Live Review: Pixel Grip at Metro • Chicago
Pixel Grip
Pixel Grip
Metro
Chicago, IL
November 14, 2025
Review by Ashley Perez-Hollingsworth
It’s been a big year for Chicago industrial-pop trio Pixel Grip. Releasing a successful new album. Fighting with Travis Scott over uncredited samples. Hanging out with Trent Reznor. Opening for Peaches on her highly anticipated 2026 tour. To cap off the year, their “Percepticide Part II” tour ended with a triumphant sold-out hometown show at the Metro this past Friday (November 14). It was proof that industrial’s not dead, you’re just not looking hard enough to find it.
Despite the delayed start times and frontwoman Rita Lukea’s vocal issues, the band delivered an electrifying show. Opening with the haunting “Crow’s Feast,” Lukea pushed through the vocal strain to deliver a powerful, eerie performance. You couldn’t even tell she was struggling with her voice. The song proved to be the night’s sole quiet moment. Everything after was non-stop high-octane music, sweaty dancing, and lots of screaming.
The 15-song setlist pulled from their last two albums features heavy hitters like “Moment with God,” “Reason to Stay,” “Last Laugh,” “Work or Shut Up,” “Jealously is Lethal,” “Split,” and “Insignificant.” “Pursuit” opened with Lukea taking a jab at the Travis Scott controversy, reminding the crowd, “This song belongs to Pixel Grip!” She turned “Stamina” into a rallying cry against her oppressors, abusers, masters, and the patriarchy. “It doesn’t matter how many times you fuck me over and over again, I’m not going anywhere,” she threatened before launching into the song. The audience exploded, shout-singing along with Lukea’s command of “show me your stamina!”
Giving security a mild panic attack, Lukea invited her fellow “alaphapussies” to the stage for “ALPHAPUSSY.” A lucky few were chosen to dance, strut, and sing alongside the singer. She thanked everyone on stage and gave a shout out to “all the alaphapussies in the audience too.” It was unexpectedly wholesome, and it ended with her hugging everyone who had clambered onto the stage. The band brought the night to a close with the rousing “Bet You Do,” urging everyone to mosh, scream, and dance on last time. The crowd happily obliged.
Pixel Grip’s homecoming show was more than a good time. It was a cathartic experience. Any worries, problems, or fears you walked in with melted once the music started. The only thing that mattered was dancing your ass off. Lukea’s confidence, swagger, and resilience were so infectious, you left the show feeling like a bad bitch ready to take on whatever comes at you. As Lukea told thousands of people hanging on her every word, that’s the power of music.
Category: Featured, Live Reviews
