A Dark and Gloomy Night

Nihilism and depression have long been compatriots. Dwelling together in the darkness, they lay entangled, drawing from one another, separate, yet not inseparable.

It is apt, then, that the stars would align for California’s experimental two-piece Wreck & Reference to cross paths with Portland goth-rock duo Muscle & Marrow. It is beyond fortunate, and a gift to the sullen, that both bands will occupy the same space on the same night while on their own respective tours. These are two acts that revel in gloom, that champion the plight of the misanthrope and approach heavy music in a way that is uniquely their own. Having them collide for one night in Eugene proves that sometimes fortune shines on those who hide from the sun.

Last year Wreck & Reference hit the road as tour support for big names like Deafheaven and Pallbearer, touring with the band’s second full-length release from Flenser Records — 2014’s Want.

Now returning to the road as headliners, Wreck & Reference create music that lives in the unique space where electronics, metal and noise meet, yet fail to appropriately define sound. Though devoid of guitar, and sample-heavy, Wreck & Reference are loud, challenging and often aggressive. With lyrical themes focusing on loss, disappointment and mankind’s failing, the band walks a tenuous tightrope between the bleak and the morose, all the while remaining thoroughly captivating.

Meanwhile, the haunting and unsettling Muscle & Marrow comes on like a doom-rock Chelsea Wolfe, or what might have happened if EMA had never escaped South Dakota to discover vitamin D-induced indie-pop bliss.

Over swells of discord and explosive guitar and percussion, Kira Clark’s vocals evoke images of agony and loneliness, but embody a melancholic beauty despite the direst of moods. The duo’s debut LP, The Human Cry (out now on Belief Mower Records), is generating a considerable buzz and is sure to launch the Portland darlings into the upper crust of the dark music stratosphere.

Wreck & Reference and Muscle & Marrow will share the stage with up-and-coming post-punk act So Stressed and locals Lakes 8 pm Sunday, March 22, at Wandering Goat; $5. All ages.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!