Category: Post Punk

“NITE” Your new favorite goth twins…

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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

NITE.bandcamp.com

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.

Join the NITE fan group community on Facebook: ALL-NITERS (NITE Fan Group)

-Angela Alameda (@ohdarling08)

Photo credit: Top photo by Whitney Hensley
All other photos by Angela Alameda

Negative Gain Productions: Destination NOLA 2023

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By: Vanessa Saw- Producer of Ratio Strain, Drummer for W.A.S.T.E, writer for STATIK magazine.

I was fortunate enough to be asked by Sounds and Shadows creator Ken Magerman to conduct a review of one of the most anticipated events of the summer, NGP’s Destination NOLA. Everyone I know was excited when the announcement came that NGP and the Gothic Cruise collaborated together to create the ultimate summer adventure. I have never been to a Gothic Cruise event myself and thought what better initiation than to go to NOLA in the heat and humidity of summer. I imagine the meeting for NGP and the Gothic Cruise went something like this:

“Hey, instead of being on a boat during the summer, let’s mix it up! Let’s do a land thing.”

“Sounds great! You know what place would be amazing to get a bunch of goth/industrial people who wear black to go? NOLA!” Let’s do it in August!”

“OMG! you’re a genius! I’m in!”

Thus, many including myself, bought tickets and made the trek over to NOLA with all our black clothes and stompy boots with little regard for mother nature in the name of music and fun.

NGP has been a force to be reckoned with and has been home to a variety of our favorite artists from Bestial Mouths, Josie Pace, to ESA. Celebrating 25 years is not an easy feat, especially as the scene and it’s needs change over time. Yet Micah and Roger have managed to not only create a household name in the scene but have assisted with facilitating diversity and growth. The fact that NGP was able to create a two-day festival that many attended from around the world shows the caliber of artists they support. Every artist brought their all to the stage, and you have to hand it to Atari Nite, Wire Spine, Carrellee, Total Chroma, and Heavy Halo who played night one in a venue with no AC.

It would be easy to review every artist’s performance, but in thinking about the event, I kept reflecting on what events like these mean to the scene. The first thing I noticed was just how many people from all over the world were in attendance. One of my favorite aspects about these types of events is connecting with friends and fellow musicians that I get to see so rarely. While we all love the music, we appreciate the connection to others in the scene. In speaking with many of the performing artists, this was a common theme. Rob from Order of the Static Temple (who absolutely crushed it and was a highlight performance) had this to say:

“We’ve been very lucky to play at two NGP showcases, last year at SXSW in Austin TX and now in NOLA. NEW ORLEANS!! The French Quarter is another world. Walking the streets at close to midnight with literally no one around, marveling at the 1700’s architecture, gas lights and horse hitches. Two nights of amazing artists, friendship and community. We played our brand of electronic cult music alongside the best. Happy 25th anniversary to Negative Gain, and much gratitude to Micah and Roger for making this happen!”

I have to wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment as one of my favorite parts of the weekend was exploring the local culture, checking out the local goth club, and the afterhours set from Daniel Myer that made my noise loving heart so happy. Seriously, don’t ever sleep on a Daniel Myer set! Another highlight for me personally was being able to drum for Ivardensphere and share the stage with two of my favorite people in the world, Scott and Jamie. Very few people can message me the day of a performance and say “Hey, do you want to play with us?” and with no hesitation I somehow say yes to an entire set.

Night one of the festival was a good introduction to the weekend with Carrellee’s perfectly moody voice and Heavy Halo’s grungy synth sounds. The venue was more intimate, so it allowed for the artists to really interact with their audience and showcase their talent. I enjoyed the dive bar feel of the venue mixed with Total Chroma’s post punk groove and the sight of so many familiar faces. What I always fail to remember about NOLA is just how late the party goes, so several of us ended up at the Goat for their goth night. I always enjoy checking out the local scenes and seeing what the city has to bring.

Day two of the festival kicked off just as amazing as day one, albeit on slightly less sleep and probably too much of the local cuisine in my belly. As expected, every performer brought their all and the crowd was amped throughout the entire night. I had never seen several of the acts live so it was great to see them all in one place. I honestly can’t say that any one performance was better than the other as they all brought something unique to the table. The biggest highlight was Daniel Myer making everyone dance and sing, because who can say no to Daniel.

In speaking with Roger and Micah themselves, I could sense their excitement and disbelief that something they had envisioned in their heads had finally come to fruition. When I asked them what their plans were moving forward, they collectively agreed that they are beyond thankful to the community to have made it this far and that they want to continue to foster what they have built.

It was truly a pleasure to sit back and watch all the performances. Watching Total Chroma’s drummer be in the pocket like a boss, the total rockstar energy of Josie Pace, Curse Mackey who just gives his performance his absolute soul, Bestial Mouth’s moody hypnotizing vibes, ESA’s shirtless “It’s too hot for clothes”, DSTR’s heckling for us not knowing the lyrics, being able to drum with Ivardensphere, and the crowd’s unwavering energy for every performance made me thankful for our mighty community. So thanks NGP and the Gothic Cruise for making us sweat, eat amazing food, laugh with good friends, and remind us that we are a strong community built on good music and friendship.

https://negativegain.com/

https://www.facebook.com/reel/832615658417496

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‘Slow Crush’ Redefines Shoegaze with Sophomore Album “Hush”

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The incredible Belgian band, Slow Crush, has been making a name for itself in the post-punk and shoegaze scenes for the last few years. They’ve been called “My Bloody Valentine with a post-hardcore edge” by Guitar World and are described as “the sound to a beautiful alternate reality” by Kerrang. Now they’re bringing their dreamy and abrasive sound to the next level in their latest full-length album “Hush”.

“Hush” album cover

I can’t start to tell you how much I love this album. After listening through it the first time, I was hooked. If you’re a lover of pedal driven music, you will too.

This album will take you many places with it’s simultaneous offering of harsh abrasiveness and delicate dreaminess. While the instruments are fluid and the vocals are angelic, the entire album has a pleasing fullness and overarching heaviness that makes even the harshest sounds favorable and welcomed in abundance.

“Hush” is the sophomore album by Slow Crush which exceeds it’s incredible predecessor “Aurora”. With shimmering melodies, soothing vocals by Isa Holliday, noise and chaos added on top, this album brings next-level emotion and intensity. The album was born from the ideas floated around between tour gigs in the beforetimes and brought to life by the worldwide lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s because of these circumstances that the album can both be light and melodic while carrying the weight of the world outside.

Slow Crush

Drown: The opening track of the album which sets the tone for the what follows. With shimmering guitars and whirling noises, this song makes me feel like I’m seeing the world through frosted glass. There’s no way to describe how beautiful this track is. With dual vocals, a simple strumming guitar, and keyboard creating a lush atmosphere, I had tears in my eyes and couldn’t wait to hear the rest.

Swoon: This songs pace is a little faster. Opening with a crash of noise and drum fills, this track quickly takes a dark, pulsating turn. Throughout the song, there’s an amazing showcase of grinding guitars, obscure noises, and dissonant vocals that somehow create an absolutely beautiful post-rock track.

Lull: This is the first single released off the album and it’s the perfect track to showcase how heavy and beautiful this band can be. The song starts and it seems like it’s going to be soft and pretty. When the drums and guitars kick in, the song layers up. Without lacking in beauty, the overdriven guitars create a wave of loudness that gives me goosebumps. Check out the video below!

Official Music Video for “Swoon” by Slow Crush

This album will surely make your album of the year list if you love shoegaze and post-punk. With walls of sound, celestial-like vocals, and shimmering instruments, “Hush” will throw you back to your favorite artists like My Bloody Valentine and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, while adding some new spices to the mix.

“Hush” will be available October 22, 2021 on vinyl, cd, and digital download via Quiet Panic. Also, stay tuned for updates on the bands upcoming WORLD tour!

It’s time to start reviewing Twitch livestream DJ shows. First up Hate Mior Isolation – A Soundtrack to the Life and Death of Ian Curtis

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This pandemic has changed things. The world we left is not the one we will return to. Even as vaccination rolls out and tours and festivals start booking. A giant void was left in the fabric of our reality and club Dj’s headed to places like Twitch to fill that void. It wasn’t enough to spin Spotify or Mixcloud playlists. People hunger for an interaction. To have a story told. A “Radio show with a strong visual component” Hate Mior. The people who have embraced this new medium have broken a never before done artform which is creating a modern day electronic salon for music fans from around the world to congregate and discuss culture and music in real time. I will start by reviewing a very special 5 hour show by Toronto Street artists/Clothing creator/and DJ Hate Mior and their show to commemorate the life and death of icon Ian Curtis (Joy Division).

https://www.twitch.tv/hatemior

https://www.twitch.tv/hatemior/clip/KindTrustworthySalmonPipeHype-1hbfCfSy4qdUdKo3

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1042696401

This piece is a journey, a story of one of the most known and tragic figures of our genre. Ian’s words and unique musical style were taken too soon but left a rippling effect which burned hard in the imagination and inspiration of generations to come. It opens with the fitting David Bowie classic “Rock and Roll Suicide“. Hate then appears on the screen with the flat lined supernova readout that is homage to the Joy Division “Unknown Pleasures” album. One of the most recognizable images in T Shirt history. Their face is emotive and playful. Stark in Black and White. Projecting the range of an experienced theater performer. Then The Sex Pistols No Fun rings out. It’s hard to separate The Pistols from Joy Division. Legend has it the band was formed at one of their early shows.

At the 25 minute mark Hate lays out what the concept of the show is and why it is important. Also the role the visuals play in the story. Because this isn’t a radio program. It’s a multi media experience. They site reference material like “Touching from a Distance” by Ian’s widow Debra Curtis and the film Control. I love how the story starts at the true beginning. The number one hit in England during Ian’s birth “Why Do Fools Fall in Love“. The narritive progresses to Ian’s early family influence and what it was like growing up in a factory town like Manchester. Matching up the video to the film “Jason and the Argonaughts” which was sited as playing a dramatic role in his development. I love this attention to history. It is clear early on this isn’t just a setlist. It’s a biography set to music.

Ian Curtis is best known for the power of his lyrics. It was truly transformative poetry of the depths of the human condition. Here Hate calls out specific lyrics and the impact his early loves played on those later verses. A story then goes into Ian’s love of mime and performance. How this connected to David Bowie. Then the most important part, how it connected back to Hate’s own life and experience in performance. Because the new roll of the streaming Dj is also as a performer who makes a personal connection with the audience. The Dj is no longer the the one who chooses the music, but a part of the story themselves. This brings Kate into their idea of Ian and Debora’s personal mixtape. I think the other aspect worth noting is Kate does not hit play and put their headphones on. They take this journey with you. In movement and facial expression.

“Kate has an unhealthy knowledge of this band. The setlists were weird until I realized where the show was going.” It felt like going through a museum with the best tour guide on their roster. The stories, background, and history allowed you to see the paintings for yourself. Just gave all the best behind the scenes insight to make everyone who watched feel like an expert.

Setlist: PROLOGUE: David Bowie – Rock n’ Roll Suicide John Peel Announcement

: The Death of Ian Curtis Sex Pistols – No Fun Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant PART 1: Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers – Why Do Fools Fall in Love David Bowie – Sound and Vision The Doors – Light My Fire Neu! – Wave Mother The Velvet Underground – Candy Says Nektar- It’s All in the Mind Mott the Hoople – All the Young Dudes Roxy Music – More than This WARSAW YEARS Warsaw- No Love Lost (early recording) Warsaw – Warsaw Warsaw – The Drawback Warsaw – They Walked in Line Warsaw – Tension Warsaw – Lost Iggy Pop – The Passenger Buzzcocks – Lipstick The Fall – Firey Jack The Drones – Persecution Complex X-Ray Spex – Oh Bondage! Up Yours Delta 5 – Mind Your Own Business Gang of Four – To Hell with Poverty Martin Hannet & Joy Division – Noise Drums Sine Warmup N.F Porter – Keep On Keeping On Joy Division – Interzone Frank Sinatra – My Way

In between the sets you hear the famous Henry Rollins rant, along with a Bill Burr quote. I love the full picture here of adding other voices to how Joy Division effected them. Shout out for the Bootblacks spin who I think has a direct line the flavor and magic Joy Division captured. From here the set veers sharply into a tribute to Joy Division the way it was meant to be heard. 1st pressing vinyl, obscure cuts, and a Martin Hannett homage. Kate calls out the people who support them, which is such an important part of the modern stream. People have a longing to be connected to what they are seeing. The best streaming shows understand this and make the experience interactive.

PART 2 – THE RISE AND FALL OF JOY DIVISION Joy Division – Shadowplay (First television appearance) Kraftwerk -The Man Machine Joy Divison – Day of the Lords Joy Division – Twenty Four Hours Joy Division – Insight Martin Hannett & Joy Division – More N4 Drum Programming Joy Division – Transmission (Arrow Studio 1978) Jou Divison – Transmission (12″ original vinyl) Joy Division – Incubation Joy Division – Dead Souls (live at Les Bains Douche) Joy Divisio – Isolation Joy Division – She’s Lost Control (original first UK press vinyl) The Captain and Tenille – Love Will Keep Us Together Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart Section 25 – Girls Don’t Count Section 25 – Colour Movement Sex & Violence Parts of Ian Curtis’s recorded past life regression therapy (originally recorded by Bernard Sumner) FINAL CURTAIN A Certain Ratio – All Night Party Joy Division – Ceremony (Live at Birmingham University) Joy Division – Disorder Joy Division – Decades Joy Division – Digital Joy Division – The Eternal Iggy Pop – Nightclubbing Iggy Pop – Mass Production Martin Hannett & Joy Division – Atmosphere Buildup MUSIC VIDEO: Atmosphere David Bowie – Warsazawa

The game has changed and Djs haven’t just had to adapt. They have had to create a new medium of art and experience. This was a history lesson, a street performance, and a psychology paper rolled into musical format. If this is the future of streaming shows that the pandemic has made for us. If this is the way the world connects online to become a little closer, a little smaller. I say the future looks bright and is starting to heal the pieces of what this isolation has made. Where will it end?

I’ll work on more stream reviews soon, who are some of the ones you love? Comment below

It’s Time To Revive The Label Compilation “Broken Hearts and Robot Parts”

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One million years ago before the internet it was a lot harder to find the greatest new music. We would head down to the record store and buy the latest compilation from our favorite record labels. Cleopatra and Wax Trax were mine. Streaming services made this a bit of a lost art. COP International has started a new series of comps called “Broken Hearts and Robot Parts“. I beam with pride that I got to choose the name. Christian Petke and team have done a smaller more focused spotlight on label bands and future unsigned talent. It’s great to see a label with a storied history and powerhouse producer like John Fryer take an interest in growing new bands for the sake of the scene. This is the future I have longed for where labels fulfil the promise of family and support so many of us dreamed of. Amazing artwork from Greg Rolfes ties together the concept. Let’s dig in to Part I.

https://copinternational.bandcamp.com/album/broken-hearts-robot-parts-i

The production levels of everything here are outstanding. I love that COP made sure everyone added to this comp where putting their best foot forward and highlighting each band at their best performance. The music has a diverse range but a cohesive idea of guitar focused rock music blended with electronic elements.

Johnny Tupolev – Shot In Black and White – Out the gate with a strong delivery from a COP International artist. The German performer opens with a tension building breathing vocal and then explodes into a crushing crowbar guitar riff. The vocals have expressive Mike Patton flare. I love the hard Alt rock flavor with electronic elements and a introspective message of ego death.

https://johnnytupolev.bandcamp.com/releases

Suicide Queen – Swan – Truly a dripping oily black horror sound held in a white lace glove. The Oakland CA band delivers beautiful New Order keyboard melodies, washed over by Kay Dolores filthy and distinct rasping growl. It creates fierce contrast that leaves you both lulled and unnerved. This track is a rush of wind at your back, pushing your spread wings to a danger you are trying not to face.

https://suicidequeen.bandcamp.com/album/swan

Machines With Human Skin – Watch It Burn – The project of our dear friend Adrian Halo of Chicago. A furious cyclone of fire and wind. I love the wispy style vocals and digital drive. Great use of dynamics that cause the chorus to hit hard with fist pump and boot stomp moments. Wicked overlapping guitar solo around the 3 minute mark give an organic blast to the cold electronic swirl.

https://machineswithhumanskin.bandcamp.com/

unitcode:machine – Paper Empires (Regional Adjunct Remix by GW Childs) Dallas Texas cyber wizards set loose this stop and start bleep bloop broken mechanical dance. I love the way Eric is spinning an static buzz story with his voice and the even cadence walk.

https://unitcode.bandcamp.com/

The Burying Kind – Falling Over – One thing I will never stop screaming from the rooftops is about the Chicago duo of Dan Milligan (The Joy Thieves) and Scott-David Allen (A Covenant of Thorns) . They both took the leap, trusted in each other and made one of the best Shoegaze albums I have heard in over a decade. This track in particular highlights the romantic gothic beauty of Allen’s vocals and the grey pallet tapestry of Milligan’s production. I love using this as an outro to this emotional journey.

https://theburyingkind.bandcamp.com/album/the-burying-kind

I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful journey that puts on display the wealth of modern music that has our scene buzzing with excitement.