Pom Pom Squad’s music is dynamic and driving, but at the heart of the band is Mia Berrin’s sincere and emotionally vulnerable songwriting. Littered with stirring lyrics like “you said you wanted to take me away / so I packed a bag but you never came,” Berrin captures heartache with honesty and accuracy. The power of distorted guitars and crashing drums can help tell the story but her voice always leads. On January 14th, you can hear that songwriting take center focus when Pom Pom Squad plays a solo set at Mercury Lounge. – Cameron Carr