Riot Fest Day Three - IDLES, Soft Play, Lambrini Girls, DEHD, Inhaler & More

9/21/2025

Writing by Fiza Javid
Photography by Bobby Talamine

Douglass Park - Chicago
Sunday - September 21, 2025

Riot Fest. Day Three. Punk is NOT dead. Come and get a load of this kickass finale!!
I had a chance to join my first ladies-only mosh pit thanks to Soft Play, who I’ve gotta couple up with IDLES for the amount of ENERGY they brought to this final day of the 20th Anniversary of Riot Fest.

Along with other notable acts: The Effigies, Smoking Popes, Pegboy, The Linda Lindas, Lambrini Girls, DEHD, Texas is the Reason, and Inhaler.

But first, IDLES, who brought Soft Play on the stage for their final song — an eruption of sound that left the entire crowd drenched, wild-eyed, and absolutely united. Joe Talbot’s guttural delivery felt like both a sermon and a brawl, and by the time they screamed out their closer, it was clear this was more than a set — it was a rallying cry. The level of cameraderie this band carries on stage only carries into the crowd. From their dance moves to their message. Vital in this time period.

Next, Soft Play kept the energy pulsing with a set that was sharp, witty, and unapologetically rowdy. Their punk revivalism was matched with a cheeky edge, and when they tore into their faster tracks, the pit got bigger, faster, and hotter. That’s when the ladies-only circle broke out — and let me tell you, there’s no purer punk joy than moshing shoulder-to-shoulder with women who are there to unleash just as much fury and fun. "Punks Dead," the ultimate parody of the comments thrown their way for their name switch - it is hands down the most legendary transformation in punk rock history, and the way their sound has evolved over the years. This crowd was the ideal sounding board for their badassery.

The Midwest punk spirit was well represented by The Effigies, whose legacy as Chicago punk pioneers came through loud and clear. It was gritty, stripped down, and pure electricity. Following them,

Smoking Popes brought their melodic charm — the kind of band you can sing along to while still thrashing around. There’s something timeless about their balance of sweetness and angst that hit just right in the Riot Fest air.

Pegboy reminded everyone why they’re Chicago punk royalty, powering through with a ferocity that proves age has nothing on attitude. Their anthemic sound had longtime fans screaming every lyric like it was 1991 all over again.

On the younger side of punk’s spectrum, The Linda Lindas proved themselves as the future of the genre. Their confidence and sheer joy in shredding on stage were infectious. Songs that tackle identity and empowerment landed with punch, showing why they’ve become such icons for a new generation.
Across the pond,

Lambrini Girls carried the UK punk flag high with snarling riffs, chaotic humor, and a riot grrrl spirit that blended perfectly with the Chicago crowd. Their set was short but searing — the kind that leaves your ears buzzing in the best way.

DEHD brought a slightly different energy, leaning into their dreamier, surf-tinged indie punk sound. It was a welcome shift, giving the crowd moments to sway and breathe while still staying locked into the Riot Fest groove. Their set felt like a cool breeze across the chaos.

Reunion magic came from Texas is the Reason, delivering heartfelt post-hardcore that pulled at both nostalgia and urgency. Their songs are heavy without being overwhelming, melodic without being soft — the kind of set that makes you close your eyes and feel every note in your chest.

And finally, Inhaler closed things out with style. Their sharp, polished indie rock was the perfect exhale to a weekend of furious, unrelenting sound. Frontman Elijah Hewson carried himself with the confidence of someone who has music in his blood — no surprise, since he’s the son of Bono from U2. But while the lineage is undeniable, Inhaler aren’t riding on anyone’s coattails. Their sound feels their own: sleek, urgent, and destined to fill arenas. Tracks like “My Honest Face” sent the crowd into a euphoric singalong, and in the context of Riot Fest, it was fascinating — a reminder that punk’s spirit can evolve into new forms without losing its core urgency. Inhaler felt less like a “next generation of U2” and more like a new generation of festival headliners stepping into their own.

As the lights dimmed on Day Three, there was no doubt left: Riot Fest’s 20th Anniversary wasn’t just a celebration of its history — it was a promise for the future. Punk is alive, thriving, mutating, and screaming louder than ever.

And if this weekend proved anything, it’s that Riot Fest is still the ultimate home for every misfit, mosher, and music lover who refuses to sit down and shut up.
Here’s to the next twenty years.

Fiza Javid - JBTV Music Television

The Effigies, Smoking Popes, Pegboy, Soft Play, The Linda Lindas, Lambrini Girls, DEHD, IDLES, Texas is the Reason, Inhaler, Green Day, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, Bobby Talamine, Jerry Bryant, Fiza Javid, JBTV Music Television, Riot Fest 2025, 20 Years

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Riot Fest Day Three - IDLES, Soft Play, Lambrini Girls, DEHD, Inhaler & More

The Effigies, Smoking Popes, Pegboy, Soft Play, The Linda Lindas, Lambrini Girls, DEHD, IDLES, Texas is the Reason, Inhaler, Green Day, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, Bobby Talamine, Jerry Bryant, Fiza Javid, JBTV Music Television, Riot Fest 2025, 20 Years

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