TVD Live Shots: Darker Waves Festival, 11/18

The Darker Waves Festival kicked off with a bang on November 18th under the radiant California sun at Huntington Beach, creating an electrifying experience for devotees of darker ’80s genres. This inaugural event magnetized an impressive crowd of nearly 50,000 fans from around the globe, making it, well, a global phenomenon! Over 30 bands ignited three stages, delivering performances that will continue to resonate in the hearts of attendees for years to come. It was an unforgettable spectacle that set the bar sky-high for future festivals here in Southern California and beyond.

The moment C3 Presents unveiled the Darker Waves Festival back in June, my excitement skyrocketed. The prospect of seeing iconic ’80s bands like New Order, Tears For Fears, and the B-52’s performing live on a stage in Huntington Beach was exhilarating. These bands were the soundtrack of my youth and the idea of witnessing them perform live, right here in my home turf, was thrilling. So, let’s dive deep into the magic that this extraordinary festival conjured.

The lineup for Saturday’s event was an impressive showcase of talent featuring legendary acts Tears For Fears and New Order as the headliners. Thirty-two performances, spread across three stunning stages—Darker, Waves, and Tiki—were every bit as entrancing as anticipated. A skillful mix of classic synth-pop hits with innovative post-punk tracks created a compelling ambiance that kept the crowd captivated during the entire 10-hour festival. In all, it was a well-choreographed lineup that meet and exceeded even the pickiest of festival goers in Surf City USA.

Since the event concluded, I’ve had many reach out inquiring about my thoughts on the standout performances from Saturday’s lineup. Having been fortunate enough to witness most of these acts live (some for the first time), I must admit, it’s a tough call. Each performance was unique and memorable in its own right—that’s the beauty of live music. However, here are my top three picks from the festival.

OMD: In my opinion, the most stellar performance at Darker Waves was delivered by none other than Andrew McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper, and Stuart Kershaw. Their 10-song set brimmed with hit after hit (including “Tesla Girls,” “Dreaming,” “Enola Gay”) and their unparalleled energy outshone every other act on Saturday. My sole complaint lies with the scheduling—assigning a 2:40 pm slot to a band of such caliber with over 45 years of consistent excellence under their belt, seemed almost unjust.

Devo: Currently marking their 50th Anniversary, Devo put on a show on Saturday that belied their years. They flawlessly performed classics like “Whip It,” “Mongoloid,” and “Gates of Steel” with founding members Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh along with Gerald Casale bringing the unique Devo touch to each and every note. With energy domes prominently on display, the audience at Darker Waves was treated to a vibrant demonstration of De-Evolution unfolding live before their very eyes.

New Order: Over the past forty years, few bands have influenced the dance music scene as deeply as New Order. Original members Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert gave a stellar headline performance that highlighted why this band has carved a special space in fans’ hearts around the globe. Noteworthy performances included their hit songs such as “Bizarre Love Triangle” and “Blue Monday,” along with their rendition Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”

Darker Waves charm was significantly amplified by its location, with the Huntington Beach Pier and ocean creating a scenic backdrop to the deep, throbbing beats from the various stages spread along the beach. The “Darker” and “Waves” stage arrangements were striking, boasting top-notch sound systems that ensured even those at the back of the crowd could relish the music. The lighting and visuals were equally praiseworthy, intensifying the overall atmosphere of the event. Kudos to C3 Presents for the seamless organization of the festival, characterized by short intervals between sets, effective security procedures, and a wide variety of food and drink options to keep attendees satiated throughout.

Overall, the Darker Waves Festival delivered an indelible experience, setting itself apart with a remarkable ’80s lineup, seamless organization, and an unparalleled ambiance, making it a bucket-list event for enthusiasts of darker music genres. Unlike typical music festivals, Darker Waves carved out its own niche by emphasizing darker music styles and exuding a distinctive Goth vibe, which was on full display. Its debut event showed immense potential, and it will be fascinating to watch its growth and evolution in the subsequent years.

45 GRAVE