BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Lehigh Valley’s vibrant independent music scene continues to adapt as psychedelic punk outfit Pale Fang prepares for their final performance on April 26 at National Sokols #93.
Originally scheduled for February but postponed due to weather, the 7:30 p.m. show will feature fellow Pennsylvania acts Tlooth and Higbee, highlighting the close‑knit yet diverse musical community that has developed in the heart of the Valley.
Pale Fang, composed of Lee Romich (drums), Nick Pokrivchak (bass), Chad Huntington (guitar), and D.D. Moon (vocals, guitar), has experienced their fair share of sonic phases, beginning as a three‑piece under the name Death Bag until Huntington joined in 2023.
Their sound evolved again, finding even more in‑band communion when Josh Maskornick was welcomed as a contributing member on drums some time later.
In a conversation with Paul Krempasky, General Manager of WMUH, Romich claimed the psych‑punk label, saying, “I think psychedelic music is exactly how it kind of comes together.
It doesn’t bother me at all when we’re called that because it is a great label to encapsulate kind of, post‑punk noise, garage, all of these things [that] can be aggressive and loud, but can kind of circle around your head and create an atmosphere that we all like.”
Although frontman Moon originally wanted to “find a common ground between bands like the Byrds and Black Flag,” Huntington played a major role in creating the band’s signature psychedelic effect.
Expanding to a four‑piece “allowed the band to create the sounds [they] already heard in [their] heads but couldn’t execute as a trio,” said Moon. The core four’s chemistry has been a carefully curated, defining characteristic of their three‑year run.
“I’ll miss all the jams that we do before we start rehearsing,” said Pokrivchak. “It’s like this magical thing that hits every angle and every bullet point. The capability of us to do that, and to just communicate so well musically, I think is the treasure.”
With the band’s conclusion, members are pursuing solo projects or committing more time to other musical acts, though specific plans remain fluid as they also juggle the ongoing ebb and flow of everyday life: family, full‑time jobs, and the ongoing pursuit of alternate artistic passions.
Reading‑based Tlooth, who describe themselves as “arty noise‑rock,” will open for Pale Fang at the April 26th show, in advance of their album release on May 9.
Rounding out the bill is Higbee, a Bethlehem‑based indie band that recently opened for SNACKTIME on April 5th at Muhlenberg College.
Their debut EP It All Falls Apart has garnered attention throughout the Valley.
For those unfamiliar with Pale Fang, Krempasky offers simple advice: “If you’ve seen them, you know what they’re about and you want to be there. If you have not seen them, you need to be there.”
Tickets for their final concert, commemorating Pale Fang’s legacy, are $10 at the door.
