Concert Review: (The Curse of) Public Opinion - Start of Sophomore Year with Squint

Public Opinion played at XBK Live in Des Moines, IA June 4th, 2026 for the Co-headline Midwest tour with Squint. These two make for a gnarly hardcore pairing that would make Stephen Hawking himself start spin kicking. Public Opinion is set to release their sophomore album, The Curse of Public opinion, Aug 6th. 

XBK is a smaller intimate venue to start but between Terror playing the night before and a local hardcore show going on the same night, the crowd was thin but excited. Every single band on the lineup that night played like the room was sold out and showed the kind of grit it takes to succeed in hardcore. 

The show opened with local alt rock band, Display Case. They brought high energy and melodic riffs to get the night started. This lead right into Squint taking the stage next. Immediately bringing the smaller crowd in for a more intimate show. Through songs like "Seed" and "Sunshine" taking you up and down the emotional spectrum. 

Finally Public Opinion was up. This is a band that brings back the original sound of hardcore. A sound reminiscent of The Misfits with punchier vocals and lyrics to match. They pulled from every year of their discography including two songs from their upcoming sophomore album, When Kevin Gets Free and Boston Man Running. If they're coming to your city don't hesitate to grab your tickets. 

The rest of their stops that week were packed houses and proved why sometimes, you just have to keep going and do it out of spite. It's also a reminder how important it is to support your local venues and keep your local music scene alive and thriving.