Bad Copy

The night kicked off with excitement in the air and a burst of sunny weather—an ideal backdrop for a high-energy punk show. It was my first time covering a show at the X-Ray Arcade, and I was really looking forward to it. I absolutely love all the bands on the bill, and there’s just something special about the raw energy of a good punk show. When I arrived, I was welcomed by the kind folks at the door and an incredibly inviting atmosphere. Vintage arcade machines lined the wall, adding a nostalgic charm to the venue. I made my way to the stage and settled in, eager for the first act to begin.

Opening the night was RAT BATH, a post-punk band composed entirely of transgender musicians. Their mission is rooted in storytelling, self-reclamation, and visibility—and it shines through in both their music and presence. I had never seen them live before, so I was especially curious about what they’d bring to the stage. As the band entered the room, the energy spiked. Cheers filled the air, and the lead singer wasted no time jumping into the crowd, connecting with fans face-to-face. Their set was raw, interactive, and a powerful start to the night.

Next up was Vial, a three-piece indie punk band from Minneapolis, MN. I was already a fan of their sound, so when they hit the stage, I was buzzing with excitement. One member tied a Furby plush toy to the mic stand—a quirky, hilarious touch that I couldn’t resist photographing. Their set was bursting with energy, filled with punchy hooks and infectious enthusiasm. The crowd fed off their vibe, moshing and shouting along in perfect unison. It was a joy to capture the chaos and connection happening on stage and in the crowd.

The final act of the night was Pinkshift, a powerhouse rock band from Baltimore, MD known for blending pop-punk and grunge into something entirely their own. I’ve followed their music for a while, so seeing them live was a big moment for me. By the time they took the stage, the venue was packed from front to back. They burst out with arms raised to a wave of cheers, and before launching into their set, the lead singer paused to speak about human rights—setting a powerful and inclusive tone for the rest of the night. From the first chord, the room erupted. Fans were moshing, singing, and sharing in a communal release of energy. The band’s stage presence was electric, and their connection with the crowd was undeniable.

All three acts brought something unique and powerful to the night. It was a blast to capture every moment. Check out my photos below: