As you enter West Shefford on Friday evening, one thing immediately strikes you: the audience is divided into two very distinct groups. On one side, an older, predominantly male crowd. On the other, young adults in their twenties, mostly darkwave girls.
In front of this eclectic gathering, The Drin take to the stage, immediately attracting the older crowd, who raise their hands in rock. This post-punk band from Cincinnati, Ohio, imposes its presence with an unshakeable attitude. Not a smile, not a thank you, not the slightest exchange with the audience: it’s their stage, and fuck the rest. Coats, sunglasses and casualness intermingle in a raw, confident aesthetic.
But above all, the six band members are here to prove that they embody uncompromising garage/post-punk rock. Their sound, undeniably rock, plays on arrangements that cultivate an uncomfortable, almost freaky feeling. To accentuate this unsettling atmosphere, the saxophonist ventured out into the crowd, wearing glasses that completely obscured his pupils, adding an eerie touch to the performance.
After about 30 minutes on stage, the American band gives way to distraction4ever, a Montreal post-punk duo with darkwave influences. Popular with a young audience, it only takes a few seconds for them to unleash a wave of enthusiastic screams. The singer, Beau Geste, impresses with his stage presence and totally captivating facial expressions.
Performing several tracks from their latest album Business core, distraction4ever cultivate a sad boy aesthetic, tackling melancholy lyrics over electro music that paradoxically makes you want to let yourself go. The lyrics sound like a revolt against the torments of everyday life. During their hit City, Beau Geste dives into the crowd to take part in a wild mosh pit. Moments later, it’s Splitshift’s turn to continue this wild communion with the audience. The duo are generous, fuelling the raw energy of the evening.
Although each band offered a unique experience, West Shefford vibrated under a single watchword: anarchy.
