The tag team of Emily Kavanaugh and Mark Brooks have pumped out their brand of dark pop for well over a decade by this point, landing soundtrack appearances in each of the Deadpool films, as well as scoring the Comedy Central series Moonbeam City. Their third album, 2020’s Die Die Lullaby, landed a #1 debut on the US iTunes Electronic charts, with hits including “Miss Negativity,” “Gossip,” and “Die in the Disco.” Now, the LA twosome have brought us Masochist, another lean mean synthpop machine clocking in at just north of half an hour of bouncy, bassy synths and Kavanaugh’s dynamic vocal range.
There are some club bangers, runway stompers, and all-around hits on this disc, including the lead single “Crime Scene” and the sleek and seductive “Barbwire Kiss.” The former begs for a sing-along whether in one’s room, on the dance floor, or at the show, with its kinetic chorus and earworm of a melody. The latter speaks of irresistibility and desire over a four-on-the-floor groove and Brooks’ deft synth work.
“Pretty Girls Do Ugly Things” starts off innocently enough with just piano behind Kavanaugh’s vocals before descending into an energetic, full-force number that evokes memories of the previous record’s “Die in the Disco” in more than just the key. Among the treats of the record are the one-two punch of “Let’s Play Revenge!” followed by “The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The Asylum), with spooky and saccharine vibes preceding a spooky, swaying good time. Night Club are four for four on their full-length releases, with Masochist taking its place as further evolving the band’s sound. Any one of their records serves as a great entry point into their catalog, with this latest entry bringing some of their most accomplished works yet.
Recently I got a little clip of Crowjane releasing a cover of “Real Life” by Tones on Tail. I have been a fan of Crowjane for a couple of years now, and this one caught me by surprise, (mostly cause I didn’t know they were recording anything, having just released an EP last year). I wrote a little piece about it, and it seems to have been enjoyed by all, even getting a nod from Daniel Ash who wrote it.
Crowjane is one of the darling bands of the wonderful “Kitten Robot” record label, a darkwave experimental rock band, that really can’t fit into any one genre.
Crowjane is as of today finishing up their brief stint of live shows around the West Coast, and The Rockies. I got to see them play in Salt Lake, after their 11-hour drive from Moscow, Idaho.
The story goes like this, I was notified of their scheduled gig at “The Utah International” in downtown Salt Lake City. I was scheduled to cover the gig and was notified that they were going to be late coming into town, so if I got any interview time, it would be brief, and they were not even going to get a sound check. I was at the venue and saw 3 other bands setting up, and no one knew where Crowjane was. I ended up at another venue on the other side of the block, asking the doorman if this was where they were playing, it turns out that the gig had been moved and no one had been given the update. I was hoping that other fans got the memo and made it to the right place, that it was in a backroom at an arcade. I know this place well because I used to DJ there in the 90s.
I got in a little interview here with Heather Galipo but had to cut it short because the opening band was taking the stage.
I was talking to the drummer Shok, only to realize that we had crossed paths probably 50 times over the last 30 years, and just conveniently reconnected here. (Really, almost to the level of being at the same parties in high school).
Once Crowjane took the stage, there was no soundcheck, and the sound guy was a jerk and turned Heather’s vocals down, and there was NO lighting in the house, just a back panel (after they finished, the next band had lights, REALLY?). There were 3 people in the audience for the opening band, and Heather invited everyone from the arcade to come in and listen to them play. In short, this entire night was a complete disaster. So, with Murphy’s law kicking in and everything turning out to be a “Spinal Tap” moment, or even “The Story Of Anvil” (Both classic movies about everything going wrong for a band on the road), and everything having gone bad so far, where are you going to go from there?
Well, here is how it went, THEY ABSOLUTELY KILLED IT!!!!
They opened with “Butterflies” and I was shocked at how they just blew us out of the water. They started with a small crowd, but this video should give you an idea of what we got.
The hall suddenly had people that I knew there, guys from the SWANS gig, and other shows, and there was a “Goth pit” (everyone pogo stick dancing). But what I thought was most impressive was the other punters who showed up. There were a couple of guys that you would have thought were “Gangsta Rap”, a couple of guys you would expect to see at a mud bog event, some Metalheads, and then some guys who were obviously college football players. While the goths were up front dancing, the rest of these punters started moshing. The entire experience was surreal, all of these people were fans, there to hear Crowjane play.
They worked through their set, with Mika a professional opera singer, giving backing vocals, while Heather, still sweating from 11 hours in the car in 100-degree heat, gave us a mix of Siouxsie Sioux, Peter Gabriel horror film soundtrack.
They played “Delusion” from the album “Mater Dolorosa”, which is a great album, with a great Laurie Anderson feel to it. (This was the song that made me fall in love with their music). They got to “Ides of March” which was a mix of Siouxsie and Missing Persons, with all 4 women’s powerful voices giving the chorus. The singing is reminiscent of Jane’s Addiction, however, the vocals of Heather and crew are harmonic and very beautiful.
My fave song of the night was “Nomad”, which I have always liked, but I was surprised at how well they did it live, with the haunting vocals, and almost a choral arrangement made for a film. Heather works in film, and this was nothing short of extraordinary, a song I would have enjoyed in “The Crow” or even “Suckerpunch”. All of this while the weirdest, most diverse mosh pit was still happening.
They did “Broken Angel” to slow everything down, and the performance was no less haunting, with Mika chanting on top of the vocals that somehow would have fit perfectly in a bar scene in Twin Peaks.
They finished off with “Real Life”, tying up a short set, that they had no time to prepare for. It was incredible, they really delivered a great performance. When a band can be up against so much, seem destined for an absolute failure that night, Crowjane have a penchant for burying your expectations.
Crowjane has a few live sets planned for some more festivals this summer, their live shows are eclectic and very artistic, they have a great stage presence, and even with the sound gone bad, they will keep your attention with some wonderful performances.
Next show July 29 Long Beach, CA Supply and Demand
Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of being able to work with an amazing band. During this time, I have gotten to know them better as musicians and as people and it has truly been an honor. They are a hidden gem, in my opinion. Let me introduce you to the next BIG thing.
Kyle and Myles Mendes, Canadian-born twin brothers raised in Dallas, Texas, make up the alternative/electronic-rock duo known as NITE. The Mendes brothers, along with their drummer Phil Helms, are extremely talented musicians, but upon listening to their music for the first time, you might find yourself a bit confused.
Starting in 2013, their first album “I Am Not Afraid” features a lot of dark and moody tracks with lush synthesizers and breathy vocals. Then the following 2 albums, “Reborn” and “Sleepless” delve deep into the synth-pop and dream-pop genres with danceable tracks such as “Dreamer” and “All You’ve Ever Dreamed Of” that really encapsulate that retro 80’s new wave feel that transports you back in time! However, on their latest album “Be Destroyed,” released in September 2023, they shifted in a darker, more industrial direction with their sound, including, but not limited to, tracks like “I Just Want To Be Destroyed,” and their cover of Alice In Chains’ “Would?,” that feature heavier guitars and vocals that lend more to that industrial style of the 90’s and early 2000’s grunge era. Recently though, they have circled back to their roots incorporating more of their earlier synth and electronic elements into their music with their newest singles “Price For Heaven,” and “Our Light Will Never Die”.
Check out NITE’s newest music video for “Price For Heaven” just dropped on June 19, 2024
Their sound is eclectic and unique, but that is exactly what I love about them. Their lyrics are very beautifully and eloquently written as well. Their work is original and not one I would confuse with any other band within the same genre. Whenever I hear one of their songs, I know that is a NITE song!
What you really need to know about though, are their live performances. These guys are absolutely PHENOMENAL and put on some of the BEST live shows I have ever seen, and I’ve been to a lot of concerts in my 34 years! Their shows are extremely high-energy and once the music hits you, you can’t help but let loose and let the music move you. Not to mention their stage presence… just picture two twin brothers with incredible long curly hair coming out in matching blazers and matching orange Fender guitars. They just look cool! Their shows are honestly so captivating to watch, with their incredible laser light show, their electric energy, and headbanging with their wild curly locks.
At this point, I have seen them perform almost 50 times in the last 3 and a half years and each time they still manage to blow me away! They always put on a killer performance no matter how many people attend. They feed off the energy from the crowd and are 100% there for the show every time. Anyone can see they really enjoy performing, and any band that is passionate about what they’re doing will perform better.
There is no comparison seeing them live versus seeing a video of them online, or even just listening to their albums. These two will leave you speechless. If you ever get the opportunity to see them, DO IT. Seeing them perform live is a whole experience of its own and any words I say just won’t do it justice. It’s that powerful.
One thing people ask me all the time, aside from how I can tell them apart and what hair products they use, is if Kyle and Myles are truly as kind and genuine as they appear to be? The answer is yes, absolutely. I’ve actually known the twins since high school, and they’ve always been exceptionally nice! Many people are so surprised by their kindness that they believe it too good to be true, but I can promise you, they really are that nice.
A big thing that sets them apart, from what I’ve seen, is that they genuinely want to connect with their fans. A lot of bands will play the part and act nice, but don’t really care. NITE is different. NITE really does care. They are always putting in the effort to reply back to comments and messages on social media and stay late at shows to interact with fans and don’t hide out in the back, a noticeable attribute in my opinion. Sending special video clips to international fans, a personal happy birthday video or message to a sick fan that had to miss a show, even offering free merch occasionally to a fan who went out of their way to show support, are just a few examples of their kindness. I really can’t say enough good things about these guys and how exceptional and kind-hearted they are!
The Mendes twins definitely have something special, there is no doubt about that. Although they have seen a lot of growth in the last few years, I often find myself wondering why they are not bigger than they are. They definitely have the talent, the passion and the drive. They are some of the hardest working people I know, and they deserve to reach their highest musical aspirations. Their big break may not be tomorrow, but I know that day is coming very soon.
NITE has changed my life, and I don’t say that lightly. By knowing them and sharing their music, I have met so many incredible people and have gotten tons of awesome opportunities! Not to mention their music has gotten me through many tough times. I am more than happy to support them knowing they are honestly good people and I wish nothing more than to see them succeed. I feel incredibly lucky to know them and to be able to call them some of my closest and dearest friends.
Check out NITE and follow them on social media @wearethenite on all platforms! Also check out their website http://www.wearethenite.com for merch and upcoming show dates.
BRIDES – Doom Profits – Adrian has been levelling up at an exponential rate. This EP has been in my heavy rotation for a couple months now filling my need for grimy painted on leather pants classic goth. He has zeroed on a course vocal style right on the mean ratio between a blended instrument and poetic delivery system. Previous Brides offerings have tended towards a theme of sound. Doom Profits flings wide the door to a range of possibilities within the project. Using that distinct voice as an anchor to tie this gently drifting ghost ship together from Ultravox to New Order Movement.
Watering flowers in the bowels of Hell With painted tears Smokestack serpents coil around us Can`t see the forrest for the fire And the waves come crashing through Burning hands applaud the wreckage on
Suffer little children Sell your fear for doom profits
Favorite Tracks:
Heartquake: This is a record it is difficult to pick a favorite on. Each song hits you in a different place. This opening bassline is an obsidian boulder chasing you down the mountain. The synth leads are the exact amount of brass to shine in all this darkness. That title and idea evoke such an image. A heart shaking with profound trauma. So much it rocks the ground around you.
Doom Profits: A title track should always been a strong one. The backbone of your idea. Adrian read the assignment. That keyboard tone of water dripping from a stalactite into a dark pool. I have that same feeling when Goodbye Horses comes on. Profits come to harken the masses of a terrifying destiny. Adrian growls forth a frightening warning, as well as a promised hope. I adore the outro guitar lead. Using the theme of other tracks in a single moment the title track shows the complexity and growth on this record.
Year two of Small’s in Hamtramck’s Fixation Festival happened this past weekend. For the second year in a row Mike Mouyianis and Kat Paled put together an epic bill of legacy/modern darkscene talent both locally and around the country. This city has always celebrated a rich musical culture from Motown, Iggy Pop, The MC 5, techno’s holy trinity, ADULT, along with a slew of new talent in the current wave. Small’s cares about and celebrates artists, while running a tight ship that respects fan’s time. The venue is intimate with a great sound system and professional technician that knows how to communicate and bring out the best in the wide variety of acts. Having the stage and merch in one room, another with the bar for cooler temps, quick service, and a large video screen showing the stage at a volume you can talk over makes for a best of both worlds. Sometimes you want to be right in the action. Sometimes you want to share a moment with friends, making a personal connection with the bands. It has the Cold Waves “goth summer camp” vibe with a smaller more relaxed venue.
I’m going to fire off some quick impressions from of all the bands. Some that are long time favorites, some I saw for the first time. I’ll also include photos from the amazingly talented Jen Jeffery who really captured highlight moments from both nights.
Helix – Starting out Friday night strong was the married duo of Mari Shear (Day Twelve, Mari & The Ghost) and Tom Shear (Assemblage 23) firing off blistering electropop with Mari’s powerful, smokey delivery. Her stage show was captivating and serpentine. A beautiful way to set the tone for everything to come.
Rosegarden Funeral Party – Next up was Dallas TX dark rockers Rosegarden Funeral Party who I had previously reviewed for albums and singles. I had never seen them live, this became my favorite surprise of the weekend. Sometimes you really need to see the live show to get a full appreciation of a band. Leah was this glorious guitar sheading silver beam of light belting out lyrics with breath support to do Aretha Franklin proud. Thunderous live drums really his home the organic dark rock roots to give the impression of a wailing full band with only two people. I became an instant fan for life, can’t wait to dig into the new album “From The Ashes” available on bandcamp now.
ego likeness – I remember looking over to Collin right after Leah absolutely obliterated that stage and saying “I feel bad for whoever has to sing after her”. Then I saw it was Donna and went, never mind it’s Donna, she will be fine. With everything Donna and Steven have going (Poetry, Painting, Stoneburner, Audiobooks) sometimes it feels like Ego Likeness shows are a rare and glorious treat. Rick and Mike were here on stage to give the full experience of powerful percussion, wet crunching swamp riffs, and luring siren vocals. There is a reason Ego Likeness has stood the test of time between goth resurgences. Another call out from this performance, you can always tell a special band by how they react when something goes wrong. Tech issues happen, you can either let it under your skin, and lose focus. Or you can let the audience feel like they are a part of the inner circle, pop forward, and hit a higher level than you were when something went wrong. This is what the greats do.
Bootblacks – This was my second time seeing the reinvented suave dark Italian disco Bootblacks sound and they have dialed it all the way in. I’ve seen a trend of bands moving towards this sound, but I think Bootblacks were the first American’s to the peak. The new single “When You Want” highlights the power of pacing change to create constant movement. Panther’s vocals have never felt more present and sensual. This performance had the whole crowd sweating both physically and metaphorically.
Assemblage 23 – Tom Shear coming back to the stage for a second performance in one night. This marked another band I have listened to frequently but had never seen perform live. FuturePop fell in that middle place where I had given up on new music and got to re-discover recently. Hearing a top tier male vocalist delivering such crystal clarity free of effects is a powerful experience. Sometimes poetic lyrics feel a bit of an afterthought in the modern era. So hearing heartfelt emotive words delivered with a beautiful voice really stands out. I really need to see Tom play again when he is the focus of the night. Tom did promise to do an interview with me soon, so be on the lookout for that.
Night Club – I understand that some traditional goth fans don’t really want to embrace the darkpop cross over in the modern scene. I’m not one of them. Night Club was another band I had only reviewed albums of. On stage, they absolutely brought the house down. Sassy, dangerous, with pristine production, setting the stage for Emily’s undeniable star power. I know it when I see it, Night Club is dripping with it. What a way to close out an epic night one. Another of those bands I implore everyone to catch at an intimate venue like Small’s now. It’s won’t be long before main stream audiences catch on.
Adding this selfie of Amaranth/Stoneburner/Black Rose Burning who will be playing together August 17th in Lancaster PA. An incredible night 1 where we Uber’d back to our Air B & B to crush previously acquired late night food which turned out to be some of the best Thai cuisine I have ever had.
The Love Part – George Grant (Black Rose Burning) once impressed upon me the importance of festivals including some local flavor in the mix. Night two is where Fixation let some Detroit talent shine. My partner Rachel has exceptional taste in music, so when she came running and dragged me to the stage (something she never does) to hear The Love Part I knew I was in for something wonderful. Swelling psychedlicgaze pastel ectoplasm with great charisma from the singer spinning Curesque romantic energy. I spoke with them a bit after and this was an early show for them. I think this project has a high ceiling. I love that Small’s took a chance on them, I love that they delivered in a big way.
Access To Concrete – Another Detroit band that was my highlight surprise of night two. The Stringer brothers put together a full experience multimedia performance that took the best parts of Devo and Front 242 synthesized into chaotic SciFi sonic assault. They had multiple guest vocalists including Steph Strange (Schedule IV) in Nuruto/Tank Girl cosplay and Industrial Alice In Chains. It was fun, it was fury, it left me hungry for more.
LEATHERS – This was another showstopper highlight. The evolution of Shannon to ultrastar status has been a pleasure to behold. Having to do two sets in a night at this level of energy and precision is a feat within itself. This performance was a shooting star sparkling across the stage. Captivating and razor sleek Leather’s brings an otherworldly late 70’s glam energy that leaves you feeling how am I seeing this? It’s too bright, too beautiful to exist on this mortal realm. Last night they played Cruel World Fest on a stage with Duran Duran/Ministry/ect and I can’t help but feel like a dream realized for Shannon is hope for us all.
The Bellwether Syndicate – Chicago darkscene legends that always rock Detroit like they have something to prove. William Faith (Faith and the Muse, Christian Death, Mephisto Walz, Shadow Project, The March Violets) throws the best rock star looks in the biz. Sara Rose and Philly have enough musical pedigree to fill 10 bands. They really create a mythical beast with gnashing punk rock teeth, a long slender synthpop neck, and expansive sharp post punk wings. Moving together in perfect harmony. It always feels like a complete experience, a big deal, every time they play. Vestige & Vigil is such a good album, I had to buy it twice on LP.
ACTORS – How do they do it? How does a band I feel objectively plays one of the best live shows rather in a 300 person capacity club or a festival consistently raise the bar to amaze me? The sound is so sharp, crackling with spirit, engaging the crowd every night until we all leave feeling a part of something special. Some might think I sound crazy saying this, but in 6 short years since “It Will Come To You” Jason’s voice is reaching towards the discussion of all-time greats like Ian McCulloch, David Gahan level of impact. Actors might not have compiled that size of discography yet, but they are climbing towards it at a rate few others in the modern scene can keep pace with.
Also it is the love they show for their fans everywhere. After absolutely demolishing the crowd. Most of the band playing two sets that night. They must have been exhausted. I truly don’t expect folks to have the time and spoons to say hi to every reviewer. So Jason reaching out to have me come to the back for a headlight selfie and to say hello meant a lot. Actors aren’t just a band for a lot of us. They are a movement you are a part of.
Stabbing Westward – I have seen Stabbing Westward several times. 16 year old Ken alone in his bedroom, eyeliner streaking down his face because some girl broke his heart and only Chris Hall could understand. I have never seen SW play 8 feet away from me for 90 minutes spanning their entire catalog in a room of rabid fans. The fact that 1) they took a show in a smaller room to do this festival 2) They brought the energy of 20 year olds for and hour and a half while walking through the crowd and meeting everyone catching the other bands. To have a band with as much impact as they did on me be that down to earth and considerate is such a glorious icing on a face melting show of a cake.
I even managed to keep my cool when I went to introduce myself to Walter, who said “Yes Ken, I know who you are, nice to meet you”. We talked about the modern scene, how much he loved Actors, and how much he still enjoyed doing this. I feel like I maintained my pretend journalistic integrity the whole time my brain went SQUEEEEEEEEEE IM TALKING TO WALTER FLAKUS!!!. Hopefully I will have an interview with them soon and won’t sweat to much while I ask the questions. Overall it was the perfect cap to a perfect night.
Another smashing success in year two establishes that Small’s has built something here. That top talent is recognized and travel out of their way to play with like minds. My head is already spinning with the possibilities of who will be there next year. Detroit is a fun an economical alternative to some of the other big destination festivals. A beautiful diverse setting full of unique cuisine and friendly people looking out for each other. If you have heard mutterings to the contrary, my guess is you are talking to people who saw Detroit in a movie. Not folks who have spent time here. I’ll see you in 2025.
