Review: Michael Imperioli and ZOPA perform in Portland, with San Francisco show coming up next.

The electric energy of ZOPA, featuring Michael Imperioli along with Olmo Tighe and Elijah Amitin, was on full display as they made their Portland debut at Polaris Hall on June 20, 2025. The trio delivered a powerful and dynamic performance that showcased their unique blend of post-punk, 70s-influenced New York punk, and blues-influenced rock.

Throughout their hour-long set, ZOPA’s synergy as a power trio was evident. Imperioli’s distinct guitar work, from squelching solos to fuzzed-out riffs, Amitin’s muscular bass lines, and Tighe’s intricate drumming, created a captivating musical experience. The band performed a total of eight songs, with most tracks exceeding five minutes and some even reaching close to the 10-minute mark.

The set kicked off with the opener, “A Still Life,” a track from their latest album, Diamond Vehicle. The song seamlessly transitioned from an uptempo rhythm to a more mid-tempo vibe, featuring a mesmerizing shoegaze-style guitar solo by Imperioli. Throughout the performance, Amitin’s imposing on-stage presence added depth to the band’s sound, often harmonizing or singing lead vocals alongside Imperioli.

Songs like “Love and Other Forms of Violence” and “Withdrawal” showcased ZOPA’s diverse musical palette, with shimmering verses, wall-of-sound choruses, and angular punk rock elements. Imperioli’s engaging banter with the audience, expressing gratitude for their support and inviting them to visit New York, added a personal touch to the performance.

Highlighting their versatility, ZOPA closed the show with a standout cover of Lou Reed’s “Ocean” and “Heroin,” delivering thunderous renditions that captivated the audience. Tighe’s drum skills shone during the penultimate track, “The Arrows of Outrageous Fortune,” a proggy composition featuring multiple movements and a commanding drum solo. The band concluded the evening with “All That Heaven Allows,” a fan-favorite from their debut album, La Dolce Vita.

Opening the show was Seattle-based band bloococoon, delivering a 30-minute set of high-energy, guitar-driven rock. Their performance, featuring tracks like “Whirlybird,” “Monkey Off My Chest,” and “Life Raft,” showcased a blend of dreamy melodies, muscular riffs, and uptempo rock anthems. The band’s sound, reminiscent of Foo Fighters and Fountains of Wayne, left a lasting impression on the audience.

Overall, ZOPA’s debut in Portland was a resounding success, with an electrifying performance that left both new and long-time fans craving more. Their seamless fusion of genres, engaging stage presence, and captivating musicality solidified their status as a must-see act in the rock music scene.