On a Saturday night in Downtown Los Angeles, the underground electronic music scene witnessed a transformative event. Darkside Ascension, a collaborative effort between Shadow Wulf, Pulse California, and Soulestial Carnival, proved to be more than just a party; it was a sophisticated marriage of genres that signaled the rise of a new movement. For those who have long navigated the corridors of the LA scene, such as former Soulestial leader Joe Giuliano, the evening offered a profound sense of evolution and community.
The alliance between Shadow Wulf and Pulse California has been anticipated for years. While the absence of foundational figures like Armando Kroma, Aaron Jacobs, and Josh Kwon was felt, the energy was expertly maintained by Andrew Kroma of Terrakroma. His high-octane performance served as the perfect spark to ignite a night dedicated to the pioneers of the community, with the spirits of El Gudo and Mike Thomas felt throughout the venue. This momentum carried through to the closing set, where Paradigm and Psilovybe delivered a back-to-back performance that bridged dimensions and pointed toward a vibrant future for the underground.
Central to the success of Darkside Ascension was the seamless integration of Psytrance and Techno. In recent years, Techno has dominated the landscape, but this event welcomed Psytrance back into the fold through the emergence of "PsyTech." Described as the "hungry daughter" of these two powerhouse genres, PsyTech offers an ambitious and refreshing alternative to a scene that has occasionally felt stagnant. The focus here is on sonic storylines that undulate across the dancefloor, favoring deep immersion over the fleeting nature of social media snapshots.
The evening featured a masterclass in psychedelic curation. Yuli Fershtat, the veteran wizard known as Perfect Stranger, delivered a set that he requested not be recorded, emphasizing the ephemeral and enchanting nature of the live experience. This was complemented by Jossie Telch, whose classically trained approach to synthesis provided a spicy and succinct flavor to the night’s musical offerings. Together, they demonstrated that true aural enlightenment is found in the pulse of the moment, rather than through a digital lens.
The spirit of collaboration was further highlighted by a rare back-to-back set from Crescendoll and Drew Blyther. Playing together for the first time in nearly six years, the label-mates struck a perfect balance between their respective sounds. The set was also a celebration of community, as both Jossie Telch and Crescendoll—the mystic mastermind behind Darkside—celebrated birthdays during the same week, adding a personal layer to the professional precision of the event.
Beyond the music, the production values of Darkside Ascension were exemplary. Avery Lasers provided a meticulously synchronized light show, while the sound was tuned to perfection by Subtract. The venue, a delightfully unconventional warehouse from Outfits & Oddities, became a canvas for live painting by Dylan Thomas Brooks and Christine Webb, alongside quantum light painting by Harmonic Light and stage decoration by Psylotus. These elements coalesced to create a space where art and sound transcend the challenges of the modern world, reaffirming the power of human connection through creative expression.
Photos by Dan Burton Photography – @danburton_photography