Arcadia Grey

“In terms of genre around DIY you can find a lot of crunched together labels thrown all around. The fabled “bubblegrunge” and “sparklepunk” subsections while fun for its era don’t quite translate into today’s scope of things. Of the acts around that scene, is midwest sweethearts, Arcadia Grey. The staple for hanging with your pals, this band never falls short in serving their purpose of having pure, unadulterated fun. The Chicago natives started to gain traction after their debut LP, “Konami Code”, in 2019. Detailed conflict towards your ex-partner from college, the rough conversation of maybe getting back together with that one person you left off on a bad foot with, and ultimately wanting that person you go to concerts with. It’s no doubt this hit a lot of resonance to people around that time. As of what this bunch has been up to recently, their 2024 release, “Casually Crashing”, was something of amazement. Singles that make you dance like a fool, and main tracks that will hit deep for those experiencing complications with gender dysphoria. Homing in their craft and bettering what was already good, Casually Crashing was one of standouts of a very stacked year. Queer punk at its best, Arcadia Grey is for everyone that’s willing to have a good time. Jump up and lose yourself to their antic-filled sets because that’s what it’s all about. What Nat, Cora, and Coop have crafted over their time together can’t be replicated and will be cherished for years.”- Margot Whitham