Mannequin Pussy Performs at Turner Hall and is Demanding to be Heard

Mannequin Pussy is an American punk rock band formed in 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consists of Colins “Bear” Regisford (bass, vocals), Kaleen Reading (drums, percussion), Maxine Steen (guitar, synths), and Marisa Dabice (guitar, vocals). They have gained attention for their energetic sound, blending elements of punk, indie rock, and pop.

Their debut album, "GP," was released in 2016 and showcased their raw energy and emotional lyrics. They continued to build their reputation with subsequent releases, including "Patience" in 2019. Mannequin Pussy's live performances are known for their intensity and connection with a rebelling audience to the current affairs of the world which comes with punk music. One of the band’s songs, “I Got Heaven” Dabice yells, “And what if I’m an angel? Oh what if I’m a bore? And what if I was confident would you just hate me more?

Mannequin Pussy has carved out a niche in the punk scene, often addressing themes like identity, hypocrisy in Christianity, feminism, injustices within the country, and personal experiences in their music. Their unique sound and powerful messages have resonated with fans, making them a strong presence in the contemporary punk rock landscape.

To me, there was something really notebale about this band. Along with them being unapologetically themselves, their unique style really felt raw. A noteable moment for me was Dabice’s speech prior to the playing of the song, “Pledge.” Dabice talks about the value of not taking a pledge to anything that you don’t stand for, along with mentioning the ridiculousness of the world nowadays. (Specifically bringing forward the corruption of unequal wealth distribution.)

Of course, you also have to mention the name, “Mannequin Pussy.” I mean it’s shocking, it makes a statement, and a powerful one at that. Dabice mentions in a short speech during the show, where she melodically drawls, (After making everyone scream “Pussy”.), about the uncomfortableness the band’s name offers and how instead they’re reclaiming the word, instead of disgust or a word that brings people down, it’s a word of power, of strength, of femininity.

An argument many make about the punk genre is the lack of quality vocals and musical ability, focusing more on the political aspect. For me though, the band really has a unique mix of melody and truly raw sounds, along with instrumentals that demonstrate expertise in their instruments even with the more experimental sounds.

Mannequin Pussy is continuing their, “I Got Heaven” Tour

05/19 – St. Luke’s, Glasgow, UK

05/20 – Academy 2, Manchester, UK

05/22 – SWX, Bristol, UK

05/23 – Wide Awake Festival, London, UK

05/24 – Bearded Theory Festival, Derbyshire, UK

05/26 – Trabendo, Paris, FR

05/28 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen, NL

05/29 – Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam, NL

05/31 – Columbia Theater, Berlin, DE

06/06 – New York, NY @ Governors Ball

06/08 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live

06/10 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre

06/12 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

06/13 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo

06/14 – Savannah, GA @ Dog Days Festival

06/15 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre

06/17 – Washington, DC @ 930 Club

06/18 – Washington, DC @ 930 Club

06/27 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts

06/28 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ Middle Waves Festival

07/24 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom

07/25 – Tacoma, WA @ Spanish Ballroom

07/26 – Portland, OR @ Project Pabst

08/08 – San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands

08/14 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

08/15 – Buena Vista, CO @ King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard‘s Field of Vision Festival

09/12 – Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall

09/13 – Albany, NY @ Empire Live

09/14 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Sea.Hear.Now Festival

09/16 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Jefferson Theatre

09/19 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall

09/20 – Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees