Rising post-punk stars Provoker headlines the downstairs room in White Oak Music Hall with support from Faerybabyy and Rip Swirl.
As the last day of May came to a close, White Oak Music Hall was treated to a performance by rising L.A. post-punk band Provoker, who are currently supporting their latest album Mausoleum. The band is known for blending horror and gothic elements into their music. Signed to the Swedish label YEAR0001, home to experimental artists like Yung Lean and Bladee, Provoker continues to carve out a unique space in the post-punk landscape.
The night kicked off with pop artist Faerybabyy, who brought a gothic pop sound layered with bright beats and a nostalgic 2000s aesthetic. Her set featured singles like “Orange Soda,” getting the crowd dancing early on.
Up next was artist RIP Swirl, who performed solo with only his amp, drum loops, and Fender guitar. Hailing from Hamburg, the artist blends trip-hop and shoegaze influences, pulling inspiration from acts like My Bloody Valentine, Ride, and trip-hop legends Portishead. RIP Swirl had the crowd headbanging to swirling guitars and hypnotic beats. With two full-length albums under his belt and a collaborative project with Ydegirl, RIP Swirl is a must-listen for fans of artists like Mk.gee and those drawn to more abstract, genre-bending sounds.
As Provoker took the stage, the room went dark and the lights illuminated only the stage, where the band’s banner, a gothic bat ripping through a gate—hung ominously. The three-piece band emerged as the lights turned blue, roaring into their set with a commanding presence. Their presence was immediately felt through their cool darkwave energy and the moody blue hues that bathed the room.
Lead singer Jonathon Lopez stood out with silver chains, earrings, a leather jacket, and leather boots—enhancing his striking stage presence. Provoker is fresh off the release of their latest album Mausoleum, a project that dives deep into dark influences of synth-pop and post-punk. The band played the standout track “Prisoner of Love,” a synth-heavy song that captures the essence of darkwave with pulsing bass, catchy guitar lines, and Lopez’s haunting, slowed-down vocals.
Throughout the set, Lopez danced and moved fluidly around the stage, encouraging the crowd to let loose and dance along. He spun, rolled, and grooved all night, embodying the spirit of the music. Despite being just a three-piece band, Provoker filled the venue with the energy of a full goth club.They closed the night with songs from their debut album, including the fan-favorite “Dark Angel.” The six-minute track is a darkwave classic, featuring brooding beats and a hook that had the crowd singing along: “Once I’m locked in, I’m all in, I’m all in.” Lopez dove into the crowd, surrounded by cheering fans.
Provoker is pushing the post-punk genre forward, blending it seamlessly with synthwave elements. They’re a band to watch for years to come.
I am a Houston-based photographer who has been attending concerts since MP3 players were a thing. I graduated from the University of Houston in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in advertising. In my free time, you can find me headbanging at hardcore/rock shows, collecting movies, and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu!
