The cold November rains are coming, but so too are some sweet shows! They range from dark and heavy, shoegaze, electronic goth, and one special reunion show by the beloved long lost Sacramento group, Sister Crayon, who will be playing their trip-hop tunes for one special night only.
If you were thinking that the local music scene would falling into a deep winter slumber, you’re wrong. You’re in for a pleasant surprise! And yes, we know this is only a FEW of the amazing shows taking place this month in Sacramento. There is seriously so much going on this month, but if you need help finding some to start with, check out these FOUR epic gigs!
XOR – Thursday November 9, 2023 @ Cafe Colonial W/ Aerial Ruin + Desiccation
It’s a rare appearance by the elusive local band XOR which features Eva Rose, formerly of the heavy doom metal band CHRCH, on lead vocals. Any chance to see former members of CHRCH is a must since they don’t get on stage often, and you know it will be a quality gig! This one will also be a plus since they will be performing with a full band.
Also on the bill is Aerial Ruin (Portland, Oregon) who is a frequent collaborator with Bell Witch and plays haunting and melodic acoustic music, and Desiccation (Nevada city/Sacramento) an ethereal black metal doom band featuring Patrick Hills of EarthTone Studios. The event will take place at the Cafe Colonial , cover is $12 – $15, and it is All Ages! Don’t miss out, Sacramento has a thriving doom metal scene and this show will be ripper!
Check out XOR on their instagram page HERE
Purchase tickets HERE or visit Cafecolonial916.com
SOFT SCIENCE – Friday November 10, 2023 @ The Starlet Room w/ Desario + Lavender Blush
Up next we have local favorite dream pop band Soft Science with their epic album release gig! That’s right the band just released a really great album title LINES. Their new album has been getting great reviews. It really is a beautiful dreamy noise pop album and a top favorite of ours!
Helping to celebrate, they have on the bill Desario (Sacramento), a favorite local shoegaze band and they always put on a fantastic gig! Be sure to also check out their latest full length album called Signal and Noise. And also playing, from SF, is the immensely talented noise pop band Lavender Blush, who also just dropped a new album titled ‘There’s Nothing Inside Your Heart‘ and features the newest addition to the group, Julie Lynn (of the San Francisco band Slowness) on vocals and guitar!
It’s sure to be a great night of solid music!
Tickets are available HERE or visit Harlows.com
Listen to Soft Science on their bandcamp page HERE!
HARSH SYMMETRY – Tuesday November 14, 2023 @ The Starlet Room w/ ghostplay
Yes, this gig is on a Tuesday, but you will without a doubt kick yourself if you don’t catch Harsh Symmetry before they get too big for tiny clubs! Harsh Symmetry is the solo project of Julian Sharwarko, who has been making waves in the underground dark wave synth scene. He came out of seemingly nowhere and managed to get signed to the legendary Fabrika Records, a label renowned for its roster of influential darkwave and post-punk artists featuring She Past Away, Buzz Kill, and Lebanon Hanover. Harsh Symmetry has also already shared the stage with acts such as Molchat Doma.
Harsh Symmetry undoubtedly had a whirlwind debut album titled Display Model, and also recently released another instance classic album called Imitation this year.
Check out Harsh Symmetry on Instagram HERE , and on bandcamp HERE
Also on the bill is local band ghostplay, a unique three-piece group that blends the sound of ambient electronic rock and surf noir. They have also announced they are finished with their first full length debut album which is due out next year! The show will also be an opportunity to hear their new music before they release their new album, and not to mention, its not often ghostplay plays shows, so don’t miss out!
This show is also ALL AGES taking place at The Starlet Room. Cover will be $17 – $20. You can purchase tickets HERE, or visit Harlows website at Harlows.com
SISTER CRAYON – Thursday November 30, 2023 @ The Crocker Art Museum
I think I nearly fainted when the announcement came that Sister Crayon would play a one time reunion show at the Crocker Art Museum on November 30, 2023! They will be playing songs off of their highly acclaimed ‘CYNIC’ EP, and other songs from their catalog!
For those that may not be aware, Sister Crayon is headed by Terra Lopez (Rituals of Mine) and Dani Fernandez, and will feature Jeffrey LaTour and Adam Pierce (Rituals of Mine), original members of Sister Crayon. It been over a decade since they have last played their hometown of Sacramento and it may never happen again!
They really are an immensely talented band that feature the remarkable vocals of Terra Lopez. Terra is a powerful performer, and will take your breath away!
This gig is also ALL AGES starting at 7 PM at the incredible Crocker Art Museum. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased HERE or you can visit the web the Crockerart.org
Revisit Sister crayon music HERE and follow them on Instagram HERE for more details!
It’s going to be a great month of shows here in Sacramento this November, and there are some golden ones coming in December! It’s been lovely to see our scene continue to thrive despite all the struggle to continue on with so few venues. A special THANK YOU to all the people supporting the bands, and attending shows. And thanks to Café Colonial, and The Starlet Room for continuing to give local bands a place to play!
Thanks for the continued support, and catch you in the next SacIndieMusic post! Cheers!
BONUS:
If you’re not up to digging around for more info on the bands, you can check out a few select videos of the music from the bands playing these upcoming gigs down below….enjoy!
Sac.Indie.Music 
Rad read. !
Thanks so much for reading! Really appreciate your support! Cheers!