There are few longstanding duos who have cultivated music, aesthetic, and atmosphere as skillfully as She Wants Revenge. For the past two decades, the California-based band has built an entire world around their work, weaving tales of obsession, desire, and heartbreak. This past Sunday, they welcomed audiences at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC into that world that continues to blur the lines between post-punk, darkwave, and gothic rock.
From the moment the doors opened, the venue was transformed into a haunting gathering perfectly reflective of the mood of the band. Thick clouds of fog blanketed the crowd, filling the room to the point where you could feel the heaviness of the air settle in your lungs. Subdued lighting cast a red glow over the crowd, which was as diverse as it was fashionable. Concertgoers came prepared with looks that could kill — gothic makeup, alternative outfits, and even hats reminiscent of the cover of She Wants Revenge’s self-titled album.
One of the most striking parts of the evening to me was the degree of audience participation. For a generationally mixed crowd, fans sang and danced along from the first note to the last. Additionally, the sense of inclusivity through the venue was notable. The 9:30 Club’s accessible area was bustling with energy as well, set up with plenty of room so that everyone could enjoy the show. Oftentimes venues will push the accessible section off to the back of the room or far enough to the side that the stage is obscured. However, the 9:30 Club ensured that everyone could be included. In a scene often defined by its sense of community, seeing that family-like enthusiasm extend through all parts of the event was really special.
She Wants Revenge took the stage with a presence just as mysterious and powerful as their songs. They approached the stage with an undeniable confidence. Their setlist consisted of a selection of music from across their discography, primarily pulling from their self-titled album, This is Forever, and Up and Down, but their cover of Massive Attack’s “Angel” stuck out to me. In my opinion, this song was the perfect cover for She Wants Revenge to perform, with trip-hop instrumentals and smoky vocals.
Twenty years after introducing themselves to the world, She Wants Revenge continues to haunt a distinctive space within the alternative music scene. Their sound draws from a variety of genres and their appeal has never been limited to a particular generation. There is something especially timeless about their music and presence alike. Rather than just performing their songs, She Wants Revenge brought their world to life for audiences to step into for an evening making the darkness feel like home.
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