✧ This is a 21+ event w/ valid ID at Soda Bar - San Diego. MAGIC WANDS – It’s a reflection on the paradox of the human condition, the need for protection and an equally strong desire for freedom,” explains Dexy Valentine, one half of indie dark-pop darlings MAGIC WANDS about their new song “ARMOUR,” out today via Metropolis Records. “It explores those two forces and looks to find a balance between shielding oneself and embracing vulnerability.” The LA-based (by way of Nashville) duo has continuously defied genre since the groups inception in 2008. Vocalists Chris and Dexy Valentine are known for their unique and dreamy but undefinable sound - often incorporating elements of gothic postpunk, dark dreampop, textured guitars, droning synths, and ethereal vocals to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Swirling in midnight dancebeats and guitar textures, “Armour” finds the band expanding their sound from its darkpop foundation into its more fully realized embodiment. “Last year, we released a new album called Switch, which was a departure from our previous sound and style,” says Dexy. “It was less pop, more experimental and introspective but a bit more uptempo and minimal. The new music we’re writing is more in that direction.” Magic Wands is dedicated to creating music that is both experimental and arresting. Described by MK Ultra as “imaginative and emotionally-engaging” and by Post-Punk.com as an “audacious and psychedelic probe into the fabric of existence,” the duo found success and a loyal fanbase in their early careers, that has followed their imaginative explorations of sound, while being intrigued by the air of mystery that surrounds them. Magic Wands is Chris Valentine (guitar, bass, synth) and Dexy Valentine (guitar, synth, percussion, vocals). “Armour” is out October 18, 2024 via Metropolis Records. ✧✧✧ MARY OCHER – Armed with two new records, Berlin's Mary Ocher returns to North America for the first time in 5 years. Ocher has been pushing the boundaries between pop and avant-garde for almost two decades, with playful and colorful form, and clever content that winks at everyone who recognizes its cultural and historical references. The critically acclaimed new album Your Guide To Revolution is a joyful ode to hope, released just six months after its predecessor, the experimental Approaching Singularity: Music for The End of Time. It was picked by The Quietus as "Album of The Week" and Bandcamp's favorite Records of The Year. The albums join a series of apocalyptic and politically charged concept albums. Mary's new recordings range from post-punk, ambient and folk, to field recordings, cumbia, deconstructed techno and cosmic synth compositions. They feature collaborations with post-rock giants Mogwai, psych-rock guru King Khan, electronic moguls Red Axes, Mary's drummers Your Government, pieces by fusion harpist Dorothy Ashby and 12th century Persian poet Omar Khayyam, a homage to electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire and much, much more. Presented by Soda. This is a 21+ event