Darker Waves in Huntington Beach - Nov 18, 2023

The Cardigans

2 concerts

The Cardigans, formed in Jonkoping, Sweden in 1992, are known for their blend of sugary pop and clever arrangements. Their album "Life" and hit "Lovefool" brought international success. Originally metal fans, the band later shifted towards pop, with vocalist Nina Persson at the forefront. They achieved platinum status in Japan with "First Band on the Moon." The group went on hiatus post-1998 but reunited for live shows in the 2010s. Collaborations included Max Martin-produced artists like One Direction and Ariana Grande.

Clan of Xymox

13 concerts

Clan of Xymox, a Dutch band from Nijmegen, formed in 1981 by Ronny Moorings, is known for their darkwave, gothic rock, and synth-pop sound. Their debut EP "Subsequent Pleasures" gained attention, leading to their hit song "A Day" on their 1985 self-titled album. With atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics, they've influenced many in the gothic scene. Despite lineup changes, they've maintained a global fan base, staying influential in the genre.

The B-52's

3 concerts

The B-52s, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976, are known for quirky, dance-friendly new wave music. Hits include "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster." They mixed surf, '60s pop, and sci-fi styles with a queer sensibility. Collaborating with Nile Rodgers and Don Was, their album "Cosmic Thing" sold over 4 million copies. Respected in alternative pop, they tour regularly, celebrating milestones like the 30th anniversary of "Cosmic Thing."

Christian Death

3 concerts

Christian Death, founded by Rozz Williams in L.A., 1979, pioneered American goth rock with provocative themes. Known for "Only Theatre of Pain," "Catastrophe Ballet," and shocking visuals, they split into factions led by Williams and Valor Kand. They influenced goth, metal, and industrial scenes, collaborating with Superheroines' Eva O. and Rikk Agnew. Despite inner conflicts and criticism, their style blended goth, punk, and heavy metal, securing their legacy.

Soft Cell

25 concerts

Soft Cell, an English synth-pop duo formed in the late '70s, gained fame with their hit "Tainted Love." Marc Almond and Dave Ball, initially art students, pioneered the new wave style, reaching chart success with albums like "Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret." They scored several UK hits and collaborated with acts like The The and Gene Pitney. Despite disbanding in the mid-'80s, they reunited in the 2000s, producing albums like "Cruelty Without Beauty" and the 2022 release "Happiness Not Included," showcasing their enduring impact on electronic music.

Blossoms

14 concerts

Blossoms, a Stockport quintet, combines Brit-pop and indie rock with catchy synth-forward tunes. Known for "Charlemagne" and "Foolish Loving Spaces," they topped U.K. charts and sold out venues. The band collaborated with Rick Astley in 2023.

DEVO

22 concerts

Devo, formed in Akron, Ohio, is an influential new wave band known for their satire and unique style. They gained fame with the hit "Whip It" and its iconic MTV video. Known for their robotic rhythms and bold visuals, they collaborated with Brian Eno and influenced many artists. Despite fading in the '80s, they remained iconic, releasing soundtracks, engaging in reunions, and celebrating a storied career with the anthology "50 Years of De-Evolution." They worked with Disney on youngsters’ band DEV2.0 and have continually shaped pop culture through innovation.

The English Beat

19 concerts

The Beat, from Birmingham, England, burst onto the scene in 1979 with their infectious blend of soul, reggae, pop, and punk. A key band in the British Two Tone Ska movement, they promoted love and unity through danceable rhythms. Frontman Dave Wakeling keeps their legacy alive, touring globally with The English Beat and performing hits from The Beat and General Public.

T.S.O.L.

2 concerts

T.S.O.L., formed in 1978 in Huntington Beach, CA, is known for blending punk and goth styles. Popular for "Nothing for You," they influenced bands like the Misfits. Faced lineup changes and genre shifts, collaborating with the Dead Kennedys and touring with bands like Guns N' Roses. Iconic in L.A.'s punk scene, their legacy includes a feature in "Suburbia" and a resurgence with 2009's "Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Free Downloads."

She Wants Revenge

2 concerts

LA DJs Justin Warfield & Adam Bravin formed She Wants Revenge in 2004, inspired by Joy Division. Known for hits like "Tear You Apart", the band has toured with Depeche Mode and released albums like Valleyheart.

The Chameleons

27 concerts

The Chameleons, a Manchester-based atmospheric pop band formed in 1981, are known for moody tracks like "In Shreds." They released albums such as "Script of the Bridge" and "Strange Times," collaborating with producer Steve Lillywhite. Despite splitting after their manager's death, they reunited in 2000, releasing new music and performing widely, continuing their influence on the post-punk genre over decades.

Urban Heat

4 concerts

Urban Heat, formed in 2019, blends 80s dark styles with modern touches. Known for vibrant live shows and hits like “Have You Ever”. Winners of Austin’s "Best Band", featured at Cruel World and SXSW.

Violent Femmes

2 concerts

The Violent Femmes, formed in early '80s Milwaukee by Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie, and Victor DeLorenzo, are pioneers of alternative rock known for their jittery, catchy tunes. Discovered by Pretenders' James Honeyman-Scott, their 1983 debut album, featuring hits like "Blister in the Sun," found cult status. They evolved with albums like 1991's "Why Do Birds Sing?" and collaborated with icons like Tom Verlaine. Despite lineup changes and hiatuses, their influence endures, marked by a 2023 deluxe reissue of their debut.

Echo & the Bunnymen

4 concerts

Echo & the Bunnymen, formed in Liverpool, meld dark post-punk with psy-rock. Fronted by Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant, they gained fame with hits like "The Killing Moon" and "Lips Like Sugar." With albums like *Ocean Rain* and *Meteorites*, they've charted in the UK and US. Despite drummer Pete de Freitas' death, McCulloch and Sergeant's bond endured. Known for cinematic soundscapes, they've collaborated with producer Youth and earned critical acclaim for their moody, introspective style.

Drab Majesty

3 concerts

Drab Majesty, led by Andrew Clinco as Deb DeMure from LA, blends goth, synth-pop, and new wave. Known for albums like 'The Demonstration' and 'Modern Mirror,' and collaborating with Rachel Goswell.

The Human League

15 concerts

The Human League, formed in Sheffield, England in 1977, became synth-pop pioneers with hits like "Don't You Want Me" and "Human." Known for infectious melodies and electronic rhythms, they collaborated with producers like Giorgio Moroder and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Their influential style left a lasting imprint on synth-pop and electronic music.

New Order

2 concerts

Rising from Joy Division's legacy, New Order blends post-punk with New York club sounds. Known for "Blue Monday," they've collaborated with Iggy Pop and Brandon Flowers. Performing at Glastonbury and Coachella, their albums include "Power, Corruption & Lies" and "Music Complete."