Few bands live up to their original greatness after 40 years. Hell, few bands last 40 years. One of these rare exceptions is The Cult, who’s been redefining alt rock since 1983… well, technically 1984 (if you want to split hairs), going under the moniker ‘Death Cult’ for the first year. Either way you want […]
Primavera Sound is starting the party early. The 24th edition of Barcelona’s flagship festival has unveiled a dazzling 150-artist bill for 2026, led by The Cure, Doja Cat, The xx (returning after nearly a decade), Gorillaz (with Damon Albarn steering new album, The Mountain), Massive Attack (performing their first-ever Primavera Sound appearance), pop lightning bolt […]
There’s one fest that always delivers — both on artists and authenticity. It’s a fest that welcomes all alternative music and lifestyles, whether that be in the goth, punk rock, darkwave, New Wave, synthwave, or good ‘ol nondenominational nonconformist categories. Presented by Goldenvoice, Cruel World just concluded its fifth year in Pasadena, California. And what […]
One of the most unique festivals out there is Cruel World Festival in Pasadena, California, bringing together the likes of darkwave, synthwave, New Wave, and all the waves in between for one incredible day of artistry and apathy at the Rose Bowl. One of the numerous outstanding artists on the bill for 2025 was She […]
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 […]
Goldenvoice is going gothic yet again, with another installment announced for what has come to be the annual mecca of the morose and misunderstood — Cruel World Festival. Now in its fourth year, Cruel World in Pasadena, California has welcomed post-punk and New Wave legends to the stage such as Iggy Pop, Siouxsie Sioux, Morrissey, […]
After almost 15 years, The Sisters of Mercy returned to Los Angeles in 2023, and this year, they surprised fans with another US tour. The Greek Theatre seemed like the perfect venue for such an atmospheric show. Being surrounded by nature while diving into another world is the exact definition of a mystical ritual. Before […]
What to say about Joy Division? What to say about New Order?? What to say about one night of both separated into two sets by one of the bands’ co-founding members?!?! Post punk icon Peter Hook does just that, now playing his darkwave hits alongside “The Light” — a detail I find so delightfully cheeky. […]
On August 21st, Squeeze and Boy George headlined at the Pacific Amphitheatre as part of the OC Fair Concert Series for 2024 — hosted by none other than renowned KROQ radio deejay, Richard Blade. It was great seeing Richard interacting with fans in the crowd and the interesting 80s music facts about the bands he […]
It was a chillier evening than you’d expect for June 10th in San Diego, as I stood shivering outside the Observatory Theater in North Park. Some would object to the chill, but I thought it only fitting for the ever-enticing Echo & The Bunnymen. You see, in my experience, Echo has always been mysterious. And […]
Goldenvoice presented the third annual Cruel World Fest once again in Pasadena, California on Saturday May 11th, 2024 — with more agreeable weather this time around! Despite slightly cooler temperatures (and no sign of lightning like last year, thank god), it still was hot enough for attendees to be seeking shade and lots of lemonade […]
It’s been nearly 20 years since I last saw The Kills live. I remember it was way back in April of 2005 when my friend Liz walked into the Sunglass Hut I was working at and exclaimed “you are coming to see an awesome band with me tonight!”. I didn’t know it then, but that […]
In November 2023, the inaugural Darker Waves Festival wowed New Wave fans with its impressively iconic 80s and darkwave headliners, such as New Order, Tears for Fears, She Wants Revenge, and Echo and the Bunnymen. This festival also featured a slew of great performances beyond the headliners, with many festival-goers finding new bands to love […]
The lyrical genius and mad beat slayer known as Atmosphere are back in action with new Talk Talk EP, a concept album released on December 1st. Being the time of year for reflection, might as well take a minute to audit the past 40. For those unaware of the breadth of talent this hip hop […]
Get ready for another black rose superbloom in Pasadena this May! It’s the royal return of Cruel World Festival to the Rose Bowl on May 11th, presented by Goldenvoice. In similar darkwave style, this third installment is chock full of apathetic bands spanning from the early days of post punk all the way to today. […]
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