Death In June – at The Vex – Los Angeles, CA

To the liking of goths all over Southern California, Death In June stopped at The Vex in Los Angeles as the start of their Death to the West tour. The line to enter the venue stretched around the block with an array of people ranging from goths, folk enthusiasts, and even Punk rockers.

 

Solo artist, Amigo The Devil, was the supporting act and opened the show with a murder anthem folk set, yet he was unable to captivate the crowd of Death In June enthusiasts. Amigo didn't seem to fit the bill well. His sound was pretty good and his songs were original with dark under tones; however, he is an act some would expect to see opening for bands such as Andrew Jackson Jihad or Frank Turner. He did have a fairly good sized group of followers that crowded around the stage who sang along to his songs, proving he has a solid local following. Perhaps something more esoteric or bloody would have fit the bill properly.

During intermission, the two lines set for merch were longer than the beer lines. Considering DIJ is not a band that tours regularly, concert goers were eager to get their hands on T-Shirts, vinyl, and other keepsakes. Original DIJ member, Douglas P, lit incense and set the tone for the performance that would be under way. The crowd grew increasingly larger and anxious as the minutes led up to Death In June.

Death In June consisted of guitarist/vocalist and original member Douglas Pearce, who was accompanied by a percussionist who supplied drum beats, which replaced the original synth beats that could be heard from their early post industrial records. The duo made their way on stage sporting their trademark masks and camouflage attire. The set was primarily acoustic in instrumentation, with notable highlights performed, such as "Ku, Ku, Ku" and "Little Black Angel" from their 1992 release "But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter?" 



There was something nostalgically missing from the encore, "Heaven Street Mk II"--the original line up. Indeed, within the last two decades, Death In June has been solely Douglas Pearce, and with him his acoustic guitar. To fuse electric instruments within a set would be worthwhile and exceed the masses expectations. Death In June continue to fulfill poignant and somber melodies and renditions, yet something unexpected such as a synth board could bring more people to the "black" mass next time around.


 

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-J.Juarez-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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