The music world has definitely stepped up its game in 2022, and there is no more proof needed than the second coming of The Jesus and Mary Chain!
The alternative rock icons are back and in big way. The band is currently playing a few dates in the UK before they journey across the pond for a small North American tour.
For the locals, they will be headlining the fifth incarnation of Substance! The two-day immersive alternative post punk style music party you don’t want to miss is taking over the majestic Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles starting October 21st. Restless Presents recently divulged their impressive lineup for Substance 2022 with quintessential Scottish punk band The Jesus and Mary Chain (JMC) leading the pack.
Los Angeles Theatre
October 21 & 22, 2022
While JMC may be a tad more laid back these days, lacking their overly frenzied energetic versions of themselves from the ‘80s (and who can blame them-aren’t we all), they still rock a crowd and their trademark sound is as beautiful, loud and precise as ever.
Brothers Jim and William Reid formed The Jesus and Mary Chain in East Kilbride in 1983. Originally called The Poppy Seeds, and later Death of Joey, the band split in 1999 due to – you guessed it – tensions between the brothers. The guys reunited and been hitting it hard since 2007 with the current lineup of Jim Reid (lead vocals), William Reid (guitar), Mark Crozer (bass), Scott Von Ryper (guitar), and Justin Welch (drums). In 2017, the band released their seventh studio album, “Damage and Joy,” after a 19-year stint, and all the songs are written by the brothers.
Longtime fans will remember the chaos at their earlier concerts; from their “Psychocandy” album with the hit song “Upside Down” and “Just Like Honey.” But it was the “Darklands” album that gave way to JMC’s signature sound, which is just as powerful today as it was in the ‘80s.
JMC still plays the best tracks from this album and others at their concerts and fans can experience the melodic and powerful sounds they grew up by listening to in “Happy When it Rains,” “April Skies,” “Reverence,” and off “Automatic” … their monster hit, “Head On.”
You don’t want to miss your chance at seeing William Reid, with his unmistakable hairstyle, shredding on the guitar while Jim belts out the vocals. You should expect to hear some B-sides and lesser-known songs from their albums when you attend Substance 2022.
JMC’s fanbase has expanded from their beginnings and they have attracted younger audiences, likely attributed to their live performances of their “Darklands” album which demonstrates their overall sound, command of the stage, and energy.
Friday’s lineup also includes Linea Aspera, a London-formed duo who are influenced by 1980 electronic bands; Kælan Mikla, a band more on the dark and dreary side of the music, but will leave you in a state of ecstasy; The Chameleons, a band known for their guitar-based sound and an impressive cult following; Light Asylum, a music duo with an electronic vibe; Stephen Mallinder (DJ), a musician and jack-of-all-trades; Parade Ground, a band of brothers much like The Jesus and Mary Chain, but with more of a synthesizer-dance sound these days; Placebo Effect, a German dark electro band; as well as Qual, known for the post-industrial EBM; and Kontravoid.
Other performances will be given by Puerta Negra, Kris Baha, Adam Miller & Inner Magic, Patriarchy, Touching Ice, Confines, Secret Attraction, Glaare, Street Fever, Pixel Grip, Model/Actriz, Kumo 99, Kanga (DJ), and MVTANT.
As this event is indoors, there are limited tickets available and they are going to go fast. Grab your general admission two-day pass, or better yet, get the VIP pass and snag yourself the epic Substance 2022 T-shirt, tote bag, and two premium drink tickets each day, all with a private, elevated viewing area, bar, and priority event entry!
