We saw Shadow Age in Richmond, Va. Shadow Age’s performance had the perfect ambiance for their melodic and haunting sound. With just the right amount of fog filled air, they were f*cking (not surprisingly) perfect. Aaron Tyree has such a smooth voice and their set was more of an experience rather than a performance because of their super tight musicianship. Typically, we stray to the harsher side of post-punk, yet Shadow Age was so captivating and real that there is no denying that they easily take out a lot of the post-punk bands emerging in the world right now.
Shadow Age live in Los Angeles at Part Time Punks.
Cemetery played at San la Muerte Fest in San Antonio, TX. As most of us know, Cemetery is one of the best modern deathrock bands in the U.S. Their live performance was amazing to say the very least. The Texas crowd was thirsty for Cemetery and immediately detonated once they started playing. Desmond and Sam kept their guitar sound solid despite all the action. This performance was especially near and dear for us because we got to experience Cemetery with both Tricia and Cameron from MMR. I think we are all still having withdrawals from Cemetery’s set that night and, well, from the entire fest in general.
Cemetery live at San La Muerte fest, San Antonio, Tx. Photo by Robert Flores “Sullen Serenade”
I can not agree more, Cemetery seriously blew my mind live. I had an out of body experience through their entire set. I just wanted them to play over and over again like for the rest of my life. Do not pass up a chance to see them live. They are incredibly fucking powerful, best band in US hands down! – Tricia //
Cemetery “Demo” LP limited screen printed cover
Survival – New York City, NY
Survival played at Latino Punk Fest in NYC during August. We played right before them at LPF’s Post-Punk After Party at around 3:30 am inside of Rudy’s Barbershop. The night had turned into a dance party as soon as the first note kicked in. Survival was refreshing and super killer. Jess P.’s vocals and moves were fresh AF. Survival’s beats and guitar sound were perfect for blazing and dancing in NYC. This was one of our favorite sets at LPF.
Wrung – New York City, NY
Watching Wrung reminded us of what some dark punk / post-punk bands try to do but don’t get quite right. They had well constructed songs and a sound that was catchy yet goth. We hadn’t heard Wrung before we watched them because they hadn’t recorded any material yet but that didn’t matter once they started playing because it was kind of cooler to just get to see them live first. Wrung represented NYC so well. They were gritty, quirky in a really dark way and Steven Raftis’ stage presence was truly intriguing. Wrung has recently recorded so we’re really anticipating hearing the final product. We hope to see more of Wrung in the future.
Muerte played the main stage at Latino Punk Fest in NYC. Muerte encompasses the raw dark punk sound that’s emerged from Mexico. The intensity of their live performance was just blistering and straight forward. Dark melodies and fast hardcore punk progressions, easily gave the crowd what they had anticipated. They are one of the biggest dark punk bands in Mexico and easily were one of the biggest highlights of LPF 2015.
I want to thank Nikole and Migas for taking the time to contribute their top performances for 2015. There is nothing better than seeing a live performance by a band, their enthusiasm, personality, and depth as musicians can really leave a lasting impact on people. So with that said, go to shows even if you are tired and it’s cold outside. It takes a lot of work and effort to play in bands, so lets all support each other. Our scene is what we make of it! Please go see Annex if you get a chance, their performance at San La Muerte Fest was one of the best, they brought such power and fury, they are just amazing! Also, please buy their releases. Labels can not maintain themselves if everyone is just downloading music, the physical format is everlasting and a true archive. Annex LP is still available through us and Imminent Destruction Records UK and Annex also has a new EP out on Occult Whispers ran by Dez of Cemetery. xoxo Tricia
