Bad Copy

Joyce Manor is on the road again and they’re back with full force. Their new album, I Used to Go to This Bar, was released earlier this hyearin January of 2026. The 9-track record delivers honesty and pop-punk gold. My personal favorite from the album is “All My Friends Are So Depressed.” I was beyond stoked to see them perform again. I packed up my camera gear, and began my journey to The Sylvee.

First up was Combat, a indie-punk/emo band from Baltimore, Maryland. They’re known for their high energy performances, and DIY sound. From the moment the band took the stage, they brought the perfect essence to the night. Lead vocalist Holden Wolf continued to shout out quirky jokes throughout their set. The entire stage radiated with contagious energy as the band ran through their set. Combat ended with their unique song “Weird Ending Explained, Part 1.” The song’s frenetic rhythms and dueling guitars were the perfect way to conclude a fun set.

Next came Teen Mortgage, a punk rock duo from Washington, D.C. Both guitarist and singer James Guile and drummer Ed Barkauskas bring intense talent to a room. The band wasted no time diving into their jam packed set. Guile’s raspy vocals demanded the rooms attention. Barkauskas carried similar high energy that persuaded the crowds nonstop moshing. While the set was quick, fans still received an opportunity to hear great tracks like “S.W.A.S” and “Tunin In.” The two-piece brought immaculate vibes to the night.

Next up was Los Angeles rockers Militarie Gun. The five-piece band waisted no time diving into their set. They opened with “Fill Me With Paint,” a killer track off of their album God Save The Gun. Vocalist Ian Shelton jumped around the stage, accompanied by his talented bandmates. The audience sang along to their melodic choruses while moshing and crowd surfing. Militarie Gun displayed strong punk energy with finely tuned melodic riffs.

The main act of the night, Joyce Manor, is an American pop punk band hailing from Torrance, California. I have seen them one other time before tonight, and I knew I was in for a real treat. Just before 10pm, the Goosebumps theme song began to play and then fade out. The band members walked onto the stage with huge smiles across their faces. The Los Angeles natives opened with “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives,” the first track on the new album. The crowd proceeded to scream every lyric back at them.

Towards the end of the night, singer Barry Johnson asked the crowd which songs they should play next. He received requests such as “Orange Julius” and “Derailed.” The audience soaked up every ounce of their performance, and the entire room was having the time of their lives. I eventually made my way into the mosh pit with my camera. As I fully immersed myself into the chaos, I witnessed surfers flying over my head, and I reveled in every second of the frenzy. Joyce Manor’s stage presence was highly energetic, and their connection with their fans is truly something special.

Each act brought something unforgettable to the night, and I had a blast capturing every second of it.

Check out my photos below: