I feel seen when listening to the gift that is American punk/alt band Mannequin Pussy. Their entire discography is a progression of artistic and musical truth, with each release becoming more unflinchingly personal and exquisitely composed than the last—but their 2024 album I Got Heaven is my personal favorite. During the title track, guitarist Maxine Steen, bassist Bear Regisford, and drummer Kaleen Reading play so tightly in the pocket that you're held captive. Meanwhile, vocalist Missy Dabice annihilates you with gritty screams and stitches you back together soothing falsetto—just to tear you open again as the song closes. I Got Heaven throws away genre boundaries and focuses on channeling pure emotion. While the band's heart is rooted in the ferocity of punk music, Mannequin Pussy infuses atmospheric synths, pop-y hooks that you'll find yourself humming, and unforgettable lyrics that reflect pain, rage, desire, and creative hunger. The record is best listened to somewhere you can scream along (and you will), but no matter where you are and no matter what you're feeling, I Got Heaven sees you, too.
— Micaela Carren is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. She holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a BA in art history from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her poems have appeared in Mister Magazine’s online zine, Mr. Web. She can be found on Instagram @micaelagreens.
Two of Micaela Carren's poems will appear in Issue 306 (Winter 2026). You can pre-order Issue 306 now!
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