On March 7-9th, Pillar Forum hosted their second annual Rage and Reset - A three day festival with a lineup stacked of Twin Cities punk and indie bands.The first annual Rage and Reset was put on in celebration of Pilllar’s new venue space attached to the cafe and I’m so glad they decided to bring it back for another year, but bigger and better! Expanding from two nights to three nights of some of Minneapolis’s best local punk and indie bands. Friday and Saturday brought the rage with high-energy rock, hardcore, and punk sets from bands like Anita Velveeta, Bugsy, Fend, and Early Eyes. Then, Sunday provided the perfect contrast—a reset with a more indie and folksy vibe, featuring artists like The Penny Peaches, Emma Jeanne, and Dawson Sabah Kimyon. This was my first time attending a show in their new space and I have to say, it completely changed the atmosphere in the best way.

While I was only able to attend Saturday, the only thing I was disappointed in was the fact that I couldn’t be there to witness the community and killer atmosphere of Friday and Sunday. Saturday’s lineup kicked off with Jenny Matrix, a Minneapolis-based pop-punk group inspired by modern indie rock. Though they played an early 4:30 PM set, they had no trouble drawing the crowd in and setting the stage for an incredible night ahead.

Following up was Thumper, a local punk band fronted by Pilllar barista Juno - who is also a member of the local band Haze Gazer. Their set was an unexpected (yet genius) blend of gritty punk and garage influences. Their set switched things up from Jenny Matrix and included a 10-hour train simulator playing on the projector screen behind them and a temporary stand-in from the lead vocalist in local band bugsy that was set to play later in the evening. While their set was only 20 minutes - they filled with a good mix of jokes, conversation amongst the band and crowd, and their music. I think it really helped create a welcoming and comfortable environment. It felt very casual and like they were personally friends with everyone in the room. Thumper was a band I hadn’t seen live before, but after this set, they’re definitely one I’d recommend keeping an eye on for future punk shows.

Following them was Malamiko, a name I’d heard floating around the Minneapolis underground scene, and now I understand why. Their set was a unique fusion of post-punk, darkwave, and garage rock, perfectly complemented by the venue’s moody blue and purple lighting. While the lighting had been a consistent aesthetic throughout the day, it felt like it truly belonged during Malamiko’s set, enhancing the shadowy, atmospheric feel of their music. By the time Malamiko took the stage, One thing that stood out throughout the festival was the crossover between bandmates—a perfect ode to the tight-knit nature of the Minneapolis punk scene. Malamiko’s bassist also played in Early Eyes, Fend, and Anita Velveeta who were also set to play later in the evening. I think it’s really cool to see the ability to seamlessly switch between different sounds and styles across multiple projects.

Though I’ve seen Dad Bod live many times, I was no less excited to see them again at Rage and Reset. Every time I see them, it’s a vibey experience, and this time was no different. Before their set, I got the chance to chat with them outside and snap some pre-show portraits, which made the night feel even more intimate and welcoming. For this performance, Emily from the loca band Bugsy stepped in as a temporary member, but if I hadn’t recognized them, I wouldn’t have noticed any difference. Dad Bod’s set held more nostalgic feelings for me compared to the other bands and I’m not sure if it was from seeing them live many times prior or from the sunset drive video playing on the screen behind them but it definitely wasn’t a feeling I’m complaining about.

12th House Sun is a band I’ve been familiar with for a while, and I was so excited to finally catch them live—especially as part of such a stacked lineup. Their set felt like a turning point in the day, shifting the energy from punk and garage rock into more of an indie rock and grunge vibe. While I expected the transition, knowing their sound beforehand, it felt completely seamless and helped break up the bill in a way that kept the event from feeling too long or repetitive. Like many bands on this lineup, 12th House Sun is trans-fronted, and that representation is so important—especially within the safe haven that the Minneapolis punk and grunge scene has created for the trans and queer community. More than just a music festival, Rage and Reset highlighted Pillar’s mission of fostering a space where people can come together, express themselves, and truly find their community. I think their set is one of the performances that surprised me the most and I’m looking forward to seeing 12th House Sun on future local show bills.

Next up was Fend, a band whose members come from different corners of Minneapolis and various projects yet came together to create a unique sound and message. While this was another band on the bill that I remember hearing at a local 7th St. Entry show- they solidified themselves as one of my top favorites of the day. Their set was a little heavier on the indie rock but didn’t lack a vibey lighting shift or energetic dance moves. I’d say their set definitely influenced my second wind of energy (with the help of an iced latte from Pilllar's cafe).

Bugsy was one of the bands I was most excited to see. I first caught them at Yacht Club Music Festival in 2024, then again this past February at 7th St. Entry, and I couldn’t wait to experience them once more at Rage and Reset. Having released their debut EP in early 2020, Bugsy quickly made a name for themselves with their unique spin on DIY indie punk, becoming a staple in the local scene through their collaborations and support of other local artists to touring and playing various Minneapolis and St. Paul venues. While their lead vocalist and guitarist, Emily, filled in for a couple of bands earlier in the night, it was exciting to see them step back into Bugsy’s signature sound—a balance of emotional cacophony and peaceful solitude. I’ve seen Bugsy perform in a variety of settings, and each time, their set brings something new. No matter the venue or crowd, they consistently deliver the perfect blend of rage, emotion, and nostalgia—and this performance was no exception.

As we hit hour six of Rage and Reset, the energy in the room only kept building—the crowd was more engaged than ever, buzzing with excitement for the final bands of the night. Then, Early Eyes took the stage and brought a refreshing shift in sound. Sandwiched between two heavier, more punk-driven acts, they served as the perfect pop-punk-inspired contrast, adding a dreamy, angsty atmosphere to the mix. Early Eyes released their debut album, Look Alive!, in 2022, describing it as an ode to the anger and frustration of the pandemic and social uprisings of 2020 and 2021. It’s an album that not only encapsulates those emotions but also offers a sense of escape—not just for the band but for anyone listening. This was a band I was really excited to see on the bill and they did not disappoint in creating a dreamy and angsty atmosphere accompanied by an array of colorful lights and scenes from some Mario Kart game playing on the projector screen behind them. The lead vocalist and keys in Early eyes is also the bassist and keys in Anita Velveeta which was the band to follow. I think this was another cool example of the versatility and community in the local music scene and why spaces and shows like this are SO important and deserve all the support and recognition.

Finally, the time had come for the last performance on the bill, Anita Velveeta. I had the chance to see her play at Fine Line Music Café just a couple of months ago alongside some of my other favorite local bands, so I was thrilled to experience another one of her sets. As an artist deeply rooted in Minneapolis’s trans and queer punk scene, she was the perfect choice to close out Rage and Reset’s second night. Their set was loud and energetic and watching her throw herself into the crowd—mic stand and all—while still flawlessly delivering her lyrics and somehow making it back to the stage, mic still in hand was nothing short of amazing. If you ever get the chance to see Anita Velveeta live, do it. Her stage presence and ability to incorporate the crowd into her sets while preaching safe mosh etiquette is so fun to watch. I think the message in Anita’s set is the all encompassing message and importance of events like Rage and Reset. To be in a room full of welcoming community members is a really powerful thing and makes such a difference with today’s social climate. I think it’s important to celebrate spaces that foster inclusivity, self-expression, and solidarity and allow a space for queer and trans people and allies to exist together. If this year’s festival proved anything, it’s that Rage and Reset is quickly becoming a staple of the local music scene. If you missed it, make sure it’s on your radar for next year—you won’t want to sleep on this one.