A gothic night in Nashville with Molchat Doma

This past Monday, Nashville’s premier music venue, the Brooklyn Bowl, hosted an amazing night of darkwave and synth-driven goth rock. The dreary, rain-soaked evening set the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable performance by Belarus-based darkwave band Molchat Doma, supported by the high-energy Los Angeles post-punk outfit Sextile. With an eager crowd filling the venue from front to back, the night was an attestation to the growing influence of these two standout bands in the alternative music scene.

The evening kicked off with Sextile, a dynamic three-piece known for their brand of synth-heavy post-punk.

As they took the stage, waving a massive Sextile flag, their presence was immediately commanding. The band alternated between two lead vocalists, with frontman Brady Keehn setting the tone before handing the mic to Melissa Scaduto. This dual frontperson approach brought an engaging variety to their set, enhanced by the undeniable chemistry between the members. Sextile’s uptempo performance had the entire audience moving; their infectious rhythms fueled by the remarkable stand-up drumming of Lia Braswell. Their ability to maintain relentless energy throughout their set was nothing short of impressive. For those unfamiliar with the band, their 2023 album Push is a must-listen and their live show proves that they are destined for significant success.

As the anticipation in the room reached its peak, Molchat Doma took the stage, captivating the audience from the very first moment. The Belarusian band has experienced a meteoric rise in recent years, going from underground obscurity in their home country to selling out 1,200-capacity venues in Nashville, which — for anyone who lives here knows — is a remarkable feat, especially considering they sing entirely in Russian.

Their ability to transcend language barriers speaks volumes about the power of their music and overall live aesthetic.

Frontman Egor Shkutko owns the stage with his enigmatic presence, as his deep, haunting vocals resonate throughout the venue. At times, his fluid movements evoked memories of Christopher Walken’s performance in Fatboy Slim’s iconic “Weapon of Choice” music video, adding an unexpected theatrical element to the show. Molchat Doma’s signature style of brooding synth melodies and pulsating basslines created an immersive experience, one that felt like stepping into a gothic, neon-lit dreamscape. Their music, to me, can only be described as ‘vampire dance music’… and that characterization felt especially fitting as the crowd moved in unison to the hypnotic beats.

The setlist was carefully curated, featuring fan-favorite tracks that kept the energy high from start to finish. Each song seemed to deepen the connection between the band and the audience, creating an atmosphere of shared catharsis. Even though I couldn’t tell you one name of any of their songs, I just knew them all by sound. By the end of their performance, the crowd was chanting for an encore, reluctant to let the night come to a close.

In a year already filled with impressive live performances, this show stands out as a highlight for me.

The synergy between Sextile and Molchat Doma made for an evening that was both exhilarating and unforgettable. It’s rare to witness a concert where every element — venue, crowd, and performance — aligns so perfectly. If this is any indication of what’s to come in 2025, it’s safe to say that live music is in an incredibly exciting uptick.

Photography by Derek Jones

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