https://www.queencitydistortion.com/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:41:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cropped-MonkeyHeadphones_original-32x32.jpg https://www.queencitydistortion.com/ 32 32 Funkwondo // Live @ Starlight on 22nd // 01.16.2026 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2026/01/funkwondo-live-starlight-on-22nd-01-16-2026/ https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2026/01/funkwondo-live-starlight-on-22nd-01-16-2026/#respond Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:13:15 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39182 Article and Photos by: Jolene Roderick CHARLOTTE, NC — While the January air outside was enough to make anyone retreat into a parka, the energy inside Starlight on 22nd this past Friday night, January 16th, was nothing short of volcanic. The venue hosted a co-headlining “fire” showcase that served as a perfect reminder that local...

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Article and Photos by: Jolene Roderick

CHARLOTTE, NC — While the January air outside was enough to make anyone retreat into a parka, the energy inside Starlight on 22nd this past Friday night, January 16th, was nothing short of volcanic. The venue hosted a co-headlining “fire” showcase that served as a perfect reminder that local music reaches its peak when the players have enough technical prowess to be dangerous, but enough heart to stay delightfully silly.

Opening the night was Warp Street, who traded their usual alternative leanings for a surprisingly deep, funky pocket. For a band already known for their talent, this set felt like a victory lap in versatility. They kept the early crowd moving with rhythmic, driving basslines that anchored the room, proving they could lock into a groove just as effectively as they could rock a stage.

Their performance was a masterclass in musical conviction, taking the energy in the room and amplifying it through tight, professional arrangements. It wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a high-octane display of musicianship that set a high bar for the rest of the night.

The “heat” wasn’t just coming from the amplifiers. Between sets, the venue turned into a proving ground for the brave during a hot sauce competition. Fans lined up to test their palates for a chance at a signed poster and a “cool trinket,” creating a communal, block-party atmosphere that bridged the gap between the two bands perfectly. It turned the usual “gear change” lull into a shared experience of sweating and laughing.

By the time Funkwondo took the stage, the room was primed for a movement. This 6-piece collective is a masterclass in “the art of funk,” a discipline that requires equal parts surgical precision and reckless abandon. Their lineup—anchored by a punchy frontline of keyboards and dual guitars—delivered a wall of sound that felt massive yet remarkably agile.

Their set was a kaleidoscopic journey through soulful, soaring vocals and psychedelic jams that stretched the boundaries of the genre. They showcased an uncanny ability to read the room, leaning into extended grooves when the dance floor caught fire and tightening the screws during their more intricate, jazz-fused transitions.

The performance featured a seamless weave of originals and curated covers, leaning into the “seriously funky” attitude they’ve been kneading into their music since 2022. Standout moments included a blistering rendition of “Disco Inferno,” revitalized by a brass-heavy arrangement, and original compositions that truly defined their presence.

“Wondo’s House” played like a mission statement—an infectious invitation that allowed the rhythm section to lock into a deep, unshakable pocket. Meanwhile, the high-energy delivery of originals like “Forever on the Run” and “Keep Up” showcased the band’s technical depth, with the dual guitars trading licks in a high-speed musical conversation.

Funkwondo turned the intimate Starlight space into a full-blown, sweat-soaked dance party that left the crowd breathless. Friday night wasn’t just a concert; it was a reminder that the best way to beat the winter chill is through community, unexpected musical moments, and the “more the merrier” mantra that defines the Funkwondo experience.

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OK Go // Live @ The Orange Peel // 12.5.2025 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/12/ok-go-live-the-orange-peel-12-5-2025/ https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/12/ok-go-live-the-orange-peel-12-5-2025/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:09:52 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39158 Photos and review by: Jason Robey ASHEVILLE, NC — 25 years after the release of their first EP, indie rock veterans  OK GO are still every bit as fresh and exciting as ever. The band, which presumably keeps the confetti industry in business, drew a sold-out crowd to the Orange Peel for an energetic and unique...

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Photos and review by: Jason Robey

ASHEVILLE, NC — 25 years after the release of their first EP, indie rock veterans  OK GO are still every bit as fresh and exciting as ever. The band, which presumably keeps the confetti industry in business, drew a sold-out crowd to the Orange Peel for an energetic and unique concert that is more than just a show, it’s an experience.

The L.A. Exes treated the audience to a 45-minute opening set of their poppy alternative rock. The four-piece weaved surf and garage rock vibes into their bouncy Beatles-esque tunes. Their short, but lively time on stage ended with an interesting and well-received cover of the Cranberries’ “Linger.” Following their set, the band spent the evening at their merch table meeting fans new and old. 

OK Go came out with a bang, opening with “This Too Shall Pass” while cannons covered the room with confetti for the first of many times that night. After a rapid fire sequence of songs, vocalist Damian Kulash took a few minutes to talk with the audience, and take a handful of questions from them. Over the course of the evening, he would do this a few more times, cementing the band’s reputation for engaging with fans. 

The evening’s set list was a career-spanning list, focusing heavily on their two latest albums, 2025’s  And the Adjacent Possible, and 2014’s Hungry Ghosts.  The group kept the audience on their toes throughout the show, whether it was Kulash popping up in the middle of the crowd for a couple solo acoustic tunes or the band pulling out a table with bells to play a unique version of “Shooting the Moon.” Their energy and stage presence are top-notch, with unique and interesting music to match, keeping fans singing along to songs both old and new. Ok Go is scheduled to perform at the Innings Festival in Tempe, AZ on February 20, 2026, for dates beyond that, keep an eye on their website and social media for future concerts.

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Chiodos // Live @ The Nevermore Hall // 11.21.25 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/12/choidos-live-the-nevermore-hall-11-21-25/ https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/12/choidos-live-the-nevermore-hall-11-21-25/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:54:04 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39120 Article and Photos by: Kimmi Taylor   Baltimore, MD – It was a special night in Baltimore, Maryland when Chiodos came to the Nevermore Hall to preform songs from their 2005 album, All’s Well That Ends Well. It becomes an unforgettable evening filled with powerful, high-energy rock. Four bands, each a heavy hitter in their own...

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Article and Photos by: Kimmi Taylor

 

Baltimore, MD – It was a special night in Baltimore, Maryland when Chiodos came to the Nevermore Hall to preform songs from their 2005 album, All’s Well That Ends Well. It becomes an unforgettable evening filled with powerful, high-energy rock. Four bands, each a heavy hitter in their own right. They all delivered performances that walked the razor’s edge between chaos and craftsmanship. From symphonic savagery to guttural grit, the night was a full-body assault in the best possible way. If you weren’t there, you missed one of the tightest, most solid deathcore shows in recent memory.

Fat Ass Truck

Big Ass Truck opened the night. They opened the night with intense riffs and powerful growls. Their energy never dipped once. They played a seven-song setlist featuring tracks such as “Big Ass Dog,” “BIG ASS BEER,” and “Corn-Fed.” This metal band fits the show perfectly, charging through a smoke-filled stage with wild kicks and constant motion. They made many new fans tonight.

 

Emmure

Next up was Emmure. Their performance achieved a precise balance of hip hop and raw intensity hardcore rock. The crowd reacted at once, hands thrown into the air as voices rolled across the venue, meeting the band’s tight, high-impact performance in a surge of shared adrenaline. The energy was building so much in the venue, the fans started to mosh and go crazy. Cinematic and forceful, they opened their set with “You Asked for It,” a track that immediately set the tone with its heaviness and energy. Their entire set was packed with meaty power riffs and a healthy dose of classic rock stances.

Hawthorne Heights

The show was halfway over and it was getting a bit later, but with still so much energy in the room, Hawthorne Heights took to the stage. Lead singer, JT Woodruff, took a moment to talk to the crowd about  pretending to step back in time during their set because there is so much crazy in the world. “Pens and Needles, Hard to Breathe, “and “Niki FM,” kept the nostalgia adrenaline high. Crowd surfers started to storm up to the stage as the chorus began for “Ohio Is for Lovers,” with people yelling the lyrics right back to the band. While they only had a nine song set, it was one to remember

 

Chiodos

Last but certainly not least, Chiodos. The band storms the dark stage, but it’s singer Craig Owens who immediately seizes the crowd’s attention as the lights flash on and he jumps on the center raiser on front of the stage. By this point, the lights are brighter and the smoke is filling the stage and the crowd is loving it. They kept the momentum rolling with “There’s No Penguins In Alaska,” a song that blends metalcore touch with sweeping melody. The thirteen-song set includes the entire discography of the album, All’s Well That Ends Well. The build-up led into the song “All Nereids Beware” to start the hour and thirty-five minute long set. A heavy beginning for an extremely diverse set. Songs like “Two Birds Stoned At Once,” “No Hardcore Dancing in the Living Room,” and “We’re Gonna Have Us a Champagne Jam,” filled the set. The band doesn’t let up for a single moment, and neither does the crowd, before closing with “Baby, You Wouldn’t Last a Minute on the Creek.” The crowd still screamed with joy and continued to yell “One more song” before the lights came on and the amazing night had come to an end.

As the crowd filtered out of the venue, you could hear people saying the wait in the rain had been worth it the moment the doors opened. Chiodos never lets its fans down, consistently delivering an unforgettable performance. Their tour runs through December 21st in the U.S., so be sure to check the dates and see if they’re heading to a city near you.

 

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Story Of The Year // Live @ The Nevermore Hall // 11.19.25 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/12/story-of-the-year-live-the-nevermore-hall-11-19-25/ Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:53:40 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39083 Article and Photos by: Kimmi Taylor   Baltimore, MD – Two of the biggest bands of the ’90s and 2000s ignited The Nevermore Hall with a rush of nostalgia and electrifying rock. The night kicks off with a powerhouse double dose of rock from Senses Fail and Story Of The Year.   Armor for Sleep kicked...

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Article and Photos by: Kimmi Taylor

 

Baltimore, MD – Two of the biggest bands of the ’90s and 2000s ignited The Nevermore Hall with a rush of nostalgia and electrifying rock. The night kicks off with a powerhouse double dose of rock from Senses Fail and Story Of The Year.

Armor for Sleep

 

Armor for Sleep kicked off the night with a burst of energy. Formed in New Jersey back in 2001, the band has been delivering pop-punk anthems for over two decades, and they showed no signs of slowing down. Lead singer, Ben Jorgensen fired up the crowd with a heartfelt thank-you, reminding everyone that their support is the reason the band is still going strong 25 years later. Safe to say, they are not slowing down anytime soon.  With their brand-new 2025 album, There Is No Memory, the band is diving into a fresh era. One that pushes their sound forward while still hitting all the emotional highs fans love. The new track, ““Breathe Again,” landed with force, proving that even after two decades, Armor for Sleep can still evolve, surprise, and completely command a stage.

Senses Fail

Senses Fail takes to the stage and the crowd is on their feet from the first note.  Buddy Nielsen stormed onto the stage, unleashing the kind of raw intensity he’s known for, instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy. They opened with a trio of memory-jerkers: “Buried a Lie,” “Calling All Cars,” and “Lady in a Blue Dress.” From the first notes, the entire room was theirs, the packed venue erupting as fans belted out every word to every track. Drummer, Steve Carey, helped ignite the night’s first mosh pits, and the crowd couldn’t resist moving to the thunder of his double-bass hits. His energy behind the kit pushed the room into full motion, setting the bar high for the rest of the show. With every member visibly soaking up the moment, their joy was infectious. No one could stop smiling throughout the whole set. Buddy took a moment to reminisce with the Maryland crowd, sharing memories of his early days spent in the area and recalling the albums he recorded in Fells Point. It instantly connected him with longtime fans in the room. To close out the night, the band tore into “Bite to Break Skin,” sending the crowd into one final frenzy.

Story of The Year

When Story of the Year hit the stage, the venue’s energy skyrocketed. Making a memorable entrance, each band member rode onstage on scooters, immediately capturing the crowd’s attention. They kicked off their set with their newest single, Gasoline (All Rage Still Only Numb), immediately fueling the crowd’s excitement. The crowd was then treated to classics like “Sidewalks,” “Anthem of Our Dying Day,” and “2005.”Lead singer, Dan Marsala, told the crowd that the band had performed in Baltimore three times over the past two years. “We’re like herpes, you can’t get rid of us,” he joked, sending the audience into laughter and cheers. The mosh pits and crowd surfing reached their peak, with fans screaming every lyric at the top of their lungs, fully losing themselves in the chaotic energy of the night. From the moment they took the stage, Dan Marsala and company owned every inch of it. They are true musicians, capable of transforming any night into an unforgettable experience, fueled by the power of music and the sense of community they create with every performance. The night ended with the encore song, “Until the day I die,” leaving fans wanting more.

 

As the crowd finally drifts toward the exits, the energy lingers. Everyone’s raving about how unforgettable the show was and looking forward to new releases and future tours from both bands.  Story of the Year’s new album, A.R.S.O.N. is out Feb 13.

 

 

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Top Entertainment Picks: Films, Tunes, and More https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/11/top-entertainment-picks-films-tunes-and-more/ Fri, 21 Nov 2025 23:22:57 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39117   Finding something decent to watch or listen to these days feels impossible. There’s just too much stuff out there. But I’ve been digging through the entertainment world lately, and some things really stand out. Whether you’re into movies, music, or just looking for your next obsession, here are picks that actually matter right now....

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Finding something decent to watch or listen to these days feels impossible. There’s just too much stuff out there.

But I’ve been digging through the entertainment world lately, and some things really stand out. Whether you’re into movies, music, or just looking for your next obsession, here are picks that actually matter right now.

Films That’ll Mess With Your Head

Parasite completely changed the game. Seriously. Bong Joon-ho didn’t just make a movie — he crafted something that makes you uncomfortable in the best way possible. It’s about class warfare, but it’s also darkly funny. You’ll laugh, then immediately feel weird about laughing.

The film swept the Oscars for good reason. It proved Hollywood is finally paying attention to stories that aren’t just American. And honestly? It’s about time. Parasite works because it doesn’t try to explain everything. It trusts you to get it.

If you haven’t watched it yet, you’re missing out on what modern cinema can actually do.

K-Pop Isn’t Going Anywhere

I used to roll my eyes at K-pop. Then BTS happened, and suddenly I’m listening to songs I can’t understand but somehow feel in my bones.

Their music hits different. Sure, the production’s slick, but there’s real substance underneath. They’re talking about mental health, self-acceptance, stuff that matters. The language barrier doesn’t exist when the emotion’s that raw.

BTS proved music really is universal. Their fans span every continent, every age group. There’s something powerful about watching 50,000 people sing along to Korean lyrics in perfect unison.

Don’t sleep on this movement. It’s reshaping how we think about global pop culture.

VR Gaming Finally Got Good

Half-Life: Alyx made me a believer. VR went from gimmicky tech demo to actual storytelling medium overnight.

You’re not just playing a game — you’re inside it, and every movement matters. When you duck behind cover, your heart’s actually racing. Traditional gaming can’t touch that level of immersion.

The technology’s getting cheaper too. What cost thousands a few years ago now runs a few hundred bucks. We’re hitting that sweet spot where VR becomes mainstream entertainment, not just rich kid toys.

This isn’t the future anymore. It’s happening right now.

Online Communities That Actually Work

Twitch and YouTube changed everything. Suddenly, anyone can build an audience, create their own show, and make a living entertaining people.

But it goes deeper than just streaming. Take specialized platforms like Americas Cardroom — they’re building real communities around shared interests. Players aren’t just competing; they’re connecting, learning from each other, forming genuine friendships.

These platforms prove the internet can bring people together instead of driving them apart. When it works, it really works.

Why We’re All Obsessed With the Past

Netflix knows what it’s doing. They’re banking on nostalgia, and it’s paying off big time. Classic shows, movie reboots, retro gaming — we can’t get enough of yesterday’s entertainment.

Maybe it’s because everything feels uncertain right now. There’s comfort in revisiting stuff that made us happy before. Disney+ built its entire strategy around this feeling.

It’s not just mindless nostalgia, though. These classics hold up. They remind us what good storytelling looks like without all the modern bells and whistles.

The Bottom Line

Don’t just stick with what’s comfortable. Branch out. Try something that challenges you. The best entertainment right now is coming from unexpected places.

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The GameZone Providers Behind the Online Casino Fun https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/11/the-gamezone-providers-behind-the-online-casino-fun/ Fri, 21 Nov 2025 23:14:29 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39112 Every online casino experience carries a dual rhythm. Behind every polished animation, every seamless interface, and every fair result is a network of GameZone providers, the creative engines that determine how the platform feels, plays, and evolves. Here’s a twist that many players may not realize: even with GameZone’s full library of games, not all...

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Every online casino experience carries a dual rhythm. Behind every polished animation, every seamless interface, and every fair result is a network of GameZone providers, the creative engines that determine how the platform feels, plays, and evolves.

Here’s a twist that many players may not realize: even with GameZone’s full library of games, not all are developed in-house.

The platform partners with internationally recognized and homegrown developers who contribute their artistry, mathematics, and design philosophy to produce games that keep players engaged every moment they play.

As you scroll through the website, you’ll notice that many game thumbnails display the provider’s name at the top. This subtle nod acknowledges the studios that bring each title to life.

These developers are digital craftsmen transforming simple ideas into interactive worlds. They refine mechanics, polish graphics, optimize servers, and ensure that every play session is not just fair and secure but also exhilarating.

The contributions of these teams form the heartbeat beneath the interface, the rhythm that makes GameZone online play feel dynamic, fresh, and unmistakably Filipino.

Today, we shine a spotlight on some of the most influential GameZone providers shaping the platform’s identity. From homegrown favorites to industry titans, each brings a distinct style, forming the backbone of GameZone’s growing success.

How to Identify GameZone Providers

One of the simplest ways to appreciate the online casino ecosystem is to look closely at the games themselves. While GameZone hosts the platform, the creative force behind each title varies from provider to provider.

Not every game you enjoy is built in-house, and that is precisely the beauty of the arrangement. The diversity of developers gives the platform its signature mix of classic, modern, and globally competitive experiences.

When exploring the GameZone online casino, you’ll notice a pattern: most game thumbnails proudly display the provider’s logo at the top.

This is your first clue. These labels are more than mere credits; they are a seal of identity, showing who designed the reels you spin, who balanced the mechanics, and who crafted the features that make each game memorable.

Recognizing these providers matters more than most players realize, as they influence every aspect of the gaming experience, from volatility to visual style to gameplay rhythm.

Behind every provider’s name is a team of artists, engineers, and storytellers tasked with creating games that are both intuitive and exciting.

Their responsibilities don’t end at development, because they also maintain games post-release, push updates, ensure server stability, and undergo regular audits to guarantee fairness.

GameZone, for its part, curates the best of these partners. It carefully selects licensed, reliable developers whose titles meet the platform’s rigorous standards of safety, fun, and integrity.

Through this collaboration, players enjoy a smooth and trustworthy experience, where every tap is supported by a network of experts working quietly behind the screen.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the standout names powering your favorite games.

Our Top GameZone Providers

GameZone

It only feels right to begin with the home team. GameZone does not simply host games; it also creates them. Its in-house catalog is designed with Filipino players in mind, offering beloved classics like Tongits, Pusoy, Color Game, and HiLo.

These titles are not mere digital recreations; they are reimagined experiences designed for a modern audience while honoring local tradition.

Alongside these, GameZone also develops staple casino card games such as poker and blackjack, ensuring Filipino players enjoy both homegrown favorites and timeless global genres.

Jili

If GameZone maintained a hall of fame, Jili would occupy several shelves. Known for fast-paced, crowd-pleasing titles like Super Ace and Fortune Gems, Jili is a top slot-focused GameZone provider.

Their style leans heavily on energetic gameplay, vivid visuals, and high-repeat appeal, like the kind of games that keep players coming back for “just one more spin.”

They even provide their version of the Color Game, blending tradition with modern slot design. Spot Jili’s name on a thumbnail, and you can expect a lively, feature-filled experience built to captivate.

Evolution

Think sophistication, precision, and elegance: that is Evolution. This provider dominates the live casino space, offering games from video poker to baccarat to roulette. Evolution brings the luxury and precision of real-world casinos straight to your screen.

With crisp visuals, professional hosts, and top-tier technical performance, their offerings define authenticity. When players desire elegance, modern technology, and immersive gameplay, Evolution is the name to look for.

Together, these providers enrich the GameZone casino with variety, innovation, and reliability, the essential pillars of an excellent online casino experience.

See More GameZone Providers on GameZone

GameZone may integrate everything under one platform, but the real power lies in the visionary teams working behind the scenes.

Whether a homegrown studio or a global industry leader, each provider contributes to the broader ecosystem, making GameZone’s library feel alive, diverse, and constantly evolving.

Partnerships between the platform and its providers create a harmonious mix of styles: culturally resonant local card games, high-energy slot experiences engineered for excitement, and elegant live casino titles designed to rival real-world tables.

Every provider adds a unique thread, and GameZone weaves these threads into a seamless tapestry of entertainment.

This is the magic players rarely notice: the meticulous work shaping reels, animations, color schemes, and the certified fairness of every result. The fingerprints of these teams influence mechanics, design, and performance simultaneously.

Next time you explore the GameZone online casino, take a moment to notice provider labels. Behind each is a team dedicated to providing an immersive, exciting, and reliable gaming experience.

Thanks to rigorous regulations and compliance standards, every game on the platform can be enjoyed with confidence.

No tricks, no gimmicks, just high-quality entertainment from trusted partners.

For those curious to learn more, the best way is to dive in and play. Visit GameZone today and discover how top GameZone providers shape every moment of your digital journey.

FAQ

Q: What is a GameZone provider?
A: A GameZone provider is a partner developer responsible for creating, designing, and maintaining the games on the platform, including monitoring their fair play mechanics.

Q: How do GameZone providers ensure fairness?
A: They use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs), regularly audited by gaming authorities. This guarantees results that are transparent, unpredictable, and free from manipulation.

Q: Why does GameZone work with multiple providers?
A: Variety. Partnering with multiple developers allows GameZone to offer a broader, more exciting library for all player types.

Q: Who are the top GameZone providers right now?
A: GameZone, Jili, and Evolution are among the most prominent providers powering the platform.

Q: Are GameZone providers legitimate and regulated?
A: Yes. Each provider meets strict requirements for fairness, security, and responsible play.

Q: What do I need to play on GameZone?
A: One valid government ID is required for the Know-Your-Customer safety verification protocol.

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The Cult // Live @ Shrine Expo Hall // 10.30.25 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/11/the-cult-live-shrine-expo-hall-10-30-25/ https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/11/the-cult-live-shrine-expo-hall-10-30-25/#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:09:19 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39058 Los Angeles, CA — Fans showed up ready for nostalgia and noise. Inside the Shrine Expo Hall, the lights dimmed, fog rolled in, and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Two words to describe The Cult’s show: energetic darkness. The night pulled the audience straight back to the eighties, with fans reliving their youth in different...

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Los Angeles, CA Fans showed up ready for nostalgia and noise. Inside the Shrine Expo Hall, the lights dimmed, fog rolled in, and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Two words to describe The Cult’s show: energetic darkness. The night pulled the audience straight back to the eighties, with fans reliving their youth in different ways. Some were air-guitaring with a grin, while others stood quietly, letting the music wash over them. From the moment songs by The Cure and Depeche Mode filled the venue, it was clear this would be a good night.

The show opened with Patriarchy, who immediately caught everyone’s attention. Their eerie and theatrical style fit perfectly with the Halloween season. 

After that came Failure, a three-piece band from Los Angeles whose sound carried that classic rock edge that never really goes out of style. Both openers set the mood, but once The Cult took the stage, the energy in the room shifted completely.

The set was split into two parts, starting with Death Cult and then moving into The Cult. This format, part of their Death Cult 8525 Tour, traced the band’s history from their early post-punk roots to their powerful rock sound. Curtains covered the stage as the first notes of “Ghost Dance” began. The tension built until the curtains dropped, and the band everyone had been waiting for finally appeared.


Ian Astbury moved across the stage with confidence, tambourine in hand, rarely standing still. Billy Duffy’s guitar tone cut through the room with sharp clarity, while bassist Charlie Jones and drummer John Tempesta held down the rhythm with strength and precision. The lighting design stood out, flashing in time with the music and giving the performance a vivid, dreamlike feel. Astbury’s voice sounded as distinct and commanding as ever.

Between sets, a video sequence played to transition from Death Cult to The Cult. The visuals drew the crowd into another world before the band returned with “Wild Flower.” From that moment on, the energy never dipped. Hearing songs like “Edie (Ciao Baby)” live served as a reminder of why some tracks only come alive in person. The way the crowd sang along and the echo that filled the Shrine made it clear how much this band still means to people.

Astbury took time to connect with the audience, cracking jokes about the Dodgers and calling for MTV to make a comeback. His humor balanced the darker atmosphere of their music, showing the playful side behind all the intensity.

The stage lights shifted between purple, orange, green, and blue, each one matching the emotion of the songs. From the band’s early gothic moments to their hard rock anthems like “Fire Woman” and “Edie (Ciao Baby),” The Cult proved that their sound still carries the same pulse it had forty years ago.

 

This show at the Shrine felt different. It was the last stop of their North American tour and the final night before their announced break from touring. A week earlier, Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy told fans that the band would be stepping away for an undetermined time to focus on writing and new creative projects. They described it as a pause, not an ending. That knowledge gave the show a deeper sense of meaning. Every song felt like a shared moment between the band and their fans, a quiet acknowledgment of everything they’ve built together.

Even after four decades, The Cult still delivered something powerful. Watching them play felt both nostalgic and alive, a mix of reflection and electricity. As the crowd left the Shrine that night, it wasn’t just applause that lingered.

This article was written with reporting contributions from Maya Kuraki. Photos by Maya Kuraki.

 

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Dogs In a Pile // Live @ Visulite Theatre // 10.30.2025 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/11/dogs-in-a-pile-live-visulite-theatre-10-30-2025/ Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:30:55 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39042 Photos and review by: Jason Robey CHARLOTTE, NC — New Jersey quintet Dogs In a Pile have cemented themselves as one of the top up-and-comers in the jam band scene over the past couple years. They proved that status to a packed room at the Visulite Theatre in Charlotte on Thursday, as excited fans filled...

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Photos and review by: Jason Robey

CHARLOTTE, NC — New Jersey quintet Dogs In a Pile have cemented themselves as one of the top up-and-comers in the jam band scene over the past couple years. They proved that status to a packed room at the Visulite Theatre in Charlotte on Thursday, as excited fans filled the room well before show time for their first headlining show in the city in three years. Over the course of two and a half hours, they more than delivered for the audience, taking them on a genre-bending musical journey.

The group wasted no time getting into the meaty jams, opening with a fifteen-minute “Go Set” that gave just a taste of what was to come. Towing the lines of rock, jazz, funk, and whatever else crosses their minds, they tore through the original “Crazy” and a raucous cover of Ben Folds’ “Song for the Dumped,” before settling back into jam-land with extended, improvisation-heavy versions of “Today” and “Way to Be.” The band operated as one cohesive unit throughout the show, with each member getting their chance to showcase their individual skills while never feeling forced or even planned. The set closing “G Song” was the perfect illustration of the unspoken communication that allowed improvisation to move smoothly through impressively dynamic changes.

The band’s second set took them even deeper into the depths of psychedelia, warming up with a relatively short “Stevie Lew” before jumping into a monster run of fan-favorite “Craig and Pat” with a seamless transition into “Writing On the Wall” that altogether spanned over thirty minutes. A mesmerizing light show washed over the crowd through the changing moods, from dark and atonal to groove heavy, poppy and bouncy to subdued and introspective. After taking just a few seconds to breathe, they moved into another two-song behemoth, going even longer and musically deeper with “Thomas Duncan, Pt. 2” transitioning perfectly into “Four More Days.” 

It was easy to see throughout the show that the members of the band were enjoying themselves as much as those in the crowd, adding a level of connection between the stage and the floor. Guitarist Jimmy Law in particular with his animated facial expressions while playing. Dogs In a Pile entered the homestretch for the night with the poppy bounce of “6 Little Lies,” filling the room with a feeling of refreshing release, dialing up the intensity one final time, transitioning into a short snippet of “Bubble” to end the show. The band has a packed tour schedule through the next several months, check their website for upcoming dates and make sure to catch this group’s live show.

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Natalie Brooke // Live @ The Rabbit Hole // 10.18.2025 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/10/natalie-brooke-live-the-rabbit-hole-10-18-2025/ https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/10/natalie-brooke-live-the-rabbit-hole-10-18-2025/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:21:48 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39022 Photos and review by: Jason Robey CHARLOTTE, NC — Hot on the heels of the release of her new album Measured In Moments earlier this month, Natalie Brooke and her band brought their high-energy show to The Rabbit Hole. Local jazz trio OOF! opened the night with an instrumental set filled with intricate compositions scattered...

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Photos and review by: Jason Robey

CHARLOTTE, NC — Hot on the heels of the release of her new album Measured In Moments earlier this month, Natalie Brooke and her band brought their high-energy show to The Rabbit Hole. Local jazz trio OOF! opened the night with an instrumental set filled with intricate compositions scattered with some recognizable melodies. The group brought a breezy vibe with punchy melodies for their 45 minute set, with particularly ear-grabbing moments like their version of “Christmas Time Is Here.”

Natalie Brooke’s set was a mesmerizing two-hour, genre-blending journey, kicking off with a 10-minute instrumental that alluded to what the evening had in store. The group followed the extended opening heater up with a succinct run through of the lead single from the new album, “Hands,” with its earworm-worthy chorus and soul-tinted instrumental sections. The Four piece band operated as an impressive team, each member driving the jams at different points, always keeping it moving without ever stepping on each other. 

Brooke’s magnetic stage presence added to the sonically captivating experience, playing multiple keyboards and switching to a keytar for a brilliiant cover pairing of Steely Dan’s “Green Earrings” with a seamless transition into Billy Cobham’s jazz tune “Testing Service.” The ensuing jam had masterful peaks and valleys, with a mesmerizing rhythm breakdown featuring bassist Jacob Nadeau and drummer Nathan Shulkin. Nadeau would later take the vocal reins for an exploratory take on Pink Floyd’s “Money” that stretched to ten minutes, giving guitarist Luke Walker time to shine with impressive fretboard dancing. 

Fans were especially taken with the familiar instrumental hook of the original “Noodles 2.0,” which has become something of a signature tune in the band’s repertoire with its catchy groove laying a perfect musical bed for improvisation. As the set began winding down, the group closed with a pair of originals, each clocking in at ten minutes. “Sometimes,” from Measured In Moments, blended soul and jazz with sultry vocals and a groove-heavy drum and bass breakdown, also marking another appearance of the keytar. They finally closed out with “Sexy Mofo,” a long-time fan favorite that gave the group one last chance to take the room into another dimension before calling it a night and leaving the audience calling for more. Check Natalie Brooke’s social media for tour dates.

 

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Interview with Florencia of FLORENCIA & THE FEELING https://www.queencitydistortion.com/2025/10/interview-with-florencia-of-florencia-the-feeling/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:01:54 +0000 https://www.queencitydistortion.com/?p=39016 Image credit: Unknown (source: f4.bcbits.com)  

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Image credit: Unknown (source: f4.bcbits.com)

 

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