It was a sight to see. I guess I have not seen so many people dancing, rocking out and smiling in a while! When The Menzingers entered the stage at Technikum in Munich on Friday evening, they made it perfectly clear that they are one of the most relevant bands in the punkrock scene. And how they have evolved! I last saw them 2016 when they were opening for Bouncing Souls in Lindau and I have always been amazed by the sound of The Menzingers. But watching them in Munich now, I felt like they could easily headline any festival. One of the most striking moments certainly was when they played "America (You're Freaking Me Out)", the opener of the 2019 record "Hello Exile". Watching drummer Joe Godino pounding the drums with precision and punch felt like the song's full potential was unlocked in that moment - even though I enjoyed it on the album as well. Similar observations struck me throughout the evening: The Menzingers have written so many great songs that combine heavy guitars and thundering punkrock grandeur with danceable rhythms and sometimes even bubblegum moments. Greg Barnett and Tom May delivered their vocals with verve and both are equally balanced with their guitar work, ranging from aerial clean to energetic overdrive. The setlist was put together with a clear focus on the new album ("Anna", "Strangers Forever") but at the same time it was not short of classics like "Burn After Writing" or "Nice Things". And of course, the fantastic 2017 release "After The Party" wasn't ignored either: "House On Fire" is such a powerful "Carpe diem" manifesto, and the title track was a perfect end for a perfect gig. The Technikum (which is made for up to around 760 guests) was jam-packed with people and I wouldn't be surprised to see The Menzingers play even bigger venues next time. Maybe then they can also pay a visit to the "Ristorante Menzingers" that they mentioned.
Spanish Love Songs are one of the most promising bands at the moment. I decided I need to see them immediately when they released "Kick" three weeks ago. The US emopunk darlings made a wise decision on this tour: They sell their new album "Brave Faces Everyone" at the merch booth - although the official release was planned for February 7th. I gladly picked up a copy of the fantasic sophomore album in Munich. Actually, I made my trip to Munich primarily to see Spanish Love Songs. And Dylan Slocum and his fellow band mates didn't disappoint. Their music is so dramatic but not in an obtrusive way. Throwing new stuff like "Losers" at us while also playing gems like "The Boy Considers His Haircut" from the 2018 debut "Schmaltz", the five-piece celebrated its gig with lots and lots of energy and melodies that still linger in my mind.
I was not prepared for the fun times that Mannequin Pussy from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, had in store for us. Singer and guitarist Marisa Dabice came across as a charismatic stage personality. I dug the riot grrrl vibes and her unrelenting rage mode. The music may be labelled as punkrock, but there were also some 90ies crossover influences I think I picked up. Bass player Colins "Bear" Regisford enjoyed twisting knobs on his effect pedal, and in "F.C.U.A.W." (I think it was that song), the grooves were so heavy that my heart jumped out of pure joy. Isn't it always the best when you don't know the first support band yet and then you go and buy their album at the merch right after the show that ignited your fandom?
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