Matte BLVCK

JRC Events Presents:
MATTE BLVCK

• Special guests: Snakes of Russia; So Much Blood
• 21+ event
• Doors 7:00 / Show 8:00
• Tickets on sale 5/27
• Metro Music Hall
• 615 West 100 South

Matte Blvck, a trio formed by Alex Gonzales, Daniel Corrales, and Bidi Cobra, is known for their unique blend of Darkwave and Industrial music. They recently released their second album, "Vows." The album's standout single, "BTTR," is a collaboration with Clan of Xymox, a pioneering band in the Darkwave and Post Punk genre. This partnership brings together elements of dark euphoria, evocative nostalgia, and immersive soundscapes, creating an intense and mesmerizing auditory experience.

The hauntingly beautiful duet between Ronny Moorings and Alex Gonzales introduces a dreamlike, serene quality that contrasts with the driving force of the EBM bass lines, pulsating mechanical drumbeats, and intricate cinematic arrangements. "BTTR" pays homage to the classic Darkwave sound while infusing it with a modern twist, capturing the genre's evolution over the past thirty years.

The infectious chorus hook "Make Me Better" draws its inspiration from Dependent Personality Disorder. The lyrics explore the experience of individuals who have an overwhelming need to be taken care of and depend on others for fulfillment and happiness. The line "Talk to me, as all I want is to feel" reflects the struggle of those who may inadvertently drain the vitality of others in their pursuit of contentment.

Ronny Moorings, the lead vocalist and longest-standing member of Clan of Xymox, has been integral to the band's journey. Clan of Xymox released albums through 4AD and later Polygram, and now release with Metropolis Records. Over the years, the band has experienced periods of both mainstream success and obscurity; there are rumors that John Peel coined the term "darkwave" during their "Peel Sessions" in the early 1980s.

Clan of Xymox made an early impact in the post-punk scene with tracks like "A Day" and later "Medusa." Under the name "Xymox," they achieved commercial success with songs such as "Imagination" and "Obsession" in the United States, alongside other tracks with a more new wave sound.

The genesis of "BTTR" dates back to 2019 when it was initially considered for inclusion on Matte Blvck's album "I'm Waving, Not Drowning." The song underwent extensive reworking. Initial production took place at Matte Blvck's studio in San Diego, followed by re-recording with live instruments at Secret Hand Studios in Los Angeles (owned by Jeff Friedl). The song was engineered by Matt McJunkins and mixed by Aaron Short, with long-term collaboration from Israel Medina.

Matte Blvck said, "We believed that this song needed to encapsulate the essence of our live performances. 'BTTR' has been our closing piece at concerts since our inception, always eliciting an enthusiastic response from the audience. We entrusted the production to Matt McJunkins, someone who truly understands live performance, and Aaron Short, who has the expertise to further develop our sound."

"Vows," Matte Blvck's second album, showcases the band's evolving musical direction with intricate production and melodic content. The album's nine tracks explore a diverse array of dark electronic genres, including breakbeats, industrial, darkwave, cinematic dark pop, alternative, electro, synth wave, and techno. "Vows" is available across digital and physical platforms.