From silly string to polaroids to a proposal, the Minneapolis-raised alt-rock band Vial hosted their third annual show PISSFEST at Varsity Theater on March 21, creating a night to remember for everyone there.
This year’s event was unlike the other two for a few very special reasons. PISSFEST III was designed to be Vial’s album release show for their new project HELLHOUND. It also acted as a benefit show for local families still facing the impacts of the ICE occupation, as well as the kick-off date for the band’s current headlining tour.
Raising over $6,000 for grocery and rent relief, the show was a packed venue full of dancing, moshing and what felt like a constant stream of crowd surfers. Vial curated such a stacked bill that made it impossible to stand still. With a lineup like Virginia’s Basement, Anita Velveeta, Durry, and punks Cheap Perfume, everyone knew it was going to be a killer show.
Virginia’s Basement is always a must-see if you’re ever in Minneapolis. This group of artists make emotional-filled bangers that are incredible to see live. You can really tell how much heart they put into their music, and it’s always a privilege to see them perform. This show in particular was one of their biggest shows yet of 800+ people, and it was thrilling to see how they took the stage, like they’ve played there countless of times.
Second on the bill was none other than Anita Velveeta, a Twin Cities DIY icon who filled her set with mostly new electronic tracks that the crowd went crazy for. Velveeta even finished the set crowd surfing while still singing on the mic — an impressive feat that got everyone hyped up. Next up was Cheap Perfume. Known for their banger “It’s Okay (To Punch Nazis),” Cheap Perfume is a group of feminist punks from Colorado Springs that are no stranger to the stage. The power this band possesses is otherworldly. Cheap Perfume kept the energy going with a fun, angry, and loud set. The lead singer Stephanie Byrne likes to pace around a lot which made for fun photos and interactions with the front row and band members.
The final band to play before Vial took the stage was sibling indie-rock band Durry, who absolutely rocked the house like usual. Even with minor technical difficulties, Durry was able to keep the show going. They even had one of those car dealership floatie guys which added to the fun.
Vial’s set consisted of the entirety of HELLHOUND as well as some older songs of theirs. Vial is one of those bands that you can just tell were made to have a platform. Not only do they shred, but they are very kind and genuine people who really took the time putting a show together that was creative and detailed. They also gave as much appreciation to their fans as possible by interacting and checking in frequently with the crowd, taking a polaroid selfie, silly stringing the crowd with a can someone brought, and even letting a fan propose to their now fiance on stage. The entire crowd screamed and applauded as the now-happily-engaged couple hugged and celebrated such a beautiful moment with a kiss. I’ve never seen a better participating audience – everyone either came to dance, be a little silly or let off some steam from a long work week.
Vial had visuals on the screen during their whole set that switched between bright colors with graphics of animals, playing along with the HELLHOUND vibe. The band also had their infamous long Furby on stage wrapped around a mic stand as a video of evil Furbies x Godzilla looped on the screen.
HELLHOUND is such a uniquely cool project, and it was even cooler to experience in person. Vial leads with a thick bass, grungy guitar, sick drums and angry fem vocals. What makes this album in particular so good is their specific influence of older punk and classic metal which really shines through in tracks like “CREEP SMOOTHIE” and “IDLE HANDS.”
Vial and their team put on a show to remember, and the venue staff certainly helped make that possible. Afterall, they caught all those insane crowd surfers.
Get your tickets to Vial’s HELLHOUND Tour here.
Keep up with the bands below:
Vial Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / Band Camp
Durry Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / Band Camp
Cheap Perfume Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / Band Camp
Anita Velveeta Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / Band Camp
Virginia’s Basement Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / Band Camp
