Wicked Live at H- MAC: September 20th 2025

Written by Emelia Alders 9/22 2025

Making their way to Pennsylvania from their Rochester base, WICKED headlined the show on Saturday night at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center; or more fondly known as H-MAC, a multi-venue building. WICKED strutted on stage in a nightclub-esque lounge, which set the tone for a great night of rock-n-roll.  These boys did not disappoint. The moment they plugged in their instruments and struck their first cords; it was pure electricity. Even though H- MAC is a more intimate venue, WICKED put on a stadium level show, that left you awestruck. WICKED’s set consisted of fan favorites such as “Hellraiser,” “Hot Stage Lights”, “Lost In The Dark”, and “Reptile Roots” - along with a few new songs that will be released on “Go Rebel,” their upcoming album, and another album which has yet to be titled. And let me tell ya, these new songs were nothing short of spectacular! Pure fist-pumping, heavy-hitting songs that will get stuck in your head for days. I am still all abuzz from the show. WICKED is scheduled to perform with Tuk Smith at the Craft House in Pittsburgh, PA, on October 12th. But honestly, if WICKED is ever in your town, near your town, or three states away, GO! These boys know how to put one hell of a show!  

Jules & the Howl - The Parent Trap

Written by Emelia Alders 8/15/2025

Jules & the Howl strike again with their newest single, “The Parent Trap”! Inspired by the coming-of-age cult classics, The Breakfast Club and The Parent Trap. The song dives into the deep end with a difficult theme of family, and how, despite not seeing eye to eye, you’ll still be there for them. Jules’ own words note that “The Parent Trap” is for anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at a loved one’s hot take—and still showed up the next day.” Honestly, if this song had been released back in 1998, I would have been convinced it was the main theme song of the movie The Parent Trap, given the content of the lyrics. The use of an echoing effect in the song and its chorus provides an illusion of the character’s internal monologue, or the other point of the argument, depending on how the listener interprets the song. Almost as if you can feel thoughts bouncing around inside your head. Now, let’s not forget about the superb musicianship within the song. Jules’ powerful singing, combined with energetic drums, fuels the song and pushes it forward. The instrumental texture of the song is what I truly believe separates “The Parent Trap” from other songs of its genre. Overall, I think this is a great song that can be listened to casually or, if needed, on a deeper level to echo one's own complicated thoughts on family.  Complexity is a great characteristic of any song, allowing the multiple layers to be experienced and interpreted in different ways by each  listener. So go add “The Parent Trap” to your playlist (if it isn’t already there) and get lost in this phenomenal song!