Darker Waves in Huntington Beach - Nov 18, 2023

The Cardigans

1 concert

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.

Blossoms

5 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

17 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.

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

2 concerts

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, formed by Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, known for hits like "Enola Gay," blend Stockhausen with ABBA. Their album, The Punishment of Luxury, reached top charts, receiving critical acclaim. Not resting on nostalgia, they continue to innovate with "Bauhaus Staircase," their most political work, showcasing their artistic evolution and devotion to musical integrity. Despite success, they maintain a commitment to authenticity over heritage status.

The English Beat

13 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.

Clan of Xymox

12 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

10 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."

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."

The Chameleons

23 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.

Glass Spells

6 concerts

Glass Spells, a synth-pop duo from San Diego, features Anthony Ramirez's instrumentation and Tania Costello's emotive vocals. Known for dreamy, retro-inspired sounds and infectious hooks.

Urban Heat

7 concerts

Austin's Urban Heat, led by Jonathan Horstmann, is known for fiery live shows and '80s-inspired darkwave anthems. They've wowed major festivals like SXSW, Cruel World, and ACL, with tracks like "Seven Safe Places." Their introspective lyrics and dynamic performances are captivating audiences globally.

Violent Femmes

13 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

1 concert

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.

45 Grave

1 concert

.45 Grave, a Los Angeles death rock band, helped launch American goth-rock with dark, eerie tunes. Known for their morose style, they influenced many before disbanding in 1991.

Drab Majesty

1 concert

Drab Majesty is the synth pop project of LA-based Andrew Clinco, aka Deb DeMure, known for its androgynous style and eerie themes. Initially a solo act influenced by '80s new wave and goth, it became a duo with Alex Nicolaou (Mona D) in 2015. Notable releases include concept album The Demonstration (2017) and Modern Mirror (2019). They’re known for captivating synth-driven soundscapes and collaborating with Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell.

The Human League

3 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.

Soft Cell

1 concert

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.