Mannequin Pussy sells out San Diego with support from Margaritas Podridas

The Observatory North Park came alive with girl power as Mannequin Pussy headlined a sold-out show, supported by Mexican opener Margaritas Podridas. Fans packed the venue early, eager for a night of true rock and roll therapy courtesy of these two punk queens. Margaritas Podridas, hailing from Hermosillo, Mexico, kicked off the evening with a […]

The Meringues drops salivatory second album ‘Pavlova’s Dog’

Power pop-meets-post punk band The Meringues have officially dropped their salivatory second album, Pavlova’s Dog. Consisting of Amanda Pants and Ted Evans at the core, the eccentric Canadian duo layer raspy, pelting vocals over pop-friendly riffs and melodies provided by Jackson Baird on bass and Alastair Morrison on drums — a contrast vast, complex, yet […]

Experiencing the earth-shaking Welcome to Rockville 2024

Welcome to Rockville Fest conquered Florida once again this year! It has become Top Shelf’s annual trip to the NASCAR International Speedway by the shores of Daytona Beach. This festival is produced by the one and only Danny Wimmer Presents: one of the most riveting and largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America.   […]

Sick New World 2024

Sick New World made its crushing sold-out debut in 2023 and there’s no stopping this fantastic fest, bringing together the best in modern rock. With their second year, C3 Presents has proven SNW to be a landmark for Las Vegas festivals. Along with their second year came upgrades! Everyone got wristbands this year! It was […]

Coachella 2024 Weekend Two: Day One

Top Shelf has never had the pleasure of attending the catalyst of all Goldenvoice festivals… until this year. Of course, we’re talking the alpha, the omega, COACHELLA! Spanning two weekends in the sun-soaked Empire Polo Club grounds just south of Palm Springs, Coachella has become synonymous with the quintessential festival experience — the Maserati of […]

Rock, ska, reunions… Coachella changes it up for 2024

We’re living in an era of nostalgia, with even the weirdest fads returning full-force. Reboots of 80s movies are bringing in the most chatter at the box office, while bands that were seemingly forgotten a few years ago are currently selling out tours at numbers never thought plausible. So… it was only a matter of […]

Bottlerock 2024 will blow minds this Memorial Day in Napa Valley

This time of year might have us all snowed-in and snuggly, but it’s also the time of year to plan ahead for all the fun times lurking on the horizon. One such event is the annual BottleRock Festival in Napa Valley, CA — bringing the best of music, food, wine, and more to the forefront […]

2023 albums you shouldn’t have missed: The Aquadolls ‘Charmed’

The Aquadolls debuted their Charmed album over this past year (and yes, it’s named after the popular ‘90s/‘00s TV show). Channeling 80s and 90s vibes, it’s a punk rock-slamming compilation of smooth, yet gritty guitar riffs… very reminiscent of The Breeders and Sonic Youth. It’s a pinnacle album, featuring females than can rock out like […]

Devon Thompson gives LA a night of darkwave magic

When Devon Thompson graced the stage at LA’s The Paramount, it was an instant immersion into her captivating style. Sporting Doc Marten boots adorned with pink ribbons and a white dress that exuded Jennifer’s Body vibes, Devon’s aesthetic immediately caught the eye and set the tone for a night of dark wave magic. The timing […]

SEMA Fest 2023: Day One

The inaugural SEMA Fest 2023 day one proved to be an awesome festival with a something for everyone to enjoy. This extravaganza celebrated car culture, music, and all things automotive with an unmatched level of energy and enthusiasm. Drawing inspiration from iconic names and brands, SEMA Fest transformed into the ultimate automotive playground, captivating a […]

R.E.M. celebrates 25 years of ‘Up’ with deluxe album re-release

1998… oh, what a year in music. While bubblegum pop ramps up for the teeny-boppers, alt rock is at an all-time high on the airwaves, dominating the Top 40 for the most part. Among the heavy-hitters of the genre, really titans of the entire rock industry, was R.E.M. — a band that need no introduction. […]

Vera Bloom lets us in on her captivating EP, ‘It’s Me’

Vera Bloom has an origin story not unlike so many other supremely talented musicians floating around the unforgiving universe known as the music industry. She started immersing herself in music at a young age, first on the piano, hashing out songs and with the encouragement of her father began adding lyrics to her creations. At […]