On October 1, 2024, Aesthetic Perfection delivered a spellbinding performance at Pier 17, captivating an enthusiastic crowd that was eager to experience the unique blend of industrial pop and dark electronic that the band is known for. The venue, with its stunning views of the New York City skyline, set the perfect backdrop for a night filled with pulsating beats, infectious energy, and compelling visuals.

Aesthetic Perfection, founded by Austrian-American producer Daniel Graves, is an innovative industrial pop project that has made significant waves in the music scene since its inception. The band, which currently also includes guitarist and keyboardist Noizith and drummer Brooke Colucci, combines elements of industrial, goth, and pop-rock to create a distinctive sound that has enchanted audiences audiences worldwide. With over 23 years of experience and seven full-length albums to their name, Aesthetic Perfection has continually defined dark electro and pushed the boundaries of the genre.

Graves’ musical journey began in the early 2000s, when he sought to explore the intersections of pop music and industrial sounds. The band’s breakthrough came with their unique approach to songwriting, incorporating 90s nostalgia and contemporary themes. Their upcoming EP, The Bad Vibes, set to release on October 11, 2024, showcases this evolution. Featuring three tracks filled with visceral energy and sharp pop sensibilities, the EP reflects on cultural moments like the Satanic Panic while commenting on modern societal issues.

Mixed by renowned producer Sean Beavan, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson, The Bad Vibes EP features collaborations with acclaimed musicians like guitarist Sebastian Svalland and drummer Mike Schopf, merging the past and future of industrial pop with unparalleled intensity.

Despite a career that has largely flown under the mainstream radar, Aesthetic Perfection has amassed a dedicated following and achieved considerable success on smaller stages. Their numerous sold-out shows across Europe and North America have laid the groundwork for their biggest venture yet: supporting Till Lindemann (of Rammstein) on his debut solo tour. Even as only the opener at Pier 17 the other evening, the crowd was headbanging and screaming along through the entire setlist, a testament to the impact Aesthetic Perfection has made as just a supporting act. Those who were not die-hard fans upon their arrival at the venue, left with a new favorite band to stream on the way back home, myself included.

Throughout their career, Aesthetic Perfection has collaborated with notable artists, including Richard Z. Kruspe (Rammstein), alt-rap icon SINIZTER, and Celldweller. Their music has also found a home in popular culture, with tracks featured in Netflix originals and the Underworld: Awakening soundtrack, further solidifying their reputation as a force in the industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the music industry in unprecedented ways, prompting Graves to launch the ambitious “12 Singles in 12 Months” project in 2021. This initiative pushed him to release a new song every month, resulting in the band’s biggest hit, “S E X,” which garnered global chart success. The project culminated in the release of MMXXI, a compilation of the year’s singles showcasing Aesthetic Perfection’s resilience and adaptability.

With the Bad Vibes EP on the horizon alongside a fall tour supporting Rammstein’s Till Lindemann, Aesthetic Perfection is poised for continued growth and recognition. Their journey through the industrial pop landscape is marked by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to their art, ensuring they remain a vital part of the music scene for years to come.

The evening at Pier 17 kicked off with a tangible sense of anticipation as fans filled the venue clad in red and black, eagerly awaiting the headliners. The atmosphere was vibrant, charged with excitement and a hint of rebellion—perfectly in line with Aesthetic Perfection’s aesthetic. As the opening act, Aesthetic Perfection laid the groundwork, drawing the audience in with their dynamic sound, but it was clear the crowd respected Daniel Graves and his crew as more than just the first supporter of a night filled with gothic charm.

As Aesthetic Perfection took the stage, the energy skyrocketed. Graves, clad in his signature dark attire and mysterious makeup, commanded the spotlight with his unavoidable, in-your-face, magnetic presence. The live band accompanying Graves for the tour perfectly complemented his authentic ambiance, with matching makeup and outfits that captured your full attention and kept it for the entire thirty minute set. The band launched into their performance with “Gods & Gold,” the band’s most streamed track from their 2019 full-length Into The Black. The audience erupted in cheers, the driving beat and haunting guitar riffs penetrating through the crowd where it ignited another rush of adrenaline.

Throughout the setlist, Aesthetic Perfection expertly blended new tracks with fan favorites, including “S E X” and “Summer Goth.” Each song was accompanied by striking visuals that perfectly complemented the music—a mix of pulsating lights and abstract artist engagement that transported the audience into the band’s surreal world. The sheer intensity of the performance was unmistakably distinct, with Graves’ powerful vocals soaring over the relentless mechanical rhythms and blistering guitars.

What set this performance apart was not just the music but the layers of meaning embedded within the lyrics. Graves took a moment to address the crowd, sharing insights into the themes of their music, which reflect on American culture, specifically during the Satanic Panic, and drew parallels to contemporary societal issues. The audience responded with rapt attention, demonstrating a deep connection to the music and its message.

As the final notes of Aesthetic Perfection’s performance lingered in the air engulfing Pier 17, it was clear that AP had once again proven their prowess as live performers. Their ability to blend industrial, pop, and gothic elements while delivering a powerful cultural commentary set them apart from their contemporaries. With their upcoming Bad Vibes EP on the horizon and a tour supporting Till Lindemann unraveling, Aesthetic Perfection is undoubtedly a band to keep a close eye on.

The concert on Tuesday was not just a performance, it was a celebration of individuality and artistic expression, leaving the audience buzzing long after the last song had played. Aesthetic Perfection was the ideal opener for the evening and continues to carve out a unique space in the music industry that cannot be ignored. Those fortunate enough to witness this performance will surely consider it one of the most unforgettable they’ve seen.

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