It was anything but a nostalgia trip at Empire Underground on September 28, as the Dwarves were hell-bent on showing why they are the last true punk band around. On any other night, Albany’s own Trauma School Dropouts would have blown every other act off the stage with their otherworldly performance preceding the headliners, while openers Blast-Craze kicked the night off in style.

Review and Photos by Pat Rogers for NYS Music

Dwarves’ Blag Dahlia (left) and Rex Everything at Empire Underground in Albany, N.Y. (September 28, 2025) – photo by Pat Rogers for NYS Music

This wasn’t a “remember when” night. It wasn’t about reliving the past. It was about survival. The Dwarves haven’t mellowed, haven’t softened, and sure as hell haven’t cleaned themselves up. They’re still offensive, still proud to be the band your parents warned you about. 

– Pat Rogers for NYS Music

Photos by Timothy Reidy for RadioRadioX

Dwarves’ Blag Dahlia (left) at Empire Underground in Albany, N.Y. (September 28, 2025) – photo by Tim Reidy for RadioRadioX