I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: January 24, 2026] Nina Ryser

Nina Ryser is a member of Palberta (I love that name) whom I saw live a while back.  I saw Nina solo back in 2022.  She was opening for Tropical Fuck Storm.  And tonight she was opening for Agriculture.  That’s two really heavy bands who chose her to open.  She is something of a Philly DIY institution, but she plays offbeat synth songs that are not at all like the headliners.

Most of the songs were built around a beat and a simple chord pattern.  There was a droney component to it and Nina’s vocals were kind of deadpan.  With her was Luke Knapp, on bass and other synthy sounds.

There were some good bass lines and fun synth sounds.  Nina tends to re-state her lyrics a bunch and the songs quickly become familiar (I’m not even sure if there are verses and choruses).

There was a sweet moment when she said that this was the first concert she’s done since she had a baby 6 months ago.   That made this show all the more special for her.  I wonder if she stayed for the headliners, or rushed home for the baby.

SETLIST

Things I Claim ≅
Why Do I Ask? ≅
Mercury Soda ≅
Know Me Like You Do ⇓
Lessen Your Load ≅
I Miss My Dog ♥

≅ Water Giants (2024)
♥ I Miss My Dog EP (2023)
⇓ Paths of Color (2020)