Show Review: Lea Michele and Darren Criss team up for soulful LM/DC Tour
Gleeks, StarKids and musical theatre enthusiasts all came together to pack Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium for Lea Michele and Darren Criss’ LM/DC Tour stop on Saturday. As the duo’s band played the first notes of “Broadway Baby”, fans decked out in now-vintage Glee shirts screamed at volumes that could rival a One Direction audience. […]
Show Review: Proving rock n’ roll ain’t dead with The Struts, The Wrecks and Thunderpussy
If you do a Google search of the phrase, “rock and roll is dead,” you’ll find a full page of listicles and opinion pieces arguing in favor. Big names like Bob Dylan and Forbes even agree. But, as usual, the big names aren’t paying attention—the genre is very much alive, thanks to bands like The […]
Midterm Massacre: grandson, Yungblud, more launch XX Resistance with passionate concert
“It’s just about standing up for some shit you believe in!” Arrested Youth’s opening declaration summed up Tuesday’s Midterm Massacre demonstration perfectly. Conceived by outspoken artist-activist grandson, the event came to life inside south Los Angeles warehouse venue 1720. The massive space transformed into a dystopian political landscape- complete with tattered American flags, projected “propaganda” […]
Show Review: Pop icon Troye Sivan blossoms for Phoenix stop of Bloom Tour
The Phoenix gays and company turned out in full Pride force for Australian pop prince Troye Sivan on Wednesday night. Sivan, along with tourmates Carlie Hanson and Kim Petras, took his live performance to new heights with elevated production and the earned confidence of a stage veteran. Newcomer Carlie Hanson opened the night early. The […]
Show Review: 8 great things spotted at Vinyl Theatre’s Starcruiser Tour
Vinyl Theatre, The Catching, and local band The Ricky Fitts took over The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix on Monday night for the Starcruiser Tour, named for Vinyl Theatre’s latest album. The intimate show was full of captivating moments and unique performances from each act, and there was plenty to see throughout the night. Atlas was […]
Show Review: St. Lucia and Arkells return with adventurous new music
It takes a special artist to sell out The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix long before day of show, but it’s to be expected when that artist hasn’t been to town in awhile. So, it felt like somewhat of a homecoming on Sunday night when Arkells and St. Lucia graced the downtown venue with their presence […]
Show Review: Maggie Rogers is pop music’s next supernova
Pop’s dancing queen Maggie Rogers graced Phoenix with her enigmatic presence on Sunday. Joined by Australia’s latest export Mallrat, fans packed The Van Buren to sing, dance and cry along with their favorites. Mallrat (real name Grace Shaw) was the solo opener for this tour. The 19-year-old singer’s ethereal voice, mixed with beats provided by […]
Show Review: FIDLAR takes California skate punk to Phoenix
Skate punk invaded The Van Buren on Friday for the Phoenix stop of FIDLAR’s fall tour. Teens in beanies and Thrasher shirts roamed the venue in packs while the older hipster crowd stuck to the bleachers for what ended up being a rowdy show. FIDLAR brought two openers, choosing The Side Eyes from their home […]
Show Review: PVMNTS and WSTR prove that pop punk’s not dead
Loud, messy pop punk may have fallen by the wayside, but some up-and-coming bands are leading the revival. True to form, PVMNTS took over The Nile Theater’s Underground venue with WSTR, Hold Close and PCL for a wall-shaking Wednesday. Hopeless Records’ string of stellar discoveries continues with Hold Close. In what was the strongest set […]
Show Review: Power pop reigned supreme with MAX at Crescent Ballroom
Pop wunderkind MAX brought the club to Phoenix on Tuesday for a party we wished would never end. Joined by EZI and Nina Nesbitt, the night was empowering and energetic. Newcomer EZI started things off with her brand of mellow electro-pop, backed by a live guitarist/keyboardist and percussionist. Her slow jam version of The Killer’s […]