Photos & Writing by Taylor Bandy
On Monday September 15th, Mickey’s Black Box transformed into a swirling pit of dark folk, punk fury, and raw emotion as Bridge City Sinners headlined their Break The Chain Tour. Supported by Dead On A Sunday and Joshua Quimby, the show brought in genre-bending intensity that left the crowd buzzing long after the last chord faded.
The night kicked off with Joshua Quimby, whose stripped-down set of roots-driven Americana warmed up the audience with storytelling and grit. His voice set up the stage for the darker tones to come.
Dead On A Sunday followed, leaning into shadowy melodies and post-punk atmospherics that thickened the room’s energy. They describe their sound as the sound of heartbreak echoing through a cathedral— and it couldn’t be more on par. Their set was brooding yet powerful, weaving an undercurrent of darkness that you just have to be there for to gain the full experience.
When Bridge City Sinners stepped under the lights, the crowd roared as the curtains opened on stage. Banjo, guitar, fiddle, upright bass, and vocals collided in a way that concert goers won’t be able to forget any time soon. Their set leaned heavily into material from their latest record, In the Age of Doubt, but also sprinkled in fan favorites that had the audience shouting every word back at them.
The band’s fearless genre-mixing was on full display — one moment haunting, slow-burning ballads that hushed the room, the next a frenzied, almost mosh-pit energy that had bodies moving. Frontwoman Libby Lux commanded the stage with a wild, unrelenting presence, drawing the audience into every lyric.
By the time the notes ran out, the crowd demanded more, and Bridge City Sinners delivered. Ending their set with their popular Break The Chain song, they soon returned to give the crowd what they wanted with two phenomenal encore songs. They finished off the night with Devil Like You and Kreacher, with a guest appearance from their famous King of the Rats.
This wasn’t just another stop on the tour — it was proof of why Bridge City Sinners are one of the most exciting live bands in the folk-punk scene today. Their willingness to push boundaries, both musically and emotionally, created a show that was as cathartic as it was entertaining. It was a night filled with fun, great jokes, and amazing music. If there’s one thing that’s certain, PA will certainly miss these artists on tour and hope that they return soon.
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