Just Like Heaven Festival Pasadena, CA
Web: byopband.com
Contact: [email protected]
Players: Jemina Pearl, lead vocals; Nathan Vasquex, bass, vocals; Jonas Stein, guitar, vocals; John Eatherly, drums
Material: It's rare for a band to find their groove after a 15-year hiatus, but Nashville quartet Be Your Own Pet's (also known as BYOP) wasted no time dazzling the Just Like Heaven Festival crowd with bombastic punk rock riffs and melodies. The band disbanded shortly after the release of their second album, Get Awkward, in 2008 citing industry pressure and misogyny directed toward front-woman Jemina Pearl. The band made their grand return to the music scene in 2022 with the resurging interest of early 2000s music. The set was a nice blend of their rambunctious adolescent sound with the new mature side.
Musicianship: Usually playing at festivals can be nerve-wracking, but the band looked at ease on stage. Frontwoman Jemina Pearl, bassist Nathan Vasquex, guiarist Jonas Stein and drummer John Eatherly are completely in sync with one another. Their movements are well-rehearsed and have their roles figured out. Vasquex and Stein background vocals complement the vocal prowess of their frontwoman. The entire band was in harmonic bliss while performing the irresistible shouty track “Hand Grenade.” All eyes were on Pearl as she perfectly belted those tough growls and inflections needed for those insanely fast-paced numbers. Pearl is clearly running the show, as each song played to her strength.
Performance: Wearing a bright pink shirt with the word "Mommy," an homage to their third studio album of the same name, Pearl's stage presence is magnetic. She's not afraid of using every inch of the stage, becoming the center of attention. One minute she’s rolling about on the floor and the next she’s stripping down to her underwear. Their punchy-in-your-face punk sound and witty tongue-in-cheek lyrics are laced through every track, making each performance memorable.
Summary: It's nice to see the band back in the spotlight after so many years. Be Your Own Pet boasts remarkable energy and cohesiveness that comes through years of experience. With only three albums under their belt, the band's songs are filled with dynamic melodies and catchy choruses are easy on the ears. The witty lyrics are a fun treat to hear live. They had the entire field dancing and bobbing their heads.
