Cool Cover: CORRO‘s “Shinagami”
Details: Swedish artist CORRO released the single “Shinagami” earlier this year, with an awesome black and red art work of . . . well, a devil girl with horns? Whatever she is exactly, I love her. She’s got an apple and beautiful nails and she’s ready for Halloween. She could be an actual shinagami, who, in Japanese folklore, guides people to the next world.
~Dagmar
The Beaches @ Showbox SoDo – 10/22/2025
Photos by Kirk Stauffer
The Beaches proved once again why they’re one of Canada’s most exciting rock exports during their recent performance at the Showbox SoDo, delivering a show that was equal parts swagger, sincerity, and sheer fun. The all-female quartet—Jordan Miller (lead vocals, bass), Kylie Miller (guitar), Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums), and Leandra Earl (guitar/keys)—commanded the stage from beginning to end. The sold-out show was the last stop on the US leg of their worldwide No Hard Feelings Tour, in support of their third studio album. Indie-rock artist Annie DiRusso opened.
The Beaches – Photos by Kirk Stauffer
Annie DiRusso – Photos by Kirk Stauffer
Manchester veterans James delivered a stunning, two-set performance at the Showbox, defined by a career-spanning setlist and the intensely charismatic presence of frontman Tim Booth. Booth’s voice was in fantastic form, lending power to the band’s dynamic sound and blending beautifully with the backing harmonies of Chloe Alpe and the signature trumpet work of Andy Diagram.
The genius of James’ current touring structure lies in their dual-set approach, which allowed the Seattle audience a full immersion into their rich sonic universe. The first half was a punchier, driving affair, leaning into classics like “Say Something” while introducing the powerful resonance of newer material like “Zero” and “Way Over Your Head.” In contrast, Set 2 ventured into moodier, more atmospheric territories with tracks like “Skindiving” and “Sound,” showcasing the band’s willingness to challenge and reward long-time fans with deeper cuts and extended, mesmerizing jams. This careful curation demonstrated their evolution while honoring their history.
The evening was less a concert and more a communal event, driven by Booth’s commitment to the audience. He frequently dissolved the stage barrier, climbing onto a riser to grab hands and hug fans. The physical climax arrived during Set 1’s “Born of Frustration,” when Booth launched into an extended, exhilarating crowd surf, traversing the venue, climbing atop a wall, and walking across it. This spontaneous energy turned the Showbox into an unpredictable, communal space.
Beyond the spectacle of the crowd surf, the Showbox performance was a powerful reminder of James’s enduring emotional connection with their fans. The communal nature of the night wasn’t just about watching a band; it was about participating in a shared history. Even during lesser-known deep cuts, the atmosphere was one of palpable engagement, proving that for this audience, every note carries the weight of memory. This rapport is what fuels Booth’s famed showmanship—he’s not just performing for the crowd, he’s moving and breathing with them.
The set culminated with their biggest hit, “Laid.” The crowd’s response was overwhelming, practically shouting every word in what was easily the loudest singalong of the evening. The soulful encore of “Out to Get You” provided a satisfying close to a masterclass in dynamic, interactive live performance. James proved that the connection between the band and their Seattle following is as powerful as ever.
SEATTLE (October 2, 2025) — South Korean group STAYC brought their radiant energy and irresistible charm to the Paramount Theater, transforming the venue into a glowing sea of color, sound and pure joy.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening visuals flashed across the LED backdrop, the anticipation from the crowd of devoted SWITHs filled the air. Fans of all ages; from young teens to elders waving light sticks alongside along side one another, were ready for a night that proved why STAYC’s rise in K-pop has been so swift and well deserved.
The six-member group comprised of Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon and J, opened the show dressed in coordinated white outfits accented with glittering details that caught the light with every dance move. Behind them, the LED screens alternated between high-definition clips of the members and vibrant graphics that matched each song’s rhythm and tone.
The concert pulsed with energy from the start. Fun, synchronized choreography and precise vocals defined much of the set as STAYC moved effortlessly through their opening songs. After the fifth number, the group returned in a softer palette of pastel outfits, each member showcasing her own color, symbolizing individuality within their unity. The change in look added a refreshing visual shift that carried into the following portion of the show, where members took turns commanding the spotlight in solos and smaller group performances that highlighted their distinct styles and strengths.
Between songs, the members took time to speak directly to the audience; thanking Seattle fans for their enthusiasm and sharing stories behind some of their favorite tracks. These candid, heartfelt moments offered a glimpse into the group’s bond with their fans and the gratitude that fuels their performances.
The lighting throughout the night was bright and dynamic, casting waves of pink, blue and gold that reflected off hundreds of light sticks swaying in perfect rhythm. When STAYC launched into fan favorites like “BEBE,” “ASAP” and “Bubble,” the theater came alive with collective cheers and the kind of energy that only happens when artist and audience move together as one.
What stood out most was how comfortable STAYC seemed on stage. In casual conversations with fans who had seen the group before, many noted how much the members have grown; their confidence, presence and connection with each other all shining through. It felt like the group had truly arrived, no longer the promising rookies of a few years ago, but fully realized performers commanding the stage with ease.
The concert wasn’t just a display of technical perfection; it was a celebration. Every note, every dance step and every smile radiated warmth and sincerity. The balance between high-energy choreography and intimate fan engagement showed that STAYC understands what makes a concert memorable: it’s not just the music, but the shared experience.
As the final song ended and the members waved goodbye, fans’ voices echoed through the Paramount, calling out for one more song. STAYC left the stage with the same brightness they entered with, confident, joyful and leaving everyone wanting more.
For SWITHs in Seattle, this night was more than just a concert. It was a reminder of how music bridges generations and languages, and how STAYC’s message of self-love and positivity resonates far beyond borders.
If this performance is any indication of where the group is headed, STAYC’s star is only going to shine brighter from here, and Seattle will be waiting for their return.
Seattle (September 30, 2025) – It was a night of fantasy, fire, and power metal glory at the Paramount Theater as Powerwolf made their long-awaited Seattle debut, joined by fellow genre titans Dragonforce. Fans packed the venue from floor to balcony, many in face paint or dressed as knights, wolves, and saints, ready to finally witness a show they’d been waiting years to see.
Dragonforce opened the evening with a set that was pure adrenaline. Their stage looked like a gamer’s fever dream; two towering arcade cabinets doubling as risers, flashing lights, and bursts of CO₂ erupting across the front of the stage. Guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman launched the set from atop those arcade platforms while Alicia Vigil and vocalist Marc Hudson commanded the main floor. From the first notes of “Cry Thunder,” it was clear this wasn’t going to be a warmup, it was a spectacle.
The energy never wavered. Hudson worked the crowd with grinning charisma, at one point hoisting a giant stuffed chicken and hurling it into the crowd, declaring it needed to “fly” during the next song. What followed was pure chaos as the chicken soared through the general admission pit, up to the balcony, and back again, caught and thrown by fans like a sacred relic.
Mid-set, Li introduced YouTuber Jared Dines for a surprise guest spot, leading into an extreme metal cover of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams.” “This is probably the only time you’ll get to circle pit to Taylor Swift,” Li joked before he and Dines dove off the stage and played their solos inside the pit, surrounded by a frenzy of fans. Dragonforce’s blend of humor, virtuosity, and relentless speed created a wall of energy that carried straight through “Through the Fire and Flames,” closing their set with a roar.
By the time Powerwolf took the stage, anticipation in the room had reached a fever pitch. The stage glowed with cathedral-like grandeur; staircases, fog, a massive LED backdrop of arches and flames. The drums and keyboards sat elevated at the rear, while the lower stage featured risers for band members to ascend and face the packed floor.
When Attila Dorn appeared, the room erupted. The band launched into “Bless ’em With the Blade,” and from that moment, Seattle became a congregation. Lights shifted from deep red to blinding white, smoke poured across the stage, and the sound was thunderous. Fans pressed tight against the barricade, singing word for word; for many, this was a dream finally realized.
During “Incense & Iron,” Falk Maria Schlegel stepped forward holding a censer, swinging it with slow, theatrical grace before handing it to Dorn, who carried it around the stage in a symbolic gesture. There was no incense, but the act felt ritualistic, a merging of performance and ceremony that defined Powerwolf’s presence.
The setlist spanned the band’s legacy with “Army of the Night,” “Amen & Attack,” and “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend” hit with commanding precision, while newer tracks like “Sinners of the Seven Seas” and “Heretic Hunters” showed their evolving power. Every chorus was met with voices raised high, and every transition bathed the stage in waves of colored light; green, purple, orange, and blue all painting a scene that was both sacred and feral.
For the encore, the band returned to deafening cheers. “Sanctified With Dynamite” and “We Drink Your Blood” turned the Paramount into one massive choir, with fists raised and heads thrown back. They closed with “Werewolves of Armenia,” and as the final note faded, the roar from the audience seemed to shake the walls.
It was dramatic, powerful, and visually phenomenal; a theatrical storm of light, sound, and devotion. Powerwolf’s first Seattle performance wasn’t just a show, it was a declaration. And if the response from fans was any sign, the hope is clear: it won’t take them another lifetime to return.
