Mannequin Pussy: Name battles fuel rock catharsis

Mannequin Pussy has navigated significant pressure to alter their band name, a decision vocalist Marisa Dabice staunchly opposed. She expressed to Rolling Stone in 2023 that despite expectations, the world has grown more puritanical. The band finds resonance with a young audience, many of whom are discovering rock music for the first time. Dabice highlighted that true rock exists in these shows, where audiences experience collective catharsis.

The band recently entered the studio earlier this year to record their fifth album, following two years of extensive touring for their 2024 LP "I Got Heaven." They have begun previewing new material, including the song "Material Gains." Meanwhile, Wednesday, fronted by Karly Hartzman, continues to captivate with their rootsy sound.

Hartzman's songwriting is lauded for its ability to immerse listeners in vivid narratives of small-town heartache and its characters. Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone described her work as a portrayal of American life's loneliest corners. Hartzman recently completed her fifth album, "Bleeds," despite personal exhaustion, expressing immense pride in the record.