To persevere through life's many transitions, we often seek a way to ground ourselves. In the case of Mannequin Pussy, members Marissa/Missy Dabice, Collins "Bear" Regisford, and Kaleen Reading welcomed Maxine Steen (guitar, synths) onto their mix, also working with producer John Congleton for the first time. Much like their previous records, the cry for freedom is just as loud and primal, but more shoegaze-y and pop infused this time around. I was really drawn to this new sound, which combines their signature abrasive punk rock with dreamy synths.

The album came to fruition during periods of unknown, where the band members realized that we could embrace the heaven that this planet already was so long as we be kinder to each other and ourselves.

The band continues to stand by their infatuation with change, despite the discomfort and uncertainty that comes with it. In order to grow, you need to express when you aren't okay with something. You don't need permission to feel, and you most definitely don't need it to express yourself.

"I'm so tired of men telling us what to do. Mind your business," Missy said, loud and clear.

Mannequin Pussy opened with "I Don't Know You," a haunting melody which bears the frustration and sorrow of loving someone while feeling like you don't know them. Missy traverses a buildup of quiet tension and then, with utmost control, releases it into a soft coo. "I know a lot of things... I know a lot of things! But I don't know you…"

I Got Heaven's controlled yet boundless lyricism and sound displays a balance of tenderness and force, as the tracks shift from soft aching whispers to bellows of desire and dissatisfaction. This was effortlessly translated throughout the entire show where people could feel connected and vulnerable as they shared the moment to purge anger and feel lighter.

About halfway through the set, it was time to honor tradition. The collective scream is not foreign in concerts, but one orchestrated by Mannequin Pussy is unlike anything else. Previously, I would follow by letting out a tame ‘Ahh.' It often felt like everyone else was thinking the same: screaming in public feels embarrassing and uncomfortable. But with the guidance of their countdown, no one missed the opportunity to let out their loudest scream.

Heavier songs like "Loud Bark" physically set you up for a release of negative energy, as we all marched to the escalating, breathy declaration, "I got a loud bark, deep bite, a loud bark, deep bite!" If you were looking to let go of your inhibitions, this was the place to be.

One of my favorite parts of the night was watching Missy simply do her thing. My eyes were glued to her as she led this shared experience of catharsis and vulnerability with so much control and sultry confidence. Her energy was captivating and powerful, while being both performative and her raw self on stage.

In a society that has no place to expel the emotions we are told to keep deep inside, Mannequin Pussy created a visceral night for us to do exactly that, encouraging us to challenge dissatisfaction and take care of our emotions— to fulfill our needs and accept nothing less.

I had the honor of seeing Mannequin Pussy back in 2021 when they opened for Japanese Breakfast at the same venue. It was unknown to me then what magic I was witnessing. After hearing their latest album and experiencing their performance today, it's now hard to imagine how one can fail to appreciate them. Since then, they've immensely honed in on their personal sound and stage presence. I can't believe I didn't understand "Control" when they played it 3 years ago; her loud expression of being in control while sounding fragile was one of the most beautiful songs I've heard live. I can't wait to watch them take over the world. The band was magnetic and the air was invigorating. All hail Mannequin Pussy.