Mannequin Pussy | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
In talking breaks between songs, front person Marisa Dabice hammered home the whole reason we go to a Mannequin Pussy gig: to feel human again and to see our feelings reflected back at us.
Mannequin Pussy and openers Soul Glo turned the city on its head Wednesday night at Union Transfer.
The Philly-bred punk band played a wide range of their songs – most from the 2024 release I Got Heaven, with a few older pieces scattered through the setlist. The titular song was played with a dedication to everyone’s “God-fearing parents.” “I respect no religion that does not let people just fucking live as the people that they are,” said singer Marisa Dabice.
Mannequin Pussy | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
They took a moment during the final act of their set to bring the crowd together. In a brief interlude of reflection, lead singer Dabice asks all to locate the place inside of us that shamefully holds our anger, and our pain, and to let go of that shame.
“It’s this pit, because society has no patience for our anger. Society doesn’t give a fuck about our anger, the government doesn’t give a fuck about our anger. So they tell you to shove it down, and get to work. There’s money to be made for some bullshit CEO…”
Dabice’s speech hammered home the whole reason people go to a Mannequin Pussy gig: to feel human again and to see their feelings reflected back at them. Then, she led everyone in a primal group scream of 1,200 people.
Mannequin Pussy | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
Opener Soul Glo did not pull any punches. They came out with their 2021 single “B.O.M.B.S.” which is a quick minute and 55 seconds. This kicked off the absolutely insane energy that never wavered through the whole night. Their time on stage was filled with incredible musicianship and stunts. Toward the end of the set guitarist GG Guerra was throwing their guitar feet into the air and catching it mid song.
Soul Glo | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
Soul Glo ended their set with “Gold Chain Punk (whogonbeatmyass?).” At the end of the song, they brought out a guest singer and everybody switched instruments. It’s a truly wild song that is nonstop energy, and it was the perfect closer to get the crowd ready for Mannequin Pussy.
This show served as a gentle reminder that we’re not crazy for being angry. As Dabice said, sometimes what helps is to “just fucking scream.”
