Friday October 24th — Belicia Luevano
Psyched! Fest 2025 is upon up for its 4th installation! It might feel daunting to sift through the 120 bands playing across San Francisco these next 3 weeks but Bel of Howdy Gals has rounded up five acts that are worth checking out if they aren’t on your radar yet.
Valgur
October 25th at The Knockout
Valgur is a hyperpop sibling duo from Oaxaca that not only transports you with their music, they’re a whole perfomance art piece telling stories throughout their set with props and theatrics. They’re reminiscent of city pop but with a fresh new twist. They’re airy, light, magical and blend sounds to create a dreamscape that evokes memories of medieval arcade games.
voyeur
November 8th at The Regency Ballroom
voyeur lures you into their inky, moody world with a fusion of angsty punk and grimy good ol’ rock and roll. Their knack for repetitive bits and lyrics slowly puts you in a trance you don’t mind being in, but then an abrupt and sharp riff snaps you right back out of it and you’re transported to a new set of emotions. They’re the grease and fortitude of New York wrapped up into a 4-piece outfit.
NI-HAO!!!
November 10th at Bottom of the Hill
If you’re looking for intense, cheerful chaotic sounds, look no further than NI-HAO!!! They hail from Kyoto, Japan bringing them punk with the occasional left-field commanding electronic backing beats — but the main character of the sound is what they like to describe as “voice, voice, voice, voice!!!” in a category all on their own called “CHEER PUNK.”
La Sombra
October 30th at Great American Music Hall
Be prepared for things to get heavy with San Jose trio, La Sombra. They’ll be the perfect openers for their show with Acid King at the Great American as bringers of doom metal. They’re staking their spot in The Bay as serious players in the metal world with expansive and atmospheric sounds that are great in the headphones but take on a whole world when felt live.
Catnip
October 30th at The Knockout
Catnip is fast, loose, and fun — everything you want in a garage band. They double the antics with twin drummers, a nod to influential act, Osees, and just as electrifying. Don’t be fooled by names like their song “Everybody Knows Your High” and EP “pspsps,” they are a seriously good time and clearly have honed in on their ability to play songs that are hectic in feeling but tight in craftsmanship.
