Concert: Moody Provoker + Energetic Kumo99 at DC9

Concert date: March 5, 2024 - Date posted: August 24, 2025

Let me preface this by saying I was deep into my Kumo99 phase when this show came up. On the other hand, my boyfriend was locked in with Provoker for sometime. When this tour was announced with both Provoker AND Kumo99, we thought what an odd yet sick mash this is going to be - and we were not wrong! I also can't think of a better way to start this blog than with a concert that made me want to start blogging my experiences.

Venue: DC9

This was my first time at DC9, though it definitely hasn't been my last. DC9 is a three leveled restaurant/venue. The second floor is where you’ll find the stage area. It's an intimate stage - and by that I mean tiny. There’s no backstage at the DC9, all the artists had to make their way through the crowd to set up and then perform. Yeah, it’s that kind of place.

A few things I noticed:

1. Crowd was lively, excited and getting big for the space (in the best way possible)
2. Venue area was tiny and the stage was close to the floor - not ideal being 5’2” -_-
3. Beer is affordable, big win
4. Many people I chatted with were there for Kumo99 first, Provoker second
5. Everyone was chill and clearly there for a good time.

Mellow Opener: Aunt Katrina

Before getting into the main headliners, I have to talk about the openers Aunt Katrina. They’re a noise rock band from the DC area and fun fact I discovered while writing this: their member, Ryan Walchonski, also co-founded feeble little horse (which makes a lot of sense at least music wise). I started listening to them once the full line up was confirmed. I listened to their new album at the time Hot. It was a nice soundtrack building up my anticipation for this concert.

At the end of the night, I got a chance to see Aunt Katrina all hanging out on the main ground floor on the way to the restroom. I told them quickly as I was waiting in line that they played a great show - wish I could’ve said more grr - and they replied quickly and gratefully.

Energetic Headliner 1: Kumo99

Their insanely high energy electronic songs translated into such a great performance by Kumo99. Kumo99 gathered some hype from their sophomore album Body N Will. If you ask me, Headplate is where their real bangers are located.

I picked up a beer and started squeezing my way as close to the stage as I could. Those that were taller were kind enough to cycle their saved spots in front with a few of the other girls around who were shorter including me (very thankful for this). When the 2 person group made their way on the stage, I don’t think anyone anticipated the energy that would come.

When Ami belted out her punk-style vocals and Japanese lyrics, it was over. Now remember, this place is packed - everyone in this place started moving and jumping around so much it felt like we were all fluid with the music. There was no space for that type of movement butno one cared. Ami’s mic was ON. Songs like Gomi and UUU wrecked total chaos in the best way - felt less like a show and more like a shared meltdown moment - akin it to a Rage Room.

@cherry_mp3 chaotic clip \(^o^)/ ~ tb to seeing provoker & kumo 99 play at the dc9 nightclub last year #concert #foryou #kumo99 #provoker #dc9nightclub ♬ original sound - cherry-mp3

I did get to get a signed t-shirt from Ami after the show. She was super sweet and soo pretty irl, I wish I had more to say to her - running theme here.

Haunting Headliner 2: Provoker

Provoker was next and the anticipation and slight impatience was felt through the crowd. How the hell were they going to top Kumo99?

The crowd had grown to its max capacity. Even in my experiences after seeing others in this venue, none could beat the crowd for this show. All instruments were on the stage and this microphone with a weird fleshy lighted stand was staring us down. Provoker has a sick discography, I would describe their vibe as moody goth-pop with synths and post punk guitars. If you told me they crawled out of a dark alley in the '80s, I'd believe you.

Lights came off and the whole place went numb. As soon as they hit the stage, it was full throttle into their most recent album Demon Compass. Tracks like Debt Collector and I's In My Head were all being sung along with the screaming crowd word per word - there’s those Provoker first fans I was looking for. I even noticed a guy front and center screaming every lyric like it was the bible. Pretty sure he’s their biggest fan - I recognized him at another Provoker show a year later at The Atlantis just as locked in - full respect. It was back to chaos and the intimate setting made it feel as if he was performing with us.

Christian, their lead singer, had a wild, carefree punk energy the whole time - running into and moshing with the crowd multiple times. Contrasting this energy, his expressions were mournful, like the sorrow in the lyrics was etched into his face. From one moment he'd be swaying full body into the crowd with little balance, the next he’d be sorrowfully sprawled on the floor to finish the songs out.

We stepped out of the dark venue into the brightly lit U Street neighborhood with our ears still ringing. We realized it was only 10:30. It felt like after a such a 3 act show we should've been out much later than that. It was overall a fantastic night and one that I am happy to be able to write about as a first blog post.

Thank you for reading. I am planning on posting weekly: blogging old and upcoming concerts I am planning on attending, maybe music reviews, and photo diaries. My goal is to create a community for all type of music, I would love to hear any comments in my guest book. What’s your favorite song by any of the 3 groups? ~ xoxo