The queue for this evening’s entertainment at The Garage forms early and is distinctive by the participants’ collectively black and grey attire; but what is more noticeable is the varying ages of the people, and the parent/child combinations.
Speaking to superfan Jett and her dad, she explains that her parents’ record collection of The Cure, Killing Joke, Alien Sex Fiend and naturally, The March Violets, has been an inspiration and setting stone for her own musical taste and personal style.
Not unusual for creatures of the night, Alexandra has come to tonight’s gig alone because she collects records and is “into this genre—anything goth and Bauhaus.” Erin, who is from New Jersey, USA, and is moving here next year, loves “emo music like Sisters of Mercy.”
The March Violets, who met and formed their band at the University of Leeds in the 1980s, are still attracting a young fan base drawn to their dark, brooding sound, deep basslines, echoing guitars, and dual male/female vocals. The crowd is here to capture the essence of the early goth scene, to belong to their devoted following, and to be part of this darkly clad community.
Let’s go back in time – to when we were all crow babies'
Rosie Garland, the original and current lead singer, opens the set by calling out, “Let’s go back in time – to when we were all crow babies,” and announces that this is the start of their tour. The band kicks off with “Crow Baby,” followed by “the first song we ever wrote” – “Radiant Boys.”
It’s a mutual love affair.'
Make no mistake, The March Violets are a class act. They swiftly engage with the audience in a manner that’s both intimate and intense, making the night feel personal with the seductively sombre tone of their music. The energy in the room is palpable, especially during fan-favorite tracks, where the crowd’s enthusiasm is infectious, greeting each song like a long-lost, well-loved friend. Rosie reciprocates the warmth by telling the crowd they are “glorious” before launching into “Made Glorious.” It’s a mutual love affair.
The dual vocal interplay between Simon Denbigh and Rosie Garland is a standout feature"
For long-time fans (and there are many), this performance offers a delicious combination of a glimpse into a unique and influential moment in music history, along with the freshness brought by new material from their latest album, Crocodile Promises. The dual vocal interplay between Simon Denbigh and Rosie Garland is a standout feature, with their chemistry adding a unique texture to the performance.
To quote the band themselves, it was “magnificent… radiant… exceptional.”
Denbigh’s emphatic delivery contrasts with Rosie’s ethereal, haunting tones, creating a dynamic as captivating as ever, a push-and-pull tension that keeps the audience entranced. Instrumentally, the band remains a masterclass in precision, with the bass and drums locked into a relentless, driving rhythm that underpins the atmospheric, shimmering guitar work, adding layers of texture and mood. Bleak lyrical themes of loss and isolation blend seamlessly with hypnotic, danceable rhythms, creating a paradoxical soundscape where melancholy meets catharsis. The March Violets maintain an undeniable stage presence, blending theatricality and intensity with expressive performances that command attention, engaging the crowd in a communion of dark energy and shared emotion. It’s a set that feels both timeless and vital, proving the band’s enduring ability to mesmerize and connect with their audience on a primal level.
a delicious, tenebrous whirlwind"
Rosie didn’t lie—seeing The March Violets tonight at The Garage, a perfect backdrop for their gothic rock persona, feels like stepping back into the heady days of the 80s. Tonight, we take a juicy vampiric bite from the past and, yes, feel young again, swept up into a dark, twisted danse macabre—a delicious, tenebrous whirlwind that fuses sound, visuals, and atmosphere to create something beautifully haunting and captivating. To quote the band themselves, it was “magnificent… radiant… exceptional.”
The March Violets played The Garage on July 20th 2024
Support from Naut and Cold In Berlin