THE YES, CHEF TOUR
On a night packed with heart-pounding hooks, high-octane energy, and the kind of vulnerability only live music can conjure, Goalkeeper and Winona Fighter brought an unforgettable experience to a room full of pop-punk diehards and curious newcomers at the Founndry in Philadelphia PA. From the moment doors opened, the air was electric. This wasn’t just a two-band bill. It was a visceral reminder of what makes this scene so enduring: passion, presence, and a shared release.
Goalkeeper kicked things off with a bang.
No slow build. No easing in. Just a full-throttle welcome. With their signature blend of punchy drums, soaring vocals, and emotionally raw lyrics, the Philly trio quickly had the crowd wrapped around their fingers. Fan favorites like “Sooner” and “Just Say It” felt like reunion anthems for longtime fans and instant standouts for newcomers.
Their set was more than polished. It was personal. Between songs, they expressed heartfelt thanks, cracked jokes, and let the crowd know just how much the moment meant to them. Goalkeeper plays with the kind of honesty and humility that makes you root for them every step of the way. You feel every word, every chord, every kick of the bass drum. By the time their set ended, the room was buzzing, amped up and hungry for more.
Then came Winona Fighter.
Still fresh off their debut album release, the Nashville trio exploded onto the stage with a full send. Frontwoman Coco commanded the crowd with an electrifying presence, tearing across the small stage with wild, unfiltered energy. She wasn’t just performing. She was pouring herself into every moment. From jumping on the barricade to scream in fans’ faces to literally diving into the crowd for a euphoric crowd surf near the finale, Coco turned every inch of that space into her playground.
Winona Fighter tore through their album like a band who’s been touring it for years. Songs like “I Think You Should Leave,” “HAMMS,” “shiver,” and “Stay Young” hit with a perfect blend of chaos and precision. Coco’s vocals switched between snarls and sweet notes, always rooted in emotional truth. The lyrics dug deep into identity, mental health, and self-worth without ever losing that punk bravado.
Their performance wasn’t just powerful. It was undeniable. This wasn’t a band going through the motions. This was a band declaring their place in the scene with conviction and zero apologies.
In a world oversaturated with curated feeds and digital noise, this night stood out as something real. Goalkeeper brought the heart of seasoned locals who’ve built real connections. Winona Fighter delivered a debut set that felt like the spark of something massive. Different in sound but united in spirit, both bands shared a core ethos: community, connection, and fearless honesty.
For everyone packed into that sweaty room, it wasn’t just another show. It was a reminder of why we still show up, still scream the words, still believe. Nights like this are why live music matters.
Photography by Wes Shepherd
