarling bite of the band’s previous work in favor of a more textured and sometimes delicate approach. She flexes harmonies and melodic sensibilities that might surprise even the most dedicated Scowl fans.”
Post-hardcore emo band Citizen played to an eager audience that sang along to every song, which comes as no surprise from my fellow elder emos. After the release of their debut full-length album Youth in 2013, they became a featured act on the Vans Warped Tour. Ten years later Citizen released their fifth studio album Calling the Dogs on October 6th, 2023 via Run for Cover Records.
Bringing the night to a close, Movements brought even more melancholic post-hardcore emo to Chicago to a now packed house. Their newest single “Where I Lay” was released on February 19th through Fearless Records.
It is March, which means it is time for Flatfoot 56’s annual St. Patrick’s Day bash in Chicago! Held at Reggie’s Rock Club, this year’s sold-out show included Catch 22, The Copyrights and MANIA. MANIA is one of Chicago’s newest punk bands featuring members of Bad Sons. They are surely here to stay as they left […]
It is March, which means it is time for Flatfoot 56’s annual St. Patrick’s Day bash in Chicago! Held at Reggie’s Rock Club, this year’s sold-out show included Catch 22, The Copyrights and MANIA.
MANIA is one of Chicago’s newest punk bands featuring members of Bad Sons. They are surely here to stay as they left an impressive mark with their high-energy and aggressive scowls, hyping up an increasingly packed house.
Pop punk band The Copyrights have been around since 2002 and are currently signed with the infamous Fat Wreck Chords. The Carbondale, Illinois band certainly has their own following, especially being around for as long as they have been. The Copyrights are a midwestern pop punk staple.
Bringing the late night to a close, Flatfoot 56 brought the aggressive Celtic punk to the St. Patrick’s Day bash, making everyone a little Chi-rish. You can catch them in April for a couple of shows with The Koffin Kats and the absolutely stacked line up that is Punk in the Park Denver this summer.
Check out all the pictures below! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
The darlings of the Chicago punk scene are back with another stunning music video, and you’ll see it first here at Dying Scene! In honor of the International Day of Transgender Visibility on March 31st, Sweetie is releasing their new music video for “Bulletproof” which celebrates queer joy, friendship, and resilience. “I have always loved […]
The darlings of the Chicago punk scene are back with another stunning music video, and you’ll see it first here at Dying Scene! In honor of the International Day of Transgender Visibility on March 31st, Sweetie is releasing their new music video for “Bulletproof” which celebrates queer joy, friendship, and resilience.
“I have always loved La Roux’s song ‘Bulletproof’ and it is one of my favorite songs to cover, and I especially love a cover song that sits very differently from the original. For me, it started out as just a fun dance-pop song to play at shows, but the more that I played it, the more I found my own meaning in the lyrics.”
Birdy discusses that for her, this song has become an ode to resilience and friendship. “My journey through the music scene has been a really tough one, but time and time again, when something knocks me down, my friends are always there to catch me. I’ve dealt with some pretty intense stuff, so when I sing this song, sing it with all the defiance and strength I can muster, saying ‘This time baby I’ll be bulletproof.’ It’s really the idea of ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’ and what has made me stronger is my friends. That’s who this video is for.”
The video, which was filmed and edited by Elliot Lubicz, portrays a delicious mélange of on-stage and behind-the-scenes footage from drag shows, Sweetie gigs, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. “My friend group is a very vibrant group of some of the most beautifully talented and queer beings to ever walk this earth,” Birdy explains. “I describe my friend group as the loves of my life, and the joy and color everyone brings to the world is something I wanted to celebrate in this music video. I wanted to keep it simple, but still show the beauty and energy that I witness every time we are all together, and I knew Elliot would be perfect for putting this music video together.”
Elliot Lubicz, a non-binary drag performer from Dekalb, is also one of the directors of the Irrational Master’s shadow cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Birdy details why she thought that Elliot would be a perfect fit to create this music video. “Before every Rocky Horror performance at the Egyptian Theater in Dekalb, our shadow cast starts every show with a really kick-ass montage video. Elliot picks out a song that always has so much drive, and finds footage from old movies and music videos and edits them all together. They have such a magic touch when it comes to editing, and these videos are always SO intensely cool. They get the audience so pumped up for the show. I knew Elliot would make something insanely cool for us.” Birdy states how she wanted the music video to be a celebration of the resilience and beauty of her friend group, and that centering queer joy was essential to that portrayal.
Director Elliot recounts their inspiration and motivation behind the music video, “Queer joy is revolutionary. It is strength, resistance, and authenticity. It is rage, power, and magic. Our resilience allows us to weather the storms of ignorance. We take part in the delight of creation and transformation; we shatter binaries and expectations. Living a queer or trans experience is divine. Capturing a snapshot of intertwined queer lives in our Midwestern tiny corner of the world fills my heart with comfort, and radiates a hopeful energy that is needed, especially now. This video concept for ‘Bulletproof’ is a representation of the moments we fight for: a celebration of our truest selves, our ability to dance in the face of evil, and our dedication to carry on. It shows we are everywhere, and we’ll continue to be here no matter what. Now, it’s time to put our armor on. Keep fighting, keep protecting, keep taking care of yourselves, keep dancing!” Elliot ends their statement with a note to the viewers, “ I love you and thanks for watching!”
The video release is just in time for Sweetie’s next performance at The Venue in Aurora, IL on March 30th. The event is hosted by Open Door Health Center of Illinois, which provides primary health care, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, testing and treatment, and mental/behavioral health counseling and treatment, specializing with those living with HIV/AIDS, with an emphasis on those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The event is free but registration is required and can be accessed by following this link. Executive Director of Open Door Health Center, Perry Maier, tells us, “The theme for Trans Day of Visibility 2025 is, “Take the Stage.” Please join Open Door Health Center of Illinois at the Venue as we welcome Sweetie to the Stage. We celebrate the resilience and determination of our trans friends.”
Here it is! Check out the video for “Bulletproof”!
2024 has been…a year. Of that I am certain. Luckily, music is the greatest escape so let’s relive some of my favorite moments in punk music this year! We have six of each: songs, albums, concerts and concert photos, so 24 total. So creative. Songs 1. “Act Violently” – SOFT PLAY First up we have […]
2024 has been…a year. Of that I am certain. Luckily, music is the greatest escape so let’s relive some of my favorite moments in punk music this year! We have six of each: songs, albums, concerts and concert photos, so 24 total. So creative.
Songs
1. “Act Violently” – SOFT PLAY
First up we have “Act Violently” by English punk duo SOFT PLAY. This single came off their fourth studio album Heavy Jelly (which we will talk about again later!)
2.“Starburster” – Fontaines D.C.
Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. had a big year. They released their fourth album, Romance, on August 23rd. It won The Album Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards, received a Grammy Awards Nomination for Best Rock Album in addition to a nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance for “Starburster”.
3.“U Should Not Be Doing That” – Amyl and the Sniffers
The follow up album to Amyl and the Sniffer’s largely successful 2021 album Comfort to Me was released on October 25th, titled Cartoon Darkness. “U Should Not Be Doing That” was one of the first singles released from that album. Their world tour for the album release starts in January of 2025!
4.“You Hear Yes” – Destroy Boys
This single was released on August 8th off of Destroy Boy’sFuneral Soundtrack No. 4 album. “You Hear Yes” has the most killer collaboration featuring Kat Moss of Scowl and Missy Dabice of Mannequin Pussy.
5. “Sliding Doors” – Boston Manor
“Sliding Doors” is off of British emo pop punk band Boston Manor’s newest album, Sundiver. I’m always a fan of heavy riffs blended with softer emo vocals; this song still hits hard!
6.“Persona” – GEL
This track is off of GEL’s newest EP released on August 16th under the same name, Persona. Hardcore, aggressive, fast…what’s not to love?
This entire album is one banger after another. Released on July 19th, 2024 with BMG music, Heavy Jelly is the first album SOFT PLAY has put out under their new name (they were formally known as Slaves). Harsh yet catchy, some of my favorite tracks include “Punk’s Dead”, “Act Violently” and “Mirror Muscles”.
I first saw post-hardcore band Drug Church at Riot Fest this year and I’ve been a fan ever since. PRUDE is beautifully written and worth listening to beginning to end. Check out a more in depth review of the album here!
Hardcore band Knocked Loose released this album on May 10, 2024 via Pure Noise Records. The single “Suffocate” features experimental artist Poppy and was nominated in the 67th Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance. If you’re like me and want to just scream into the void all day, then this album is for you. Knocked Loose also has a killer live show (see below for more on that!)
Chicago’s noisy post-hardcore band Shellac is brought to you by the one and only Steve Albini, who sadly passed just days before To All Trains was released. The album was recorded over several years and released on May 17th through Touch and Go records. I don’t think this album has been talked about enough. Each song feels like you are anticipating something looming in the shadows, only to be hit with lyrics like “I am the last day of your life, lived beyond all expectation / My wives and concubines are all fecund and pulchritudinous / And I hope that that’s correct, the way that I used ‘pulchritudinous'”.
With an impressive amount of fourteen studio albums under their belt, The Cure released Songs of a Lost World on November 1st, their first in 16 years since 2008’s 4:13 Dream. The atmospherically dark album quickly rose to #1 on the UK Albums chart.
Fans of Shellac will probably also love The Jesus Lizard. Equally loud and hectic, Rack is their seventh studio album released September 13th on Ipecac Recordings. It is their first studio album release in 26 years since 1998’s Blue. The Jesus Lizard are just as scathingly powerful as ever.
Concerts
I won’t lie, I probably cannot remember every concert I have been to this year because there was so many. Not really a bad problem to have! Here’s six that stood out for me:
I waited so many years for the moment I could finally see PJ Harvey. The show was sold out (of course) and I was absolutely mesmerized with her artistic performance.
2. Knocked Loose at The Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, 11/1/24
The tour for the release of You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To had a stacked lineup; DRAIN, Militarie Gun and Danny Brown were at their Chicago stop, all of which were absolutely fire. Knocked Loose recently played on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and while there was some laughable complaints from viewers watching, it is great to see more hardcore/metal representation to larger audiences.
OFF!’s show at Lincoln Hall was bittersweet; it was a final farewell show for the band and also originally had legendary Steve Albini’s band Shellac on the lineup. Despite the sadness of both of these, it was still a great show and Chicago-local band FACS stepped in to fill in some rather large shoes, and did so wonderfully.
DFA1979 toured for their 20th anniversary of album You’re a Women, I’m a Machine this year, and will continue the tour into 2025. The Canadian noisy dance punk duo teamed up with another favorite band of mine, garage punk duo Teen Mortgage, to deliver an incredibly fun and energetic performance. I am always blown away by the lighting set up DFA1979 has.
Of course Riot Fest is going to make the list! Every year I have such a fun time and discover new artists that I cannot wait to talk about. Just a few highlights from this year was GEL, Drug Church, Health, the Laura Jane Grace/Catbite mashup performing an Operation Ivy set and…*drumroll*…the John Stamos butter statue.
You might have seen a lot about H.O.O.F. here at Dying Scene lately. The Chicago local music festival celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the punk scene was a huge success this year!
Honorable mention: Chelsea Wolfe at The Vic Theatre, Chicago, 3/19/24
This is an honorable mention because Chelsea Wolfe is more on the goth/doom side of things, not quite punk. However, watching her live was another dream come true. I was fortunate to be able to photograph her as well, check that gallery out here!
Concert Photos
Another category that is hard to narrow down are my favorite concert photos from this year, but let’s try!
Taking Back SundayHeart Attack ManTeen MortgageHome FrontOFF!Jigsaw YouthDes Rocs
Needs more concert pics? Check some out here and also throughout Dying Scene! Enjoy the bonus playlist below from all the bands featured here, both new and old hits!
The Chicagoland music festival celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the Chicago punk scene and beyond was a raging success this year. Complete with music, stand-up comedy, drag and tattooing, H.O.O.F. (Hands Off Our Fest) took place on October 19th at Blue Island Beer Co. and we are already excited to see what they […]
The Chicagoland music festival celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the Chicago punk scene and beyond was a raging success this year. Complete with music, stand-up comedy, drag and tattooing, H.O.O.F. (Hands Off Our Fest) took place on October 19th at Blue Island Beer Co. and we are already excited to see what they have in store for next year.
Thank you to my fellow Dying Scene contributor Brian Nielsen for collaborating with me for more awesome photos, check them all out in case you missed this year!
First on deck we have Sparkling Urbana, an alternative trans and queer rock band from Chicago. You can check out our interview with them about H.O.O.F. here! Side note: it is a total experience to get a tattoo while a punk band is playing right in front of you. Teddi Garson did a fantastic job providing on-site flash tattoos, donating part of their proceeds to Youth Outlook, a local charity supporting local LGBTQ+ youth.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Carnivore Mommy followed Sparkling Urbana, complete with some horror-esque clown attire. This WAS a costume contest, but I have a feeling this was not too far off from their normal performance attire (it was fantastically well done!) I was blown away by the feral energy vocalist Lauren Memery brought to the stage.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
“Cow town” punk rockers Peach Vomit had an incredibly fun scream-filled set with vocalist Mama Vomit decked out as Spongebob SquarePants.
To round out the first set of bands playing, pop punk band Second City Seance played afterwards before the stand-up comedy and drag performances by Queeny, Dr. Caligirlie, Dolce Vita and Ichabod Vicious.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Photo by Brian Nielsen
The second half of H.O.O.F. was equally incredible. Grindcore trio The Cell Phones quickly made an impression with Lindsey’s scowls through the crowd.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Just when you thought it could not get any better, glam punk duo from Bowling Green, Kentucky The Daddy Sisters had an enthusiastic and fun performance. Think 60’s garage rock meets 70’s glam rock with a dash of lipstick and ripped fishnet stockings. Chick Falcon owns the stage, well-deservedly.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
We also interviewed the second round of bands about H.O.O.F. that you can read about here!
Chicago’s Boybrain, self-described as “a snarling pissed off baby reminiscent of 1980s Punk with a touch of woven in melody,” stayed true to just that with the raspy angsty snarls of Patti on vox/guitar.
Last to take the stage for the bands was Sweetie who never seemed to run out of energy and always puts on a great show.
Birdy V. of Sweetie is the mastermind behind H.O.O.F., and just by the turnout and sheer joy the crowd had, you could tell this was a much-needed music festival the Chicago punk scene needed. Her sheer dedication is appreciated by all the women, femmes and thems of the scene and I can think of no one better to be running such a festival! Dying Scene is ready for H.O.O.F. 2025!
Check out more photos from H.O.O.F. below and give them a follow!
