I Just Read About That…

[DID NOT ATTEND: June 18, 2025] Honey Revenge / Vana / Daisy Grenade / Nightlife

I saw Honey Revenge open for Meet Me @ The Altar and I really liked their set.  Honey Revenge is evidently a two-piece: Devin Papadol (vocals) and Donovan Lloyd (guitar), (although live there were two others).  They play an electro pop that is really fun and Papadol is a great front woman.

But this was the same night that I had a ticket to see Hello Mary, who I had really wanted to see, so I blew off this show.

I listened to a Vana song and thought they were a dancey synth band and then about fifteen seconds in the song went total death metal with screaming vocals.  Wow.  There’s a total Poppy vibe–growly vocals interspersed with sweet synth pop verses.  Her bio states

Vana is an independent female alt metal artist from Aotearoa [New Zealand]. She doubles as a musician and content creator and prioritises spending her time sharing her creativity with the world.  Vana’s music is dark and alluring. She strives to make music that represents her pride as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as encouraging women to embrace their sensuality. Her songs encapsulate the feeling of viewing life through rose-tinted glasses, especially the consequences of doing so.

Daisy Grenade opened for Pierce the Veil but we missed them. I wanted to see them because I like what they call bubblegrunge.  Although I think I like Vana more (because I’m obsessed with New Zealand).

Daisy Grenade is an alt-pop duo led by Dani Nigro and Keaton Whittakker hailing from their hometown of NYC. Their songs hit like chaotic diary entries equal parts heartbreak, rage, delusion and rebellion. They’re giving bubblegrunge a bloody nose, wrapping raw vulnerability in distortion and glitter.

Nightlife is a Baltimore-based “soul-punk” band formed by Hansel Romero (vocals/production), Julian Lofton (bass/guitars), and Isaiah Walker (drums/percussion).  They are known for blending energetic, melodic punk with soulful vocals, featuring popular tracks like “new low,” “fallback,” and “strangeluv”.

I haven’t heard of blending soul and punk.  I’m all for genre melding, although this feels more like soul with loud guitars.