I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: January 16, 2025] Skullpresser

Skullpresser was a later addition to this show.  For the longest time it was TBA.  When they were listed I had to look them up and was pretty surprised to see that they are a Philly supergroup of sorts with each of the members in other bands.  The one I knew the best was Colins “Bear” Regisford from Mannequin Pussy on bass.  Another famous name is The Wonder Years‘ Mike Kennedy on drums (I know they are quite big but I actually don’t know them at all).  I’d never heard of the other two bands involved.  One Dead Three Wounded‘s Sam Tropio is on guitar and Burdens is represented by Jared Birdseye on lead vocals and Dan Zimmerman on guitar.

I had also never been to Foto Club before and I’ll say that it might be my favorite small club in Philly!  The venue is cool and weird (a private club–whatever that means) with free pool tables and the venue upstairs.  It holds about 200 people and the floor is lit by LED lights.

When Skullpresser started, Jared Birdseye was on the floor with us.

They were tight and heavy (kind of a metal/hardcore blend). I couldn’t understand too many of the words, but the titles made the meaning obvious.

I was genuinely surprised there wasn’t any slam dancing–the place is perfect for it.  But I was happy it didn’t happen.

It was pretty fun seeing Bear up close since the last few times I’ve seen Mannequin Pussy it was really crowded.  And, of course, it’s cool seeing a band from about five feet away, even if you don’t know them.  I was a little annoyed because a tall woman stood right on front of me moments before the show began.  I mean, right in front of me, when there was plenty of room all around.  But whatever.

The songs were great–fast and intense but with a few breaks in intensity.  And even though I couldn’t always understand the words, Birdseye’s intensity was great.

For the last song, Birdseye sang a bit and then left the floor, allowing the band to finish the song.  For the last two minutes or so Bear sang lead and it was a nice change of pace.

Zeta is not a hugely heavy band, so this was kind of an unexpected opener, but they were a lot of fun.

1. Throes of Man ¶
2. Profit from Pain $
3. Just a Pig $
4. Positions of Power ¶
5. The World Can See ¶
6. Chained ¶
7. Born to Please ¶
8. The Hammer Falls $

$ Skullpresser EP (2023)
¶ Positions of Power EP (2024)