Aesthetic Perfection brings industrial magic to Costa Mesa
It’s pretty rare for me to be into an opening band, even more so for me to be genuinely impressed by an opening band I’ve never heard of. And it’s damn near impossible for me to like an opening band so much that I immediately search for their next local headlining show and beg my editors to get me in. But Aesthetic Perfection was a band that did all three for me. Yes, I liked them that much. Now, that being said, if goth, industrial, and electronic music with intense visuals and stage presence isn’t your thing, let me try to convince you.
If you grew up on darkwave, Nine Inch Nails, or Marilyn Manson, you’ll find this both familiar and highly enjoyable.
Aesthetic Perfection is an American electronic music project founded by Daniel Graves. The band is known for blending elements of goth, industrial, darkwave, EBM (electronic body music), and synthpop, creating a distinct sound that’s aggressive yet melodic, and sometimes even playful. Over the years, Aesthetic Perfection has gained a devoted following in the alternative and goth scenes, largely due to their dark, edgy sound and visually striking live performances.
Lyrically, Aesthetic Perfection explores themes of introspection, emotional struggles, identity, and self-reflection. Graves uses metaphor to delve into complex themes, tapping into gothic concepts of love, loss, anger, and psychological conflict. The lyrics feel raw and personal, reflecting life’s journey and struggles.
The Wayfarer proved to be the perfect stage for frontman Graves and his current lineup to showcase what makes Aesthetic Perfection such a compelling live act. From the moment they launched into the opener “Gods & Gold,” the intensity was palpable. Graves never stopped moving and constantly engaged with the crowd. The intimacy of the venue amplified everything that makes their shows special – the raw energy, the audience connection, and the visual impact of their performance.
Graves is typically accompanied by live musicians, which changes from time to time. On this tour, guitarist Noizith and drummer Brooke C joined him onstage for a powerhouse performance. Noizith. What can I say about Noizith? She commanded attention before playing a single note, taking the stage in a striking ensemble merging goth and Kabuki-inspired makeup, multiple vivid hair braids, and a jumpsuit that perfectly matched the industrial vibe. Armed with a Schecter E1, she proved to be far more than just a visual presence, delivering powerful riffs that added extra muscle to the electronic-based songs. I was completely mesmerized by her performance, visually and musically.
Behind the kit, drummer Brooke C was phenomenal. Her double kick work provided a thunderous foundation, while her presence – hair flying as she attacked her kit – added a badass visual dynamic to the performance. The combination of programmed elements and live instrumentation felt seamless, creating a wall of sound that perfectly filled the venue.
Graves himself was a masterful showman, never letting the energy drop for a moment.
Between songs, he shared stories that felt genuine rather than rehearsed, including a particularly touching moment where he acknowledged this as a hometown show, having been born in the area. The emotion in his voice was real as he thanked the crowd for making the final night of their U.S. tour so special.
The setlist was carefully crafted to showcase both the band’s evolution and their consistency. “Antibody” hit like a sledgehammer, while “S E X” and “Into the Void” demonstrated the band’s ability to merge aggressive industrial elements with dark pop sensibilities. But the real surprise of the night for me (since I’d never heard the song before) came in the form of “Summer Goth” – a track that somehow blends tropical vibes with gothic industrial elements in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The crowd’s reaction, singing along to every word, confirmed I wasn’t alone in my appreciation.
Throughout the 16-song set, the band maintained an impressive level of energy and engagement. Graves worked the crowd like a veteran showman, alternating between intense performance and playful interaction – throwing his hands in the air, blowing kisses, and drawing the audience deeper into each song. The connection between band and audience was electric, creating moments of genuine emotion that seemed to catch even Graves off guard at times.
Other highlights included “Toxic” and “American Psycho,” but honestly, there wasn’t a weak moment in the set. Each song built upon the last, creating a cohesive experience that showed why Aesthetic Perfection has earned its reputation in the industrial scene. Typically, when I cover a show, I photograph the first three songs and then put the cameras down, but on this night, for this show, I couldn’t stop shooting. This band was so visually striking, and the visuals were just too damn good to pass up. Some of the shots you see in the gallery are among my favorite live photos I’ve ever taken.
What makes Aesthetic Perfection stand out is their ability to balance the theatrical elements of industrial music with genuine emotional content. Yes, there’s plenty of spectacle – the visual presentation alone is worth the price of admission – but beneath it all is music that connects on a visceral level. This wasn’t just a show; it was a reminder of why live music in intimate venues can be such a powerful experience.
As the final notes of “Love Like Lies” faded and the house lights came up, I was sweaty from the packed crowd and dancing, but I still wanted to hear a few more songs. Graves came out after the show, hung out at the merch booth, and took time to connect with fans. It was great to see that kind of interaction. In a scene that sometimes prioritizes style over substance, Aesthetic Perfection proved you can have both.
This show wasn’t just a concert – it was a testament to the enduring vitality of industrial and goth music and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
If you’re up for a new musical experience, or if you’re a veteran goth, go check out Aesthetic Perfection the next time they’re in town. And come say hi – I’ll be there.
The full set included:
- Gods & Gold
- S E X
- Rhythm + Control
- Antibody
- Never Enough
- Monochrome
- The Ones
- Summer Goth
- Toxic
- American Psycho
- Automation
- Inhuman
- The Dark Half
- Into the Void
- Spit it Out
- Love Like Lies
Photography by Shane Pase
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