If you live in the Tempe/Phoenix area I highly recommend checking out Playboy Manbaby. I have seen them at least 6 times in the past year and their shows are a stimulating blend of energy and up-tempo-unpredictability. I wasn't in attendance but there was a show they played last October at the Trunk Space where they dressed up as "Pizza Chefs" and handed out pizza to the crowd as they were performing their set. (Click here to see.) The images of the show reflect a strange mix of "Pizza Chefs", punk rock, and a raucous bunch of fans packed into a small room in downtown Phoenix. In other words, it looks like a blast!
With all of that said, the energy and craziness of their shows is matched by a solid repertoire of sing-a-long punk songs which is always engaging. Their music is especially refreshing given the history of bands trying to overcompensate with wild stage antics to make up for their lack of well crafted songs. I assure you, this is not the case with Playboy Manbaby. Their music stands on its own and resonates. Much like the perfect greasy Cheeseburger, savory serving of Mac 'N Cheese, or maybe like that perfect slice of pizza. If Minor Threat or Alkaline Trio represent a militant commitment to Veganism or Vegetarianism, maybe Playboy Manbaby represents the alternative and is punk rock's version of easygoing comfort food?
Here is a sold out show they played at the great Valley Bar in downtown Phoenix on 08/21/2015.