Dark Wave Rising

If you’re craving a bit of Bret Easton Ellis grittiness to your evenings out, Thirst Wave really satisfies. I had high expectations heading to Small’s for Thirst Wave last Friday night, when I realized their resident DJ is none other than DJ Pleasure Kitten. For the unacquainted, she used to spin at Luna’s Elektro Wednesdays in the late ‘00s and knows how to craft a dark dance party. Friday’s playlist did not disappoint, including songs from Depeche Mode, Ministry, and Q Lazzarus (the latter accompanied by at least one male dancer attempting to tuck his member between his legs a la The Silence of the Lambs).

Despite a predominantly goth crowd, campy ‘80s singles like ABC’s “The Look of Love” and Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” had everyone on their feet. I know I had a blast, because I’m not sure if I imagined the smoke machine and laser lighting, or if that’s just what it feels like to be intoxicated and surrounded by people with such an intense respect for New Order that they put their drinks down and run to the dance floor at 1:55 a.m.

The next Thirst Wave is Friday, June 20th at 9 p.m. Small’s is located at 10339 Conant in Hamtramck. No cover for 21+, $2 for 18+.

~KT