Spinal Tap, Anvil (The Story of Anvil), Murphy’s law, all of which were SLAYED by CROWJANE.

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Concert Review

Artist: Crowjane

Date: July 22 2023

Venue: Quarters DLC

City: Salt Lake City UT

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

https://www.instagram.com/crowjane

https://www.facebook.com/CrowJaneNoise

https://www.youtube.com/@crowjanenoise4707

“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

“Transversal” album review

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Upon hearing of Tess LaCoell’s (Violet Wanda) collaboration with DJ Marionette for the Trans charity album “Transversal”, I said I want to hear it as Tess made an intriguing argument that we all should.  After listening to the first 3 tracks, I told Tess that not only would I play the entire album in the Overtime section on my Birthday edition of my “New Music Fridays of the Modern DARKSCENE” show on June 28,  and that it would be ideal as I hadn’t done anything for PRIDE (even though I consider myself an ally).  Not only did I promise that, I foolishly also promised I would review the entire album even though I  previously only did one or two line reviews of singles I really liked.  

Now I rarely go into genres and sub-genres on my show as I askew pigeon-holing band into into static labels (“It’s A Trap”).  Instead I consider my shows “Genre Fluid”, a term I borrowed months ago from  Betty X’s exclusive T-shirt design.  Now that seems like a piece of kismet as Tess wrote in the Liner Notes of “Transversal” that Betty X has a saying, “Artists Helping Artists”. I just hope this DJ can do the same with this review.  Lofty goals but honestly I could play this entire album, soup to nuts, anytime.  Buy it on Bandcamp at: 

https://paralunarecords.bandcamp.com/album/transversal

Top tracks include, in track order, Dead Girl Dancing, Loneliness is A Poison, Panic, I’m A Raver, Countdown, A Trap, and Pre-Sentient (the Violent Wanda remix of the Valor 13 track.

1. Tears for the Dying – Dead Girl Dancing

Gorgeous synth starts this song and album off and sets the bar for this album before the beat kicks in to a danceable song of death coming for you, feeling disoriented, and realizing there’s nothing tethering you to the World anymore.  “See me, hear me, take my hand/Let′s go for a walk in the boneyard/

See me, hear me, take my hand/Let’s dance in the fog”.  Very deep.  Not about giving up on life but moving on and finding reason to dance anyway.

2. DJ Marionette – Splinter

A dark rhythmic danceable number that would keep me on the dancefloor when I was ready to stop.

3. Ghoststomper – AIRLOCKCONTAINMENT 

Plodding stomper that keeps you sane while your computer runs its end of day repots.

4. Dee Decay – Maijulie

A hard rhythmic mystical instrumental romp

5. Hyperestis – Loneliness Is A Poison

“Loneliness is a poison/delivered by a kiss/ remember if I get too close/always remember this…”  The grinding rhythm of this song starts and you think it’s a lovers’ lament after a breakup with their last argument echoing in their head and turns into a dark revenge fantasy.  

6. Zvrra – TTF (Time To Fight)

This is a whirling dirvish EBM instrumental.  Total fun.

7. Cameron Evesque Davis – Panic

Breathing through a panic attack.  Whether the panic or real or not this song could be the danceable mantra to shake yourself loose.

8. Jordana – I’m A Raver

I can’t tell you much about this drum and bass  “raver,”  as it made me want to jump on the dancefloor leaving my phone and wheelchair behind.  Powerful stuff.

10. Violet Wanda – Countdown 

What can I say about Tess LaCoell’s contribution to this album except it’s the best instrumental on the album.

11. Jordana – A Trap

This track is the emotional and spiritual center of this album centering on being descriminated against for who you are and who you love.  Plus it helps that this has the beats that flows that makes one want to dance as you fight the powers that be and are the brick walls that would dare to snatch your own empowerment.

9. Valor 13 – Pre-Sentient

This electronic steps through an AI’s awakening into sentience initiated by Valor 13.

12. Valor 13 – Pre-Sentient (Violent Wanda remix)

A faster, danceable remix by Violet Wanda that shows our now Sentient hero, ready to fight for the validation of its own existence whether regardless if the sentience is just a veil for what this album is about.

Remember, pick up “Transversal” at Buy it on Bandcamp at: 

https://paralunarecords.bandcamp.com/album/transversal

<PIG> Red Room

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In 2024 Raymond Watts continues to be one of the great innovators and provocateurs of the industrial music genre. Always finding some new musical thread (Gospel/Soul/Rock/HonkeyTonk) to feed through the electronic percussion meat grinder churning out new flavor. His career as an electronic artist has spanned decades working with KMFDM, Psychic TV, Chemlab, Revco, The Joy Thieves, and countless more. Working with illustrious company the PIG character remains distinctive in every project he crosses. This new album “Red Room” shifts the tone back to an oily glamorgrime full of hanging hooks and spicy rock licks. This is dance music at it’s core. Not high octane jump around the club music. This is sensual drunken master slithering through the masses music.

Red Room | PIG (bandcamp.com)

A true rogues gallery of guest talent for the ages graces this record Alexis Mincolla (3Teeth), Chris Hall (Stabbing Westward), and the PIG Choir: Chris Connelly (Revco, Ministry etc), Emily Kavanaugh (Night Club), I Ya Toyah, Marc Heal (Cubanate) and Burton C Bell (Fear Factory), En Esch, Susannah Doyle, Anita Kyoda, Mark Alan Griffiths, Mike Watts, Jimmy Livingstone, and more! It speaks to your capacity as a producer when you can pack this many top tier talents into one place and make everyone shine.

Previous interview from 2021

People pay more attention to a whisper than a shout. When I think of industrial music, I think angry, aggressive, pounding, revolutionary. PIG is industrial, but a whisper you lean in to hear a secret from. You aren’t assaulted with a barrage of words. It is a tantalizing siren song, drawing you down a dark alley. A forbidden promise you accept. Dark pacts of excess and submission are forged with dashing figures in fur coats.

Let’s dig into some of my favorite tracks:

Red Room: I always love when a title track comes near the top of an album and sets the tone for everything that follows. Wicked 90s glam guitar riff to set the scene. The chorus melody is an infectious chant “There’s a Red Room among the dead, to count those guilty words you said” something in this delivery put me in mind of 70s Alice Cooper. A beautiful dark pageantry wrapped in velvet curtains

Dum Dum Bullet: I recently did an interview I will publish soon where Raymond talked about firing an idea into someone’s head where it fragmented in every direction once inside the skull. The beat has a sultry strut and a bow whip guitar. The lilting xylophone lead is one of those perfectly placed accents. The chorus harmony lends reverence and charisma white breaking apart after impact. There is magic when the construction of a song becomes a metaphor for the core concept.

PIG is at The Window: Nothing sets my nether’s on fire like a slutty muted horn. This track really brings the character out of the smoke and solidifies it into a hungry entity you feel with all five senses. Sinister early 90s glam guitar. All the hairs on my arm are standing at attention for this filthy banger.

Red Room | PIG (bandcamp.com)

Overall: This is another great example that Raymond Watts is still growing. The story has more to tell. I am extremely excited to witness this show live, sweaty, and intimate on the tour with Curse Mackey and Unitcode:Machine. You should be too.

“Transversal” album review

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“Transversal” album art and ParaLuna Records logo

Upon hearing of Tess LaCoell’s (Violet Wanda) collaboration with DJ Marionette for the Trans charity album “Transversal”, I said I want to hear it as Tess made an intriguing argument that we all should.  After listening to the first 3 tracks, I told Tess that not only would I play the entire album in the Overtime section on my Birthday edition of my “New Music Fridays of the Modern DARKSCENE” show on June 28,  and that it would be ideal as I hadn’t done anything for PRIDE (even though I consider myself an ally).  Not only did I promise that, I foolishly also promised I would review the entire album even though I  previously only did one or two line reviews of singles I really liked.  

Now I rarely go into genres and sub-genres on my show as I askew pigeon-holing band into into static labels (“It’s A Trap”).  Instead I consider my shows “Genre Fluid”, a term I borrowed months ago from  Betty X’s exclusive T-shirt design.  Now that seems like a piece of kismet as Tess wrote in the Liner Notes of “Transversal” that Betty X has a saying, “Artists Helping Artists”. I just hope this DJ can do the same with this review.  Lofty goals but honestly I could play this entire album, soup to nuts, anytime.  Buy it on Bandcamp at: 

https://paralunarecords.bandcamp.com/album/transversal

Top tracks include, in track order, Dead Girl Dancing, Loneliness is A Poison, Panic, I’m A Raver, Countdown, A Trap, and Pre-Sentient (the Violent Wanda remix of the Valor 13 track).

1. Tears for the Dying – Dead Girl Dancing

Gorgeous synth starts this song and album off and sets the bar for this album before the beat kicks in to a danceable song of death coming for you, feeling disoriented, and realizing there’s nothing tethering you to the World anymore.  “See me, hear me, take my hand/Let′s go for a walk in the boneyard/

See me, hear me, take my hand/Let’s dance in the fog”.  Very deep.  Not about giving up on life but moving on and finding reason to dance anyway.

2. DJ Marionette – Splinter

A dark rhythmic danceable number that would keep me on the dancefloor when I was ready to stop.

3. Ghoststomper – AIRLOCKCONTAINMENT 

Plodding stomper that keeps you sane while your computer runs its end of day repots.

4. Dee Decay – Maijulie

A hard rhythmic mystical instrumental romp

5. Hyperestis – Loneliness Is A Poison

“Loneliness is a poison/delivered by a kiss/ remember if I get too close/always remember this…”  The grinding rhythm of this song starts and you think it’s a lovers’ lament after a breakup with their last argument echoing in their head and turns into a dark revenge fantasy.  

6. Zvrra – TTF (Time To Fight)

This is a whirling dirvish EBM instrumental.  Total fun.

7. Cameron Evesque Davis – Panic

Breathing through a panic attack.  Whether the panic or real or not this song could be the danceable mantra to shake yourself loose.

8. Jordana – I’m A Raver

I can’t tell you much about this drum and bass “raver,”  as it made me want to jump on the dancefloor leaving my phone and wheelchair behind.  Powerful stuff.

10. Violet Wanda – Countdown 

What can I say about Tess LaCoell’s contribution to this album except it’s the best instrumental on the album.

11. Jordana – A Trap

This track is the emotional and spiritual center of this album centering on being descriminated against for who you are and who you love.  Plus it helps that this has the beats that flows that makes one want to dance as you fight the powers that be and are the brick walls that would dare to snatch your own empowerment.

9. Valor 13 – Pre-Sentient

This electronic steps through an AI’s awakening into sentience initiated by Valor 13.

12. Valor 13 – Pre-Sentient (Violet Wanda remix)

A faster, danceable remix by Violet Wanda that shows our now Sentient hero, ready to fight for the validation of its own existence whether regardless if the sentience is just a veil for what this album is about.

Remember, pick up “Transversal” on Bandcamp at: 

https://paralunarecords.bandcamp.com/album/transversal