by Meaghan Paulosky
On March 24th, Johnny Brenda’s welcomed curators of dark pop, Weeknight. A duo based out of Brooklyn, NY, Weeknight treated Philadelphia to the final night of their 24-stop North American tour. The tour was to promote their debut album, Post Everything, but stops along the route were of no amateur scale, i.e. SXSW.
Then again, paradox might well be the M.O. of the dark pop genre. Even their names, Andy and Holly, suggest frighteningly bubbly, biblical folk singers. Not quite the somber artists on-stage that played in virtual darkness. Undulating in compliment to their own entrancing music, Weeknight appeared unlikely to begin singing about parables.
Initially, the movement appears alien, unnecessary. Listening to Weeknight seems an internal activity, marked by stillness and solemn appreciation. They first call to mind the tranquility of the xx. However, the undulations were not limited to the stage. Before long, layers of vocal melancholia and upbeat synth and guitar lured show-goers into their own form of bodily expression. With an intriguing balance of electronica, pop, and shoegaze, Weeknight cast an allegorical haze over Fishtown. It’s becomes clear they’re nearer a mix of the xx and a gloomy version of Purity Ring.
Movement was inevitable.
Fortunately, the March 4th release of Post-Everything means that the haunting beauty of Weeknight can be heard until they tour again. Visit weeknightmusic.bandcamp.com for a download or vinyl purchase.
