Trophy Wife Sets the “Golden Standard” at Subterranean

Article by El Wendy / Photo by Maya Seri

As rain jacket-wearing fans lined up outside the sold-out Subterranean on a stormy October night in Wicker Park, something bigger was brewing. Though it wasn't just the buzz from the headlining band Edgehill's Moving Out Tour, because awaiting the eager fans were the Brooklyn based indie rock group Trophy Wife, ready to take the stage for their first of seven nights opening for Edgehill.

Emerging from the DIY basement music scene at Berklee, the Broston-born, Brooklyn-based band Trophy Wife has truly seen it all. Starting as a solo project by lead singer McKenzie Iazzetta in 2018 and later expanding to a full band with guitarist Christian Pace, bassist Mena Lemos, and drummer Michael Martelli by 2020, the group has built a loyal fanbase with the help of their experimental indie rock sound. Highlighted by their two albums Get Ugly released in 2024, and their most recent album Pathetic, released in August of 2026, they have proven that their journey has only just begun. 

As they stepped into the light, it was obvious that their undeniable chemistry translated flawlessly to their stage presence. Setting the night off with impetus energy, lead singer McKenzie Iazzetta and guitarist Christian Pace delivered warm harmonies that brought a hush to the crowd, mellowing out the entire venue and making fans aware of the intimate moments being shared.

As they thrashed through their set, every song brought a distinct peak. However, there was an undeniable high during “So Hard.” As the first lines rang out, “Can’t you get pathetic for me,” the crowd erupted and quickly fell into pace with Iazzetta, who was putting on the performance of a lifetime between her seamless vocals and fluid movements.

Closing the night with a perfect build of anticipation, they played “Leech”; a song that tells a story of miscommunication and the complicated relationship with yearning for desire in relationships. The set ended in screams and thrashes on the floor from Iazzetta, and the crowd had no doubt that Trophy Wife had left everything on the stage, leaving the venue of Subterranean eager for more.

After collapsing on the floor and stepping out of the spotlight, they were followed by headlining group Edgehill, a Nashville-originated alternative rock trio. Throughout their set, they would often take time to thank Trophy Wife for starting the night off on a high. “Trophy Wife rocks so much”, said lead singer Chris Kelly as he paused his set to acknowledge the standout performance that preceded them.