Live Review: Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven Tour in Perth 2024
3rd of December 2024 at The Rosemount in Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
“There’s someone trying to tell us how we ought to live and ought to be, and we’ve grown so tired of this….for I have no respect for traditions that do not respect all of us,” she whispers in the uttermost sultriness, torched with seduction and a certain je ne sais quoi, captivating the women and men in the cozy, dark setting of The Rosemount, Perth.
She continues to purr to the hypnotised audience as she arches her back, while her left arm sways mellifluosly through the smoky air. “And all along with those puritanical ideas, we have found as we have travelled the countries of the world, that no matter where we go, people seem to have a big problem with the word ‘pussy’…” The obedient audience erupt by the 5-letter word. “In the spirit of getting everyone more comfortable…you’re gonna do exactly what I say…boys, men, I want you to scream ‘pussy’…”
The men and boys oblige in full throttle.
Mannequin Pussy transcend the punk and indie rock genre, a band that propagate the mystics of rebellion like no other in live setting. From the moment they graced the stage with I Don’t Know You, fans were transfixed by the wall of sound and hynotised by lead vocalist Marisa “Missy” Dabice through the slow intro before building to a faster tempo. It was as if we were in a smoky underground bar in Paris at 2 am on a Wednesday, where the world outside were shunned for the next 80 minutes. The 4-piece from Philadelphia initially oozed affection and grace, only to explode in an unimaginable scene in Sometimes.
It was a night of mixed tracks, that included Patience, Drunk II, Control and discography across 5 albums over a decade. The biggest moment of the night was perhaps reserved for Loud Bark. Marisa kept teasing, building a seductive tension. As the rhythm section kicked in, we knew we were about to be elevated onto a journey of rebellious punk and assertive cataclysms, followed by an exponential cathartic release, propagating themes of longing, self defiance, and self-awareness. Over 200 or so fans joined the outlet of rage as she held against the crowd barrier, singing to their faces, as fans were rejoicing the moment.
There was also a protestation against modern Christianity in I Got Heaven (with the lyric “Eat the fucking snatch”) which is the track title of their latest album – the performance showcased anger and rage, in a showcase of versatility. The truth is – according to Mannequin Pussy – heaven is a place on earth.
“For I wonder what is it about a feral femineity that makes people so uncomfortable, and the strangest part is it is always the men who have the biggest problem with this word…despite how desperate they are for the literal meaning.”
As for the plus ones and partners who were dragged to come along, the unknown became a masterclass on stage presence. Unfamiliar tracks melted into a lyrical excitation. Fans and strangers were jumping with hands in the air, gripping in rock god gestures, while Missy’s petite self on the small stage spun with the poise of a ballerina, but lingered with the zest of a rockstar.
Mannequin Pussy live is a visceral catharsis, a class of its own, a ride on a journey of raw lyricism, captivating the human experience that we all need in our lives. Missy is the force behind the band – we’re not going to lie about it – she is the band. Her stage presence is phenomenal – as she weaved her hair, contoured her body with a deliberate poise, and slithered her hands on herself, propagating a channel of lust, and strength, through themes of anger, longing and self-discovery. Her voice is also the epicentre of Mannequin Pussy. She draws the audience with her breathy seduction only to unleash a sonic rage, and her palpable ability to convey the message is second to none.
The band ended the set with Pigs is Pigs, followed by Emotional High and Romantic – where once again her voice is the highlight – transitioning from between screams and simply the art of vocal seduction in a mixed bag of rawness.
Mannequin Pussy are touring across Australia. Tickets and info are available through Frontier Touring
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Frontier Touring and Mannequin Pussy for the invite.
About the Writer/Photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 130 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and Robbie Williams with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
