Written by Leila Miranda | October 23, 2025

Poison Girl Friend at Austin’s 29th Street Ballroom | Photos by Leila Miranda

On October 23rd, Poison Girl Friends performed at Austin’s 29th Street Ballroom. A group originally formed by a circle of close friends, their signature sound is reminiscent of dance, ambient techno, and trip-hop with a sprinkle of French pop.

As the show began, the lights shifted colors as the lead vocalist, Noriko Sekiguchi appeared on stage holding a small plastic pumpkin basket in honor of the Halloween spirit. Swaying side to side as lyrics of “Those were the days” echoed through the crowd, their sweet, transcendent lyrics pulled the audience in, almost like a magnetic haze that surrounded their every word. All were caught in a siren song, willingly surrendering to its spell.

Poison Girl Friends was recognized in the early ’90s as an influential force in electronic music, shaping the music scene with their dreamy soundscapes and introspective songwriting. Now, decades later, they’ve returned to reignite the love for their seminal album “Melting Moment” (1992), a record that has only grown more cherished over time.

At the sound of “Hardly Ever Smile (Without You),” one of their biggest hits. The crowd collectively watched them in awe. The song felt like a powerful, slow burn, that captured the feeling of being unable to find joy in love. The lyrics explore emotional dependency and the desire for fragile boundaries and despair. Their metaphors unfolded softly over the crowd, expressing heartache wrapped in beauty.

Another highlight of the night came with *“*Fact 2,” a track that contributed to the dance style they are known for. The song featured lead vocalist Noriko Sekiguchi’s signature synth-heavy, airy vocals. Categorized loosely under electronic pop, “Fact 2” explores familiar themes of love and longing, with the lyrics, “Do you love me like you used to?” lingering in the air. Its pulsing, dance-like rhythm had the crowd swaying side to side, lost in the beat.

Later in the evening, “Communication Breakdown” transformed the atmosphere once more. The song began slowly, unfolding with dreamlike, almost psychedelic textures. As it built, the crowd seemed to shift alongside it, a few listeners were seen gently swaying, eyes closed, caught in the delicate push and pull of sound. It was loud yet soft, almost impossible to ignore.

Poison Girl Friend’s return felt like a wave of nostalgia, a fleeting moment of the past reimagined in the present. Their influence, subtle yet enduring, resonates deeply in an age defined by constant noise. What they’ve revived is more than just hit singles, a feeling of intimacy, emotion, and connection that continues to find new ways to speak to us.