One week, there’s radio silence. Then suddenly the lines are buzzing. The autumn concert season is kicking off in style. So I don’t need to drag out this introduction; I can keep it brief. Here’s what’s inside this edition:
Yours truly ventured—foolishly enough in a turtleneck—into a sauna. While it was still possible to sway gently in the opulent, cathedral-like spaces of Lone Assembly, sweat poured in the catacombs of Twin Noir. My fitness app later showed me that I’d danced almost 9 kilometres.
I wasn’t the only one out in the crowds. Our reporter, Shayenne Moll, attended the album launch for the duo The Friend-Ship and met a cowboy in a red hat, with water pistols among the sunflowers.
Two stunning photo galleries round out our concert coverage: J. Cole in Zurich, shot by Rocco Mazzeo. And Europe in Lausanne, photographed by Salvatore Bisceglia.
These reports and photos offer a moment’s escape from everyday life. But if this antidote to a toxic working environment proves insufficient, let’s try something stronger: biting satire. I wholeheartedly recommend the debut EP by the Parisian trio BLUE BOYS CLUB.
This Week on Negative White
Of Cathedrals & Catacombs
Sold out. Around 150 people are crammed into the Gaswerk’s small foyer in Winterthur on Saturday, 10 October. After a rainy, chilly autumn day, things are soon about to heat up here. And unexpectedly, the night turns out to be full of contrasts.
Water Guns, Fizzers, and a Red Cowboy Hat
When Lukas Frosch and Jan Schweizer walked on stage, they brought more than their new songs: a surprise full band, a vinyl christened with water guns, and an evening that turned Werk21’s small cellar room into a living room. Shayenne Moll reported from The Friend-Ship’s album release show.
Electropunk-Maxxing Corporate Exhaustion
A caricature of the career ladder, with burnout waiting at the top. 23 minutes of frantic madness that, like micromanagement, puts you through the corporate meat grinder. The exaggeration seems glaringly obvious, but anyone who’s ever scrolled through the LinkedIn hellscape knows: it’s not all that far from reality. RELAX, the debut EP of BLUE BOYS CLUB reviewed.
Feasts for the Eye
Freelance photographer Rocco Mazzeo shot for us J. Cole’s performance at Hallenstadion, Zurich. See his work in the full gallery.
Freelance photographer Salvatore Bisceglia covered Europe’s performance at Salle Métropole in Lausanne, Switzerland for us. It was the first time he attended a concert as a photographer, but you wouldn’t think so. Here’s his gallery.
This edition is sponsored by… us. A limited number of our first-ever zine is still available in the shop. Each copy is handmade and numbered — and each sale helps keep Negative White alive and well.
A Taste from the Archive: Saturn Returning by Angie McMahon
Melbourne-based Angie McMahon’s music is a secret treasure chest of natural power and beauty. With her new single, Saturn Returns, she interlaces recordings of flowing water with piano, mighty organs, and thunderous guitars—all flowing into a mighty ocean of sound. Intimate and intimidating but always captivating.
Discover more song recommendations from our extensive Weekly5 archive with our Jukebox. Just hit the surprise button and start exploring.
