Local shows are a part of what makes or breaks a music scene. A lack of shows or talent, and you may have a dying scene on your hands. Luckily, the dark club scene in Texas is being kept alive by Bewitched.
Bewitched is a DIY event collaborator for music and the visual arts, specifically those with a darker tone. Genres like darkwave, new wave, goth and more are sounds that Bewitched works to uplift by bringing together local acts. After being a longtime staple of the Houston scene, Bewitched left its home and expanded its efforts to San Antonio.
With three years having passed since Bewitched San Antonio first began operating, they decided to commemorate the occasion with a show. On Feb. 2, Bewitched hosted its third-anniversary party at Bonham Exchange downtown. The show featured local DJs, traveling Texas acts and even a special solo DJ set from Augustus Muller of Boy Harsher.
The show took place in the third-floor ballroom, with the club opening at 8 p.m., and ballroom access and performances starting at 9 p.m. Within the first hour, Bewitched had DJs Nicole Noir and Bad Acid 303 perform before and in between sets of the slated musicians.
To start off the night, Zen Hander came out and brought out the energy from the crowd. Hander’s darkwave influences helped set the tone for the night, as expected, and brought a unique club experience for those participating.
Semantix came on second and brought with him an amazing stage presence. He quickly entered the stage, set up his instruments and then threw the crowd in for a loop by equipping a beige mask for the majority of his set. Each song had both Semantix and the crowd jumping along to the dark, electronic body music he was throwing down.
Third came Mvtant, who nailed his performance. While Mvtant and the stage techs were setting up, the audience seemed confused, as they had put his keyboard and processors in front of the stage in the crowd. It was quickly known to be intentional, as he started his set with a wave of intensity and aggression that no other performer had that night. Every moment had him moshing and bopping to the dark electronic music he was throwing down. By the end of his set, he collapsed on the floor, having given it his all.
To end the night, Gus of Boy Harsher did not disappoint. For two hours, he slung out dark electronic bangers, one after another. Throughout his set, the tired crowd remained locked in until the very end, showing their dedication. And while it is disappointing not to see a full Boy Harsher set, being able to see half the duo was more than enough.
Bewitched hosted the perfect celebration for their third birthday in the 210. They showcased great local and amazing Texas acts and brought in a phenomenal artist that fans of these dark club sets adore. Bewitched showed its love for San Antonio with this show, and San Antonio returned the love by showing up in full force, making this the most popular Bewitched event to date. With their third anniversary being over, you can only sit and wait until their fourth.
