Sacred Skin transported the crowd into a dreamscape where ’80s nostalgia met the energy of the present.
Organized by Worn Pop, the neon lights made it feel like stepping into a time capsule.
Rare DM kicked things off, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Originating from NYC, Rare DM (the project of singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erin Hoagg) was the perfect opener. With a collection of vintage analog synths and drum machines, she created a moody, hypnotic atmosphere.
The moment she started, she pulled everyone in. Her deep, magnetic voice carried an emotional weight, making each lyric hit harder.
By blending EBM, electroclash, and post-punk, she struck a balance between dark and danceable. When she played her viral track “Send Nudes,” the crowd was locked in, completely absorbed in the world she was creating.
Sacred Skin: New Wave Reimagined
Then came Sacred Skin—and from the second they took the stage, the energy shifted. The Los Angeles-based quartet—Brian Damert (vocals, guitar), Brian Smith Tarney (guitar, synth), Delano Duran (drums), and Vanessa Robinson (synth, bass)—didn’t just play their music. They embodied it.
Their sound is deeply rooted in New Wave and Post-Punk, yet they bring something fresh to it, blending dark, anthemic synth-pop elements that make you feel like you’re hearing the genre for the first time.
They opened with “Colder,” their breakout single from 2021, instantly wrapping the room in cinematic synths and shimmering guitars. With drum machines hitting hard, and vocals soaring, it was a perfect fusion of melancholy and euphoria. Tracks from their latest LP, Born in Fire (released September 13, 2024, on Artoffact), showcased their evolution—bigger, bolder, and even more anthemic.
If you’re into Depeche Mode, early The Cure, or the lush production of Duran Duran, Sacred Skin is right up your alley. However, they also bring a sharp modern edge that sets them apart.
What’s Next for Sacred Skin?
This concert marked the first EU tour for the LA new-wave act, dedicated to their latest album, Born in Fire. At the concert’s end, the band shared that another album is on the way later this year.
As the last notes faded, one thing was certain—this wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience, a journey through sound, memory, and emotion. It is a testament to music’s timeless power. Sacred Skin isn’t just bringing a sound back to life; they’re reshaping it, and fans are eager to see where they take it next.
Featured image by James Grossi (@james.grossiii)
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