An Evening of Live Goth/Industrial Music at Bottom Lounge (Chicago) with: Death Valley High – Night Club – Combichrist

An Evening of Live Goth/Industrial Music

Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL, USA,May 31, 2018

By: Jenafur Schlangen

It was a gorgeous day in Chicago on Thursday, May 31st, when I made my way to Bottom Lounge for a much anticipated live rock show consisting of Death Valley High, Night Club, and Combichrist. Although I had been to Bottom Lounge in the past, I was looking forward to seeing its new rooftop addition, as well as the amenities it offered. Yet, the fact that I was able to catch the aforementioned bands live (and loud) on this particular evening, was an absolute, 100% bonus! So, upon arriving, I grabbed myself a drink and happily settled in.

Death Valley High

Death Valley High was the first band to hit the stage and they did so with an explosive and thunderous presence.

Hailing from San Francisco, California, this four-piece band is clearly on a mission to drive their message of the dark alternative in a take-no-prisoners manner. This message became crystal clear within a matter of mere seconds. Their first song, “Sunshine Cleaners,” was a true testament to the emboldened and the empowered. Vocalist, Reyka Osburn, took command and enthusiastically greeted the fans, encouraging them to participate within the journey of this song, a message of what appears to be a myriad of personal regrets and moral dilemmas. Their sound was expectantly dark, complete with the trademark chunky, low-end guitar and bass settings, all intertwined perfectly with Reyka’s impressive vocal tone. I would definitely recommend giving this band a listen, or if you’re fortunate enough, catching them live at a venue near you.

As Death Valley High’s set ended and I felt as though I had taken in all this band had to offer, it was time for me to

mosey on up to the newly renovated rooftop! One word: SPEC-FUCKING-TACULAR! The bar area alone is a vast and wide-open space, complete with gorgeous hardwood flooring and the twinkle lights hanging above added an elegant and unexpected touch. Along the actual bar, there is plenty of seating and the bartender was friendly and eager to serve! It was when I set foot in the adjoining outdoor space, I was completely blown away by the extreme contrast between the gothic/dark live music downstairs and this bright and edgy rooftop. The seating consisted of tables and comfy sofas, all contained within the backdrop of Chicago’s downtown skyline. It was literally a breath of fresh air! Both food and drinks (as offered a floor below) are also available within the rooftop space. I definitely recommend a visit!

Night Club

Enjoying my final moments of daylight on Bottom Lounge’s rooftop, I could hear…no, feel the rumble of music

belowmy feet. That meant only one thing….the next band was beginning their set and there was no way in hell I was going to miss a minute of it. I made my way down the winding stairs and firmly planted my feet in front of the sound board in order to have full audial and visual capability for this buzzworthy duo, dubbed, Night Club. One word: WOW. From the first few beats, I instantly fell in love with this project. I call it a project because this ensemble is certainly not your typical goth/industrial band, yet they rocked just as loud and intense of any other live “band” I have ever witnessed in the past.

Night Club consists of only two members, yet those two members certainly have “that something” about them that sucks you right into their music.

Mark Brooks (electronics) and Emily Kavanaugh (vocals) are Night Club, currently residing in Los Angeles. Fortunately, I was able to catch both of them via telephone in the afternoon prior to their set. I asked them simply, “What can I expect tonight?” Their answer: “We are not who you think we are.” This was a perfect response, actually, because I had no idea what to expect, yet I had done a bit of research on them prior to our telephone call and, admittedly had made some quick assumptions based on that research alone. What I had imagined was an interesting mix of gothic connotes with an uncanny vocal resemblance to that of Brittney Spears. Yes, you read that correctly.

So, per Mark and Emily’s advice, I hurled my preconceived judgment out the fucking window and patiently awaited what was to appear before me later that evening at the Bottom Lounge when they took the stage. I am not kidding here when I say that I was 100%, completely, B-L-O-W-N – A-W-A-Y by these two. The amount of energy displayed by Kavanaugh was beyond contagious and, the eclectic and bass-driven electronic sound provided by Brooks was not only unique but infectious. There was head-banging, gyrating, and a bass drop that could be felt throughout your entire body. Instantly, I felt my face contort into an actual and genuine smile and my body could not remain still. DEFINITELY recommend.

Combichrist

Headlining the entire evening was the ever-popular industrial powerhouse, Combichrist, audio-detonating select

cities worldwide under the guise of their “Everybody Still Hates You Tour.” Combichrist is actually Andy LaPlegua who also fronts the music he has created along the way. He is the founding member and, similarly to most industrial rock bands, they remain tethered to a sole (or sometimes two) member(s), having a revolving door of musicians to play live on tours.

The band has dark roots to the likes of those you’d find in Europe, i.e. Rammstein, <PIG>, etc. Most European industrial bands have a polluted mechanical essence to their sound. It’s a bit grainy (in a good way) and, all in all, they certainly know how to entertain as well. It’s a win-win for the fans, indeed. So, it’s no surprise that LaPlegua, hailing from Norway himself, has placed Combichrist in the hands of German label Out of Line Records without disappointment.

Once the band took the stage, there was no mistaking that an earth-rattling performance was about to begin. And, in true Combichrist form, the band literally erupted into their first track, “All Pain is Gone” and the fans went into a complete frenzy. The entire Bottom Lounge was electric and I did not witness one unhappy face throughout.

Set List:

All Pain is Gone Bur Royale Can’t Control Electrohead Throat Full of Glass Scarred Fuck That Shit Exit Eternity Get Your Body Beat In the Pit Denial Sent to Destroy

Traveling the U.S. until June with the The “Everybody Still Hates You Tour,” Chicago was fortunate to have been one of their stopping points along the way. The Tour started in April and the U.S. dates will wrap up in June. Beginning in July, they will tour Europe until November.