Mannequin Pussy
It would be nice to think that Philadelphia’s Mannequin Pussy are attacking objectification, that their performative process is further scholarly research into awful ’80s films and Doctor Who serials. But the truth goes beyond dummy references or the potential articulations of life-sized dolls: Mannequin Pussy are punk rock of pedigree; built with savage emotion by musicians who value the experiential power of music.
Formed initially as a two-piece in 2010 by high school pals Marisa “Missy” Dabice and Athanasios Paul, Mannequin Pussy put in the time and effort, growing into a four-piece outfit and racking up fan adoration and accolades along the way. Until life and the goldarned COVID put the brakes on their crescendoing career.
Dabice has long dug deep into a well of personal turmoil for the heartfelt lyrics that drive the tunes. From fighting – and ultimately beating – a rare form of cancer in her youth, toxic relationships and bouts of depression, to becoming a caretaker to her mother after a stroke, Dabice’s career has experienced more stops than starts.
Co-founder Paul’s departure on top of the pandemic would’ve killed a lesser band. Dabice’s vocals, guitars and keyboards in the current iteration are anchored by bassist Colins “Bear” Regisford and drummer Kaleen Reading. On tour they have three studio albums to draw from, including “Patience,” named by Pitchfork as one of 2019’s best punk records.
Their latest for Epitaph, 2021’s five-song EP “Perfect,” catches the band reassessing itself for the new world. Forcing themselves into the studio brought forth an organic record of lush musical landscapes accentuated by the balls-out fury of hardcore punk. Tracks including “Perfect” and “Pigs Is Pigs” balance out the alt-experimental tonal poem “Darling” and steady rocker “Control.”
Back on the road with a packed schedule and unfazed by the theft in October of their van (again) plus a trailer carrying equipment and merch, Mannequin Pussy are ready to rock again. Dabice is ready to get the band back to the top of punk rock’s peak, where it rightfully belongs.
Mannequin Pussy play 8pm Saturday, February 19 at Gramps in Miami, $15-20. mannequinpussy.com ~ Abel Folgar
