Dear darklings,
2023 might have been a disappointing year so far when it came to the live dark alternative scene but the weeks ahead look a bit more optimistic. We will not go into the details of why promoters have been reluctant to organise gigs and why big venues remained shut throughout this year, as everyone can probably make correct assumptions about the reasons behind this situation.
We are ecstatic that the next two months look great with some all-time favourite musicians resuming their tour schedules that include a stop in London and that most ticket costs are being kept at reasonable levels.
First things first, at the end of August, we will finally be enjoying industrial/experimental music explorers SWANS at TROXY. Following the release of their latest album ‘The Beggar‘ in June, harking back to the band’s first releases and the stripped back, slow songs that we loved, SWANS are visiting London for a gig that promises to take us on a spiritual journey like only Michael Gira knows how to guide. The band’s newest line-up is one we have not yet enjoyed live and we cannot wait to see their combined energies on stage.
September will begin and end with incredible gigs by well established and loved bands. Goth’s godmother 
Siouxsie Sioux, will perform in London for the first time in 10 years in two sold-out shows at TROXY. With audiences around the world buying tickets and selling out shows in a matter of minutes, these live shows will be the highlight of 2023.
We have been delighted that Blind Delon, a new band whose fantastic post-punk music we have been supporting since their beginning, will be performing live in London for the first time on September 14.
Ending the month with a bang, Mercury Prize winner, multifarious artist PJ Harvey MBE, will present her newest album ‘I Inside the Old Year Dying‘, in two
sold out gigs at the Roundhouse. This poetic album, has a minimalist approach to sound and is less political compared to ‘The Hope Six Demolition Project’ and ‘Let England Shake’, marking a focus on abstract concepts rather than the extremely ugly reality that surrounds us. Also at the end of September, we can welcome The Blue Aeroplanes back to London’s Electric Ballroom for the first time since their 2017 gig in the city. Following the release of their politically charged album ‘Culture Gun‘, the band has not lost anything from the fierceness of their first albums. Always socially perceptible with added punk and psych rock happiness, the band’s latest album is a sonic feast, promising to bring any venue to life.
October’s highlight is the 30th anniversary gig of CRANES‘ ‘Forever’ album with the band’s original line-up. CRANES, an all-time favourite 
band of ours, have formed in Portsmouth in 1985 and took their name from the mechanical cranes around the city’s docks. Their captivating dream pop, ethereal music has inspired many bands since but for us, can only be compared with the early Dead Can Dance albums. CRANES have not performed in London since 2009 so this is a very special opportunity to listen to this album at its entirety 30 years after its release!
We will try our best to attend most of these gigs and bring you more news about them but overall, I think these gigs are a great introduction to Autumn, and great news for the dark alternative music scene.
Blaue Rosen 