The Shaky Knees Music Festival is back and ready to take over Piedmont Park in Atlanta this September, bringing with it an electric mix of indie, rock, and alternative acts.
Festival Preview: Shaky Knees – 2025
Lauren Mayberry – Live @ The Masquerade
Mayberry performed every track from Vicious Creature, as she explained to the audience with a laugh that, considering it was a concise 12-song album, she felt it was the least she could do. The statement, playful and self-aware, elicited a ripple of laughter from the audience, who appreciated both her humor and the gesture of performing the entire album. The setlist flowed seamlessly, each song building on the last with an intensity and rawness that only deepened as the night progressed. Mayberry’s voice was the anchor throughout the performance, soaring over sweeping synths and pulsating beats, making each lyric feel intensely personal, while also universal in its themes.
Phantogram – Live @ The Tabernacle
From the very first song, the crowd was enveloped in a haze of deep, pulsating beats. The heavy use of smoke, combined with the venue’s already dim lighting, bathed the stage in an eerie atmosphere, with flashes of Barthel and Carter emerging from the shadows in a deliberate, almost cinematic way.
Underoath – Live @ The Tabernacle
It was a celebration of the raw energy that made Underoath an unforgettable force in the scene. From the vulnerability of the opening moments to the explosive finale, the evening was a fitting tribute to both the band's past and their present. In that moment, it was clear: Underoath is as vital as ever.
Steel Panther – Live @ Buckhead Theatre
Feel the Steel is more than just an album; it’s a declaration of the band’s refusal to adhere to any norms, and the anniversary tour serves as both a look back and a reaffirmation of everything that makes Steel Panther unique.
Ryan Castro & Blessd – Live @ Gas South Arena
The !Ay Bendito Ghetto! Tour was more than a concert — it was an exploration of identity, perseverance, and the unyielding passion that propels artists like Ryan Castro and Blessd to new heights. The audience, fully invested and loud in their appreciation, resonated with every beat, every verse, and every interaction.
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard – Live @ Fox Theatre
The cohesion between audio and visual elements took the audience on a journey. There were moments when the band dove into sprawling, atmospheric passages that invited introspection, only to suddenly launch into blistering, high-octane jams that had the crowd moving in every direction. At times, it was as if they were a swirling vortex, pulling the audience into their orbit and inviting them to lose themselves in the frenzy.
King Diamond – Live @ The Eastern
The elaborate stage design, the contributions of his talented band, and Diamond's distinct voice came together to create an experience that was both exhilarating and haunting. As the season of Halloween approached, the night felt particularly fitting, enhancing the festivities and making it a memorable celebration of all things eerie and extraordinary.
Stephen Sanchez – Live @ Coca-Cola Roxy
His music feels like a time capsule, bridging the essence of an era where romance and rhythm were at the forefront. As The Troubadour of modern love, Sanchez skillfully balances nostalgia with innovation, proving that heartfelt music can resonate across generations.
The Hives – Live @ The Tabernacle
The Hives have crafted a legacy that continues to thrive, even after three decades. The seamless blend of humor, showmanship, and rock ‘n’ roll grit encapsulated the essence of their music and left fans craving more. Their evolution from young stars to seasoned performers has not dulled their passion or commitment to their craft; instead, it has enriched their artistry.
LoudSound Magazine 