March 4, 2024, saw a convergence of raw energy and experimental sound in the eclectic halls of Mesa, Arizona’s Nile Theatre. The sonic architects of Health, a band that consistently pushes the limits of noise, industrial, and electronic music, were welcomed to the venue, which is renowned for presenting some of the most cutting-edge artists in the music business.
Health‘s show was a dynamic interplay of calm and intensity, captivating the audience with their distinctive sound that alternates between moments of raw aggression and calm. They played songs from their most recent project, “Rat Wars,” as well as favorites from their self-titled album and “Slaves of Fear.” With their varied repertoire, the group—known for their skillful fusion of industrial, electronic, and noise music—showcased their ability to capture the nuances of contemporary discord and emotion.
Given the band’s history of working together on songs like “Anti-Life,” suspicion about a potential onstage collaboration was stoked by the appearance of Chino Moreno of Crosses and Deftones, who was spotted side stage. However, the collaboration never happened. There was spectulation that it was because of Crosses’s gig the next evening. Still, Health’s performance was strong and captivating, exhibiting their special ability to combine violent noises with quiet passages.
Pixel Grip, an act that has made a name for itself in the electronic body music and synth-pop genres and stands out for their unique approach and celebration of LGBTQ spaces, opened for Health. Their act was a visual treat in addition to an audible one. Their electrifying performance was enhanced by a layer of cheeky banter as the lead singer’s regular stage partner, a gimp, was amusingly noticed to have been ‘lost’ in the audience prior to the show. A captivating fusion of loudness and rhythm, Pixel Grip’s concert expertly set the mood for the main act.
King Yosef and Vidrio Echo both gave captivating performances during the event, each adding their own sound to the mix. A varied and stimulating prelude to the main event was offered by Vidrio Echo’s fascinating melancholic sounds and King Yosef’s raw, emotion-driven music. Even though their sets were short, they had an effect and demonstrated the richness and diversity of today’s underground music scene.
