VENUS GRRRLS turn London into their very own coven with an unforgettable performance
The bold quintet gave the goth-grunge girlies in the audience a night to remember.
Photo: Billie Wheeler
Formed in the city of Leeds in 2017, VENUS GRRRLS fuse together gothic rock and grunge with the attitude of the Riot Grrrl era, crafting rebellious anthems for the non-conforming girlies. Their aesthetic is wrapped in occult-tinged imagery, witchy attitude and empowered lyricism. They cite inspiration from the cartoon-witch stylings of The Hex Girls and the brash energy of early Riot grrrl icons.
The band took on Oslo in Hackney, London, bringing their bold attitude and dark glamour along for the ride. Supported by the up-and-coming Velvetine and Girlband!, the goth-grunge powerhouse delivered a set packed with fan favourites, including the iconic tracks Hex and Divine.
Our own London-based alt-rock band Velvetine opened the night which can be a daunting task, yet they took the stage with effortless confidence. Gliding across the platform with poise and power, their performance was both captivating and intimate. With tracks like Miss Together and Underneath, Velvetine showcased their perfect blend of deep emotion and slick musicianship. It was impossible not to be drawn in by their energy, and the chemistry between band and audience made it clear that Velvetine are not just performers, but true lovers of their craft.
Next up were Girlband!, and I can honestly say their vibes were immaculate. Their set radiated joy while the band members laughed and bounced off each other with an infectious chemistry that instantly lit up the room. Performing tracks like Not Like The Rest and Heartbreak Town, they delivered catchy riffs and a vibrant energy that had the crowd fully engaged. While their sound leans in a different direction from VENUS GRRRLS and Velvetine, the contrast was refreshing. Girlband! brought a burst of fun and authenticity, introducing the crowd to a new wave of alt-pop brilliance and the sheer talent on display was undeniable.
Finally, the headliners VENUS GRRRLS took to the stage and they showed the room exactly what goth-grunge is all about. Emerging with their staple dark, witchy presence, the band embodied their aesthetic stunningly, from the moody lighting to their spellbinding stage style and elaborate outfits to match. They opened with their brand-new single Ivy Tree, a stunning blend of ethereal vocals and heavy, shadowy tones, setting the tone tremendously for what was to come.
From there, they launched into fan favourite staples Lidocaine and Liar Liar, two tracks that deserve a spot on every goth-grunge playlist. The energy peaked during Glisten, a 2021 gem that had the crowd completely enthralled and wrapped around their finger. Their cover of Spellbound by Siouxsie and the Banshees was a stellar tribute to one of their clearest influences, executed with mountains of reverence and grit.
Closing with Darla, Divine, Bloodsick, and finally their most beloved anthem, Hex, VENUS GRRRLS proved once again why they’re leading the charge in the UK’s dark-alternative scene. Every moment was powerful, immersive and utterly their own.
All throughout the set their commanding stage presence and infectious energy captivated the crowd and had every fan screaming along with them. With heavy riffs, ethereal synths and unapologetic and rebellious feminine energy, VENUS GRRRLS turned Oslo into their very own coven and every member of the audience was enthralled and enamoured by their sheer presence.
All photos by Billie Wheeler.