show review: Prince Daddy & The Hyena in Portland, OR

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May 4

Sunday at Polaris Hall marked emo-punk band Prince Daddy & the Hyena’s first-ever headlining show in Portland, and it’s easy to say that they most definitely did not disappoint. Fans of all ages filled the venue, buzzing with excitement and ready for the night to begin.

Kicking off the show was California Cousins with several loud, fast, and ready to mosh to tracks, wowing the room with incredible riffs and equally incredible vocals. The Rochester-based band was followed by self described queer-pop group insignificant other, their lead singer decked head to toe in white lace and angel wings, starting their set somewhat mellow before jumping into songs that had fans jumping and singing along, a circle pit even forming at some point. Last but not least was Macseal, a classic midwest emo band with their own twist that I’ve been dying to see forever; their set complete with both angsty songs that had everyone in their feelings as well as ones that made moving to the music hard for anyone to resist.

And finally, exhilaration and eagerness in the air, Prince Daddy & the Hyena took the stage, a mosh pit instantly forming as they opened with “A Random Exercise in Impermanence (The Collector)” from their new self-titled album (check it out here!) before jumping into an older track. The band played something for everyone that night, songs both old and new, and there wasn’t a single moment that the crowd stilled. Whether the song was a more classic acoustic emo hit or all-the-rage pop punk anthem, people were moving, the atmosphere of the room filling everyone with energy. The night ended with my favorite Prince Daddy song of all time, “I Forgot to Take My Meds Today” and fans went crazy, ranging from an insane mosh pit to crowdsurfing to just screaming their lungs out. That being said, I think that it’s safe to say that seeing Prince Daddy & the Hyena live is a must for any and all pop punk lovers and something I hope to do again as soon as possible!