In The Loop On the Road Series Presents: Glitterfox at Comet Ping Pong, Washington, DC

Oct 15, 2025 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

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Review by: Raymond Burton Estes

Photos by: Fleurette Estes

On Friday, 12 September 2025, Portland, Oregan based indie folk rockers Glitterfox played

to a packed crowd at Comet Ping Pong in Washington, DC, with local singer/songwriter

Sam Elmore and his band as the opening act. It was clear that the crowd liked what they

heard as they danced and clapped and sang along to two very distinct takes on American

folk rock.

Sam Elmore and crew opened the night with a set that was equal parts “stomp clap hey,”

Bruce Springsteen’s cautious working-class optimism, and Joe Stummer’s punk rock angst

and idealism. Despite his songs about difficult positions, odds, and losses, Elmore had the

audience smiling and singing along in a communal experience that could only be

described as hopeful. Elmore clearly has something to say and delivers it in a way worthy

of our attention. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Sam Elmore and crew and check out

their self-released debut EP Hateful Days and Sinking Ships single released May 2025.

Opening their set with their beautiful song, “TV,” Glitterfox provided a perfect introduction

for the uninitiated. Drummer Blaine Heinonen commenced with the drums, bassist Eric

Stalker got on board with a driving bassline, guitarist Andrea Walker came in with the

melody before Solange Igoa joined them onstage and delighted the crowd with her

beautifully unique voice.

Formed by Igoa and Walker initially formed Glitterfox in Long Beach, California in 2012

before eventually relocating to Portland where Stalker and Heinonen joined them. The

band survived relocation, lineup changes, and the romantic breakup between founding

members Igoa and Walker, which makes their songs about love and personal

transformation feel genuine and beautiful. Glitterfox characterizes their band as a chosen

family, and they sure performed like one. So, it was all that Walker’s family and friends

came out to support – apparently, he’s a local – and Igoa’s wife celebrating the night as a

steadfast cheerleader.

After delivering a full course meal 15 originals showcasing their unique blend of 1980’s

inspired new wave, power pop, and post-punk infused Americana, Glitterfox ended with an

explosive cover of Heartbreaker – penned by Geoff Gill and Cliff Wade, originally recorded

by Jenny Darren, and made world famous by Pat Benatar. Igoa stepped off the stage onto

the floor and invited the crowd to join her in belting out a song that, like her and Walker, has

seen some change and confronted heartbreak head on. The audience obliged and shared a

cathartic moment and, with any luck, joined the band’s chosen family. Be sure to check

out Glitterfox’s debut album, decoder, on Jealous Butcher Records released August 2025

and go see them when they play your town.

Glitterfox’ setlist follows:

TV

Drive

Gamma Ray

Highway Forever

Kentucky Night

Portland

Wildfires

Looking Away

La da da

Passenger

It’s Always Over

Waiting For

Richie’s Party

Married to the Ground

Change Me

Heartbreaker (Jenny Darren cover)

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