Phish electrified the crowd at Climate Pledge Arena with their signature brand of psychedelic rock, delivering an expansive musical journey that transformed the sustainable Seattle venue into a cosmic playground.
The Vermont-based quartet, known for their improvisational prowess and devoted fanbase, filled the space with swirling guitar solos, intricate bass lines, and hypnotic rhythms that had fans swaying and dancing throughout the night. As colorful light displays washed over the audience, the band’s lengthy instrumental explorations created an immersive experience that showcased why they remain legends of the jam band scene after nearly four decades of performing.
Pop duo KTJ & CARLY joined the west coast leg of IDER’s North American tour last week and made a stop at Madame Lou’s, one of several stages at the legendary Crocodile. The identical twins – Katie and Carly – have been performing together for five years and were on the road in support of their most recent album, Forever Young. The sisters’ beautiful harmonies and original songs won over a large group of new fans that evening.
Neptune Theatre, April 9, 2025 – In a night of relentless energy and genre-blurring sound, Japanese metalcore phenoms Hanabie. and Australian genre-bender Kim Dracula delivered an unforgettable co-headlining show to a sold-out Seattle crowd. Joining them was Philadelphia’s emotional hardcore outfit Kaonashi, setting the tone for an evening of chaotic brilliance.
The Neptune was buzzing before the first note rang out. Kaonashi opened the show, blending vulnerability and raw aggression with a mix of older material and their latest single, “When I Say,” which officially dropped worldwide just hours after their set. In a surprise twist midway through their performance, the band briefly exited the stage, only to return donning quirky costume accessories, jokingly announcing themselves as “Hanabie.” before launching into the final few songs. The crowd lapped up the playful energy.
Kim Dracula followed, though not from where fans expected. As the lights dimmed, a voice over the PA asked the crowd to part down the middle of the floor. Suddenly, Kim Dracula emerged from the back of the house, striding through the audience like a theatrical antihero en route to the stage. Fans erupted as the set kicked off.
Known for their unpredictable fusion of metal, trap, and theatrics, Kim Dracula did not disappoint. The set included hits such as “Paparazzi,” “Seventy Thorns,” “Drown,” and a fierce cover of Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow,” a fitting nod to Seattle’s grunge legacy. The mosh pit barely took a breath, fueled by an hour of sonic assault and spectacle.
Then came Hanabie., whose contrasting aesthetic, bright, colorful visuals and hyperenergetic choreography, created a euphoric end to the night. One by one, the members took the stage to greet fans, who responded with deafening cheers. The band wasted no time, launching into “O・TA・KU Lovely Densetsu” with unstoppable momentum.
Unlike Kim Dracula’s brooding atmosphere, Hanabie. lit up the stage, literally, with brilliant lighting and infectious energy. Their setlist was packed with fan-favorites, including “Bucchigiri Tokyo,” “Reiwa Dating Apps Generation” and “Drastic Nadeshiko.” High-flying jumps, precision instrumentation and nonstop crowd engagement turned the venue into a carnival of chaos and joy.
Seattle got more than a concert, it got a full-sensory experience. With the North American leg of the tour now wrapped, fans across the country will be talking about this triple-threat performance for months. If you missed it, don’t make the same mistake twice. Catch these genre-breaking artists next time they storm a stage near you.
British pop/rock duo IDER headlined at Madame Lou’s last week, the 2nd show of their 10-city Late To The World Tour. Singer-songwriters Lily Somerville and Meg Markwick gave a powerful performance to an enthusiastic crowd that packed the venue. The two harmonized beautifully while they alternated between guitar and keys, and were backed by drummer Max. LA-based, identical twin sisters KTJ & CARLY opened.
SXSW 2025 Day 6 – A combination of official showcases and day party performances at the six-day SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas. Photos by Kirk Stauffer
