Photos & words by Angel Park
This past Sunday, The city of Philadelphia received a masterclass in controlled chaos and radical self-expression in the form of live performances from the pairing of artists Peaches and Model/Actriz.
Brooklyn’s Model/Actriz formed in the New York City DIY scene in the early 2010s and have created a unique sound that is a cross between post punk aggression, industrial noise, and primal funk. The band’s frontperson incorporated physicality into their vocal performance which has been a major contributor to their cult-like following. This theatrical element was fully displayed throughout their performance, blurring the lines between the performers and audience and transforming every beat into a push into an existential place for fans. Classic tracks such as “Matador”, and new singles such as “Cinderella,” and “Diva” captivated the audience throughout the entirety of their set.
Whereas Model/Actriz had a post-punk edge to their sound, Peaches had the mischievous heart of this genre infused with “electroclash.” Peaches was one of the pioneers who helped create this genre in the late 1990s and early 2000s by combining electronic beats with confrontational lyrics and genre bending performance art. Starting with her debut album, The Teaches of Peaches (2000), and continuing with Fatherfucker (2003), Peaches has spent decades using a punk ethos to challenge traditional concepts of sexuality, identity, and performance through synthesizers and leather clothing.
The energy at Union Transfer during Peaches’ set was a celebration of all that came before her—boldness, irreverence, and unrelenting energy. From timeless classics like “Boys Wanna Be Her” to latest singles “F*** Your Face,” Peaches commanded the crowd with her ecstatic energy and bold lyrics.
At the conclusion of the evening, Union Transfer no longer felt like a performance space, but rather a liberated zone filled with sweat, excitement, and defiance. Together, Model/Actriz and Peaches provided a performance that showcased the best of both worlds of risk and resistance.
Listen to Peaches here!
Listen to Model/Actriz here!
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