Poppy, Pvris deliver pop, metal, experimental music in Pittsburgh show

It’s impossible to pigeonhole singer Poppy into just one genre of music.

And that was on display Wednesday night at the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks, where Poppy and Pvris co-headlined their Godless/Goddess tour.

Bouncing between heavy metal, industrial bubblegum, dark wave, pop punk and more, Poppy took command of the audience with barely a word. Pre-programmed, android-like recordings using her voice played a few times between songs, whether it was to celebrate being in Pittsburgh or cajole the packed crowd on the floor to move even closer for a photo.

Dressed all in black and with her pigtails whipping as she banged her head, Poppy unleashed raw, throat-thrashing screams on some songs like “Sit/Stay” while changing the dynamics by going softer on others. Her performances on some of her more nu metal-ish songs gave off a more chill vibe than the testosterone-fueled originators of the style.

Poppy, who became the first solo female artist to be nominated for a Best Metal Performance Grammy for her song, “Bloodmoney,” in 2021, has a new album, “Zig,” coming out on Oct. 27. She’s already released three singles, including “Church Outfit” and ”Knockoff,” which were both played Wednesday.

Pvris, a three-piece fronted by singer/guitarist Lynn Gunn, gave a fiery performance amidst a greenery-covered stage.

Touring in support of the new album, “EVERGREEN,” which came out on July 14, Pvris had more of a pop punch and had the crowd dancing for their hour-plus set.

Gunn alternated between just singing or adding a guitar, often moving to stage right where she could turn and participate with her bandmates. “Monster” had Gunn getting down low on the stage to be nearer to the crowd.

Pvris’ highlights of the night included opener “I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore,” “Take My Nirvana” and “Good Enemy” — all off the new album — as well as “Hallucinations” and “Death of Me.”

Pvris actually played with a replacement drummer after their touring drummer, Denny Agosto, severed a finger tip in a freak accident last week.

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Pom Pom Squad started the show, with frontwoman Mia Berrin taking sly satisfaction in opening for a pair of bands that were favorites of her ex-girlfriend.