New German Cinema

Jess Weiss, who many will recognise from her time with the band Fear of Men, is bringing her solo project, New German Cinema, to Brighton this spring. The project is rooted in a dark-pop aesthetic, drawing clear thematic and sonic inspiration from the work of filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Her debut album, Pain Will Polish Me, which was produced by Alex DeGroot, serves as the foundation for this performance. The live set is built around a cinematic approach, utilising dense layers of synthesisers and guitars to create a specific atmosphere that mirrors the tension found in her recorded work. It is a project that prioritises a catarrhic, moody soundscape, moving away from the structures of her previous band work to explore something more solitary and focused.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, 25 April 2026, at The Folklore Rooms. Located at 12 North Street, the venue sits directly above The Quadrant pub in the centre of Brighton. The event is set to run from 20:00 until 23:00. Because the venue is housed in a Grade II listed building from the 1860s, the physical layout is quite specific. There is no step-free access available due to the staircase, so if you have any concerns regarding accessibility, it is recommended that you contact the organisers or the venue directly before booking to discuss your needs.

The show is being presented by the local promoter Love Thy Neighbour. It is an 18+ event, and you will need to be prepared to show ID if requested upon entry. Tickets are currently available through several online platforms, with prices fluctuating between £12.00 and £14.00, depending on the booking site and the specific commission fees applied. Given the size of the room and the nature of the project, it offers a chance to see the material performed in a relatively close-quarters environment. If you are familiar with the venue, you will know it provides a distinct, intimate backdrop for this type of performance, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the sound and the presentation of the new tracks.