As the night descended, so did the rhythms of the dark wave over Phoenix, with VnV Nation leading the descent at The Van Buren. For over three decades, VnV Nation, conceived by the visionary Ronan Harris, has been an unstoppable force in the realm of dancy goth music. Their performance, a kinetic spectacle, dove deep into the archives, reviving the pulsating anthems from their top albums, while the tracks from their recent ‘Electric Sun’ album affirmed their continued relevance in the evolving goth dance genre.
The evening didn’t start at full throttle, though. The audience was first treated to an ethereal experience provided by TRAITRS, a Toronto-based duo who have carved a niche with their uniquely melancholic sound that draws heavily from the well of gothic and post-punk traditions. Sean-Patrick Nolan and Shawn Tucker captivated the gathering with their haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, creating an air of anticipation for the headlining act.
What followed was an audial communion of sorts. VnV Nation took to the stage, and the contrast was electric. Where TRAITRS had provided a contemplative prelude, VnV Nation erupted into a high-energy recital of their dancy goth anthems. From the relentless tempo of “Control” to the resonating depths of “Nova,” Ronan Harris was a maestro, leading the audience on a dark, ecstatic journey through the peaks and troughs of human emotion.
Notably, the interplay between VnV Nation’s synth-driven, high-octane performance and TRAITRS’ darker, moodier set presented a full spectrum of what modern goth and post-punk music offer. It was a showcase of how divergent soundscapes can coalesce to create an evening of perfect musical ebbs and flows, each act bringing a distinct energy that somehow melded into a coherent, unforgettable experience.
Visually, the concert was a feast. The lighting played a significant role, casting the performers in a kaleidoscope of colors that mirrored the intensity of the music. As a photographer, capturing this interaction of light and shadow, movement and stillness, was an exhilarating challenge, highlighting the raw energy of live performances that fans of the genre crave.
In the end, VnV Nation, along with TRAITRS, orchestrated an evening that went beyond a concert. It was a shared experience, a collective ride through various soundscapes, emotions, and visual artistry. For the fans of dancy goth music in Phoenix, it was not just a night out; it was a moment of connection, a dark wave symphony to remember.
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