Mac N’ Toss Brings Riot Grrrl Music to Grand Rapids
Show Review ★ Kenzie Gay ★ @kenzwrites ★ 4 Minutes
The 1990s was one hell of a time to be alive for many reasons, especially those involving music. It gave us grunge icons such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden and it birthed Nu Metal through bands like Limp Bizkit, System of a Down, and Slipknot. Through all of this invention, however, one of the largest music-related movements was the feminist punk genre better known as Riot Grrrl music. Artists like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, 7 Year Bitch, Babes in Toyland, and Jack off Jill brought the style to the mainstream for quite some time, sparking waves of cultural rebellion in young girls that went against traditional gender roles, expectations, and the status quo.
Though this pop culture wave died down by the year 2000, there are still artists today attempting to maintain the message and attitude of Riot Grrrl music and amongst those resides Mac N’ Toss from Washington D.C. A fiesty trio composed of bassist Mac, lead vocalist and guitarist Devon, and drummer Annie, Mac N’ Toss recently touched down in my neck of the woods for a night of music, energy, and moshing at Kilroy’s Garage, a local DIY venue that opened up this past January.
Mac N’ Toss via Instagram
Friday, August 22nd at Kilroy’s Garage was a long but exciting night with a 5 band bill consisting of Michigan locals Alden McCoy, Dream Demon, The Westside, and The Frogs and Toads then, of course, Mac N’ Toss. Each act brought something new and fresh to the table whether it be a Cage the Elephant cover or a punk-ified country song. After a brief (but lovely all the same) conversation with the band at the night’s start since I interviewed them back in January, Mac N’ Toss helped carry the crowd’s energy before closing the night out once and for all.
Opening with a personal favorite, Rabid, the trio took the stage (garage) around 10:00 P.M. and they hit the ground running with an undeniable electricity that kept the audience and even neighbors focused and upbeat. This showmanship was not only appreciated but also needed for the circumstances: at the end of a 5 band show, it’s common for concertgoers to become bored or disinterested but the members of Mac N’ Toss made sure to eliminate that possibility right off the bat with their intoxicating presence and mannerisms.
From a cover of Black Sabbath’s War Pigs mashed up with Paranoid to the debuting of a new song, Concealer, to a passionate and much-needed speech about current injustices in the world (the overturning of Roe V. Wade, the ongoing ICE raids, the current genocide in Palestine, etc.), Mac N’ Toss brought the heat and transported everyone at Kilroy’s Garage to the 1990s Riot Grrrl scene with their performance.
One of the highlights of their set was when the band encouraged something they refer to as a “girl mosh”. Devon explained to the audience that mosh pits can be intimidating and unsafe for many women, especially when large and burly men are apart of them, and she expressed that the band wanted to create a space where girls could be comfortable moshing whether it be their first or 1000th time. Thus, a girls-only mosh pit commenced and the outcome brought the biggest smile to my face even though I am notoriously not the moshing type (overstimulating, I don’t like being touched, etc. long story).
Afterwards, a young woman (who was actually a member of The Frogs and Toads) even came to the back, absolutely reeling with joy from the mosh pit. I overheard her tell some of her bandmates that that was her first mosh pit because she’s been anxious to join them in previous instances. She clearly had a positive first experience and though tired, she continued to talk about how cool and fun it was.
Covers, originals, heartfelt speeches, new experiences, and a thrilling feminine energy made up Mac N’ Toss’ set at Kilroy’s Garage in Grand Rapids Friday night. The band closed things off with a big shoutout to the venue and the previous bands before their final hurrah: a cover of Le Tigre’s Deceptacon.
After their recent shows in Michigan, fans old and new can catch Mac N’ Toss at PorchFest in Hyattsville (Maryland) this September along with a set at The Dew Drop Inn (DC)’s “Dyke Night”. A formally recorded album or EP from the band is also rumored to be in the works but in the meantime, you can find them live or enjoy some of their live recordings that are available on streaming platforms.
