Photos and review by Nicole Sepulveda
@__nik__pics

I first discovered Mannequin Pussy the same way many music fans stumble across their next obsession these days: through Instagram. Another band I follow shared a clip from the music video for “I Got Heaven” in their stories, and something about it immediately grabbed my attention. The song felt urgent, emotional, and completely unapologetic. When I saw they would be touring soon after, I knew I wanted to experience the band live.

What I didn’t know was exactly what kind of show to expect.

Mannequin Pussy has built a reputation around intense emotional swings, blending vulnerable melodies with explosive bursts of punk aggression. At the same time, they’re currently opening arena shows for Florence + the Machine, which left me wondering how their sound translated between those very different audiences. Add local opener Sluttony to the bill, and I walked into Santa Cruz’s Catalyst on May 17^th curious about how the night would unfold.

The timing made the show feel even more significant. The Catalyst has long been one of California’s most beloved independent music venues, hosting everyone from emerging local acts to major touring artists. After years of uncertainty and recent operational challenges that have left many fans worried about its future, every packed room feels like a celebration of what the venue has meant to generations of concertgoers. For a band like Mannequin Pussy, whose live performances thrive on connection and community, it felt like the perfect setting.

Local favorites Sluttony opened the night and were greeted by a strong hometown crowd. The Santa Cruz band started with a slower burn before steadily building momentum throughout their set. By the end, they had the room fully engaged and energized, setting the stage perfectly for Mannequin Pussy’s arrival.

When frontwoman Missy Dabice took the stage, the band initially leaned into some of their more melodic material. The first portion of the set felt almost restrained compared to the chaos I knew was lurking beneath the surface. Then came “I Got Heaven.”

The moment those opening notes hit, the energy in the room shifted dramatically.

From that point forward, the show transformed into the kind of cathartic release that has earned Mannequin Pussy such a devoted following. Songs like “Pigs Is Pigs,” “OK? OK! OK? OK!” and my personal favorite, “Perfect,” unleashed wave after wave of controlled chaos. Heads banged. Voices screamed lyrics back at the stage. The band’s ability to move seamlessly between beauty and aggression was captivating to watch.

Both nights of their Santa Cruz stop sold out, and it was immediately obvious why.

The Catalyst was absolutely packed. As a photographer, that created its own challenges. The photo pit was narrow and positioned higher than I’d have preferred, making movement difficult and limiting some shooting angles. Roaming through the crowd wasn’t much easier, but everyone was incredibly accommodating whenever I needed to step into a space for a quick shot.

As the set continued, the room grew noticeably hotter. The crowd never seemed to mind. Fans danced, shouted every word, and welcomed the occasional crowd surfer overhead. The atmosphere felt less like a concert and more like a collective emotional release.

One moment that stood out happened when the band paused briefly to hand out water bottles to audience members near the front. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about their awareness of the room and the people who helped create that energy. Anyone who’s spent time on the rail knows that leaving for water often means sacrificing your spot, and the band’s effort to keep fans hydrated didn’t go unnoticed.

Partway through the night, I stepped away from shooting and simply experienced a few songs as a fan. Sometimes the best way to understand a concert is to stop looking through the viewfinder and absorb the atmosphere around you. The connection between the band and audience was undeniable.

After the final song ended and the equipment started coming down, the experience still wasn’t over. Missy remained at the front of the stage, handing out autographed setlists signed by the entire band along with extra guitar picks and other memorabilia. It was another reminder that Mannequin Pussy understands the value of community and fan connection, something that can easily get lost as bands grow larger.

What surprised me most after the show was learning that the band has been around since 2010. Somehow, they had completely escaped my radar until recently. Even more impressive is that their current tour with Florence + the Machine marks their first experience playing arenas.

If this performance was any indication, they’re more than ready for bigger stages.

Mannequin Pussy delivers the kind of live show that feels increasingly rare: emotionally honest, intensely physical, and completely committed from beginning to end. Whether they’re playing packed clubs like the Catalyst or stepping onto arena stages for the first time, their ability to connect with audiences remains their greatest strength.

I only wish I had discovered them sooner.

The good news is that now I have another band added to the list of artists I can’t wait to see again.