Jeff Crespi
Apr 4, 2026
It was a set of perfectly balanced fresh material.
Pop Evil stormed through The Stone Pony on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and absolutely did not disappoint. With their new album, What Remains, out, the band hit the stage in full force, delivering a set that perfectly balanced fresh material with the old-school favorites longtime fans came to hear.
The energy in the room was electric from start to finish—I even spotted someone in the ADA section up and jumping along, which says everything about the atmosphere that night. Having photographed and followed these guys for years, I can honestly say they continue to raise the bar every time. Their consistency, professionalism, and connection with the crowd make them one of the most reliable live acts out there.
Opening the night was Kamenar, a two-piece independent hard rock band made up of twin brothers Sean and John. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, they brought an explosive level of energy that instantly grabbed the crowd’s attention. Their musicianship is tight, their stage presence is animated, and their sound hits just as hard as bands twice their size.
I had the chance to catch them previously at the Wonder Bar, so I knew what they were capable of—but they still managed to exceed expectations. What really stands out, though, is their appreciation for their fans. After their set, they made time to connect with the crowd, which never goes unnoticed.
Bands like Kamenar are exactly why it pays to show up early and catch every opener. You never know when you’ll discover your next favorite act along the way.
In the meantime, check out the latest from Pop Evil called What Remains. Every song is a hit, and hearing the songs live made me appreciate them even more. The album was released in 2025, but they recently dropped a Midnight Edition of the record on March 27, 2026. Be sure to stream it now!
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