I’m looking down the barrel of an apocalyptic cliché and I know there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
In these challenging times, small indications that the world is reverting to a new kind of normal are comforting.
One such small indication is multi-band live shows at live venues popping up once again, like this one at the Rickshaw Theatre going down next weekend.
2 weeks until we play our first real show in 2 years?! See you on the 27th Vancouver 🖤 TIX: https://t.co/q5alQxRAdM
— ACTORS (@ACTORStheband) November 14, 2021
ACTORS are taking the stage at the Rickshaw on November 27, their first show since the COVID-19 pandemic made live performance impossible. ACTORS are from Vancouver, and their sound takes me right back to pre-pandemic goth night at my favourite bar back home.
This post-punk, new-wave, goth-pop quartet released their latest album Acts of Worship last month, and it is everything you need in a post-punk LP. It’s a modern, non-gimmicky love letter to goth pop. I saw the sound characterized on their website as “neon-lit black leather”, and that’s exactly what it is.
And the opening acts for ACTORS are just as unique.
We have Bootblacks from Brooklyn, bringing their new-wave influenced sound. The stuff I heard evokes pushing the door of an underground club open. You might have needed a password, or to know a guy who knows a guy.
Also joining ACTORS is Artoffact labelmate Devours. Devours is a Vancouver-based, pseudo-goth electronic project, with derisive lyrics laid over dynamic synth.
The final act joining this post-punk ensemble cast is The Gathering. This group has an interesting story. Formed in 1985 right here in Vancouver, they took their inspiration from the likes of The Cure before disbanding in 1988. But, seeing the success of the post-punk and new-wave movement gripping the scene a few years ago, The Gathering reformed and will release a new album in January!
Doubtlessly, this will be an incredible show with lots of tunes to make you dance. So don that black leather and make it glow in the neon lights, why don’t you?
You can grab your tickets to that one, plus access tonnes of other information about all the bands performing here.
I’m happy to report that I nearly made it through an entire week of writing articles without making direct reference to ‘these challenging times’.
Nearly.