JVK Kicks Off Pop Culture Affair Tour with an Electric Night at O’Brien’s Pub

On March 21st, Boston’s own JVK took the stage at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston, MA to launch their Pop Culture Affair tour. Fittingly, it felt more like celebration: a night marking not only the band’s first show of the tour, but also the live debut of songs from their freshly released album Pop Culture Affair, which dropped just one day prior.

The venue couldn’t have been more appropriate. O’Brien’s Pub, a cornerstone of the Boston DIY scene, offered an intimate setting where the line between performer and audience practically disappeared. Friends, family, and fans quickly filled the room shoulder-to-shoulder, creating an atmosphere that felt deeply personal.

From the moment JVK stepped on stage, there was a clear sense of momentum. The band, consisting of members Jo Krieger (singer), Kay Kwiatek (lead guitarist), Atticus Crowley (guitarist), Liv Barcohana (bassist), and Zach Feinstein (drummer) brought the fusion of hard rock energy and synth-driven pop textures straight to the stage, and dove right into their new material.

Opening with the punchy title track “Pop Culture,” they immediately set the tone of fast, vibrant, and unapologetically bold. The transition into “Machine,” the album’s lead single, brought a surge of energy through the crowd. Each member of the band brought their infectious sense of stage presence that the crowd couldn’t take their eyes off of.

JVK truly showcased the range of Pop Culture Affair. Songs like “Get Offline” leaned into their high-octane, danceable edge, while tracks such as “When I Think About Love” allowed for more melodic breathing room. The dynamic shifts kept the crowd locked in, with each song feeling like a different facet of the band’s identity: eclectic, chaotic, and tightly controlled all at once.

What stood out most was the connection that flooded the room. Between songs, there were moments of laughter, gratitude, and genuine emotion directed toward the audience; many of whom had clearly been part of JVK’s journey for as long as they’ve been a band. It gave the performance a sense of closure and served as a launch into a brand new era.

By the time they closed out the set with the anthemic “Everywhere,” the room felt transformed. The show ended as a collective acknowledgment between everyone that JVK is truly a band stepping confidently into a wider spotlight.

If opening night is any indication, the Pop Culture Affair tour is bound to be a victory lap for a strong debut record. And for those packed into O’Brien’s for this show, it was a first chance to witness this new era up close.

Photos and review by Mikayla Ranson