Old Neon List Their Top 10 Local Pittsburgh Bands

Consistency is what has driven Old Neon since their formation just a few years ago. They formed the band during the worst of the pandemic and ever since have taken a relentless approach towards making things work (check out our Stereo Six with the band from last summer).

The group came together as five strangers from Pittsburgh, getting to know each other as things returned to normalcy. Now, they are a tight-knit quintet who have really hit their stride. Their debut full-length Can’t Fucking Wait was released in 2023, which has been followed up by a number of singles.

Now, Old Neon is back with brand new music in the form of the new EP Resolution. Due to be released on May 23rd, the band has already released the EP’s first single, “Better Son.” The song is a sombre reflection on the death of bassist Sean Michael’s uncle and the aftermath of it. They have also released the single “Nobody’s Burden.” This EP will be their most moving and emotionally affecting piece of music, with more mature songwriting and production. It really emphasizes how the band has grown together and their lack of hesitation in challenging themselves, stylistically and creatively.

With their hometown being so near and dear to them, the members of Old Neon join us to share their Top 10 Local Pittsburgh Bands.

Old Neon ‘Resolution’ album artwork

1. Sunny Daze and the Weathermen

“These guys try hard to defy categorization. Equal parts proto punk, psychedelic, and garage rock, they’re like a legendary frat party band from central casting. Frontman/leader Max Begler’s politically charged lyrics give their incredible live shows a call to action.”

2. Mallory Run

“Not really from Pittsburgh and not really pop punk, Edinboro, PA’s Mallory Run began playing around the Pittsburgh area more frequently as the pandemic was ending, the same time Old Neon began playing live. Their last two Seth Henderson (Knuckle Puck, Real Friends) produced recordings are full of explosive moments and fantastic performances. We’ve been fortunate to share the stage with Mallory Run many times, from packed DIY rooms to the biggest bills either of us has ever been on.”

3. Tilt Contrls

“They just released an incredible album, Skyblast, which is a boundary pusher and creative wonderland. All the songs are intentional and thoughtful, and really great.”

4. Find Ethel

“They’re our homies, our sweeties, our special boys. Their sets are always a joy, and they have the best banter. Their songs make you want to hold someone’s hand and do a kickflip, reckoning to a time where pop-punk was the coolest thing on earth and the world didn’t suck so hard. What’s not to love?”

5. Go For the Gold

“Go For the Gold puts a mature, introspective spin on the youthful pop punk sound we all know and love. They are masterful songwriters, and their lyrics are unique and emotionally resonant. They put on an incredible live show, and effortlessly execute impressive four-part vocal harmonies and intricate three-guitar arrangements. Their first full-length album will be coming out in late May 2025, and every song they’ve released from it so far has been fantastic.”

6. Heading North

“Heading North is one of my favourite bands to watch. All five band members are extremely talented musicians, and their songs are creative and technically impressive. Their debut EP, We’re So Back, is full of dynamic and exciting songwriting, and the band always puts on an exciting and energetic live performance. Their vocalist, Asha, is featured on our song ‘Just Friends.’”

7. Paging Doctor Moon

“Some of the most musically gifted and kindhearted people in Pittsburgh make up the band Paging Doctor Moon. Tight playing meets heartfelt lyrics meets funky danceable music, and it all comes together to make some of my favourite live concerts in the city.”

8. Main Street Detour

“The energy emanating from the stage at an MSD show should be bottled up and studied. If you put a few drops of it under a petri dish, let it multiply in a temperature controlled environment, then look at it under a microscope, you’re likely to find not only the secret to curing all diseases, but also the key to lifelong happiness, the recipe for your new favourite dish, and many more still untold secrets to the universe. If there are any scientists reading this article, do humanity a favor and get your ass to a MSD show.”

9. Crash Nebula

“Their songwriting is a perfect combination of energy and emotion, and that all comes out in a cathartic live show! Behind the scenes, they are the guys you want at your party. They always bring the fun and the fury. Their set is perfect for the pit, and their acoustic songs will leave you teary-eyed.”

10. Chub Clampion

“Their 2024 debut, Slow Learner, has been on heavy rotation for me since seeing their album release party somewhat by mistake. They are one of the most talented bands in the scene, and their lyrics and melodies stay with you. I anxiously await big things from this band!”