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01/29/2024

RIKI, Feb. 18th at Mississippi Studios - Preview

 By MATT HANSEN // LA-based synth-pop artist RIKI will play Portland next month along with SF band Provoker

RIKI’s performance last June at Doug Fir Lounge was one of serpentine dance moves, gloved hands, and German lyrics. Her stage presence is like being entertained by the ringmaster of a dark-leaning euro art collective, but her origins are actually the PNW. Also misleading is the overlap of search results that RIKI has with an Italian pop singer of the same name; but this is fitting since her moniker recalls the time in the 80s when Italo disco acts were known by just a first name, like Clio or Sabrina

Italo disco, although, is only one of several styles that can be found on RIKI’s albums, like her 2020 debut full length, where she sounds like if the best parts of Depeche Mode were one person. Synth-pop and darkwave come together as one in the creepy plucks of “Napoleon” which still figures heavy into her alluring live shows. The track “Strohmann” is like strutting down the wide graffitied sidewalks of Berlin, clad in black and heading toward your go-to haunt to dance in bisexual lighting. Which is why the track synchs up so well to the 1983 David Bowie erotic vampire flick The Hunger in a fan made music video.

RIKI will be on tour next month with Bay Area post-punk act, Provoker, who are touring in support of their latest full length Demon Compass. The tour will be stopping by Mississippi Studios on Sunday Feb. 18^th. Black Water Records artist Lazer Bullet have just released the new EP Spirit Sucks Shit, and will be local support.

ON TOUR: RIKI / Provoker / Lazer Bullet at Mississippi Studios on Sunday, Feb. 18th, 2024. Doors 7:00PM / (Tickets) 21+ Show

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