On a rare and atmospheric night, Vancouver’s Cobalt hosted the long-awaited return of The March Violets, playing their first show in the city since 1987, supported by none other than Die So Fluid. Together, these two acts crafted an evening that was dark, intense, and truly unforgettable, with Die So Fluid delivering a set that left the crowd yearning for more.
Die So Fluid:
Die So Fluid took the stage with a blend of raw power and dark allure, and from the first notes, it was clear they weren’t here just to warm up the crowd—they were here to captivate. With an exciting lineup change, Die So Fluid’s set was bolstered by guitarist Ralf Dietel and drummer Niki Skistimas, the powerhouse duo from KrashKarma. This infusion of energy and talent brought a fresh, visceral quality to their already dynamic sound, pushing the performance to new heights.
Frontwoman Grog was a force of nature, seamlessly commanding the stage with her haunting vocals and charismatic presence. Her connection with the audience was palpable; she gave each song her all, making it feel as though every note and lyric was crafted for that very moment. With Dietel’s razor-sharp riffs adding a fierce edge and Skistimas’ relentless drumming providing an earth-shaking beat, the chemistry on stage was electric. The trio’s synchronicity was so tight that it felt as though they’d been performing together for years.
Their performance of “Skin Hunger” became a standout moment, weaving a hypnotic spell over the audience with its slow, steady build and aching intensity. The room was transfixed by Grog’s voice, which balanced vulnerability and strength, drawing you in and keeping you hanging on every word. Each song showcased a different facet of Die So Fluid’s depth, blending dark grunge and goth rock in a way that felt both modern and timeless.
As their set drew to a close, the crowd’s excitement was tangible; the energy in the room felt like it was ready to overflow. You could feel that collective yearning for more, as if the audience could have happily stayed for another hour of Die So Fluid’s captivating performance. It was the kind of set that didn’t just open the night—it set a new standard for it. There was a sense of lingering magic as they left the stage, a feeling that this was a performance fans would be talking about long after the show was over.
The March Violets:
Following Die So Fluid’s set was no small task, but The March Violets returned to Vancouver after nearly four decades with a performance that brought every ounce of nostalgia and artistry that fans had been hoping for. Vocalists Simon Denbigh and Rosie Garland took the crowd on a journey back to the band’s roots in the ’80s gothic scene, delivering songs like “Snake Dance” and “Walk into the Sun” with a presence that was haunting and magnetic. Simon’s enigmatic vocals, layered with Rosie’s mesmerizing charisma, transported the crowd to a world where shadow and light coexist in perfect harmony.
The band’s set was more than just music; it was a shared experience that tapped into a deep well of memories and emotions for the fans who had waited decades to see them live. The atmosphere in the room was electric, as the band’s signature mix of driving basslines, ethereal vocals, and poetic lyrics cast a spell that felt almost reverent. Between songs, Simon and Rosie exchanged knowing glances with the audience, creating a sense of connection that transcended the usual performer-fan dynamic. It was as though each song was a bridge, linking past to present and uniting all who had followed The March Violets through their journey.
A Night to Remember:
From Die So Fluid’s captivating, powerhouse performance to The March Violets’ gothic tour de force, the night at The Cobalt was nothing short of mesmerizing. Each band brought their own unique style and energy, leaving fans with a shared memory of an evening that transcended the typical concert experience. Walking out into the chilly night, you couldn’t help but feel like you’d just been part of something rare and special—an unforgettable celebration of gothic rock’s enduring power.
Coming soon – our interview with the amazing Grog
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