Dead Ringer Analog Bar — Restaurant in Reno

A Brutally Honest Review of Ritual at The Dead Ringer

This review has been a long time coming.

Let’s get straight to it: DJ Draven is by far the worst DJ I’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing live. Every single time he takes the turntables, patrons leave in mass almost on the minute at 1 a.m., emptying not just the dance floor but almost the entire club. This has been happening for years, and it’s cash literally walking out the door. Draven’s sets often stray from the goth industrial theme of the night. Playing Madonna on multiple goth nights? That’s beyond tone-deaf. It’s disrespectful to the crowd and the scene. His mixes sound like they were made high on glue, killing any chance of keeping energy alive. Rumor has it Draven is hooked on some seriously hardcore drugs, and if true, that explains a lot. How have the owners not figured this out yet? Is he a drug mule or something? Bartenders who bust their asses for tips have told me how Draven’s terrible music causes this mass exodus at every Ritual event.

I’ve also had frustrating encounters with DJ Xenophobia, an unfriendly know-it-all who knows jack squat and is dismissive when asked why the bass drops out mid-set. She made up some BS about the nearby fire department which doesn’t pass muster. The bass pounds full force every other Saturday on non-goth nights, and those nights are a blast. I’d bet my last dollar Ritual shuts down at 2 a.m. specifically because of Draven. Also, none of my song requests have ever been played, which says a lot.

I know the Dead Ringer has security cameras. Why not review the past footage of Draven’s, Xenophobia’s, and DJ Rusty’s work? They could ALL do much better. Their high school social clique mentality will be their undoing. Mark my words.

I’ve partied until sunrise in Tokyo, New York City, Madrid, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, so I know what a proper night out looks like. Reno may be smaller, but that’s no excuse for Ritual’s music and vibe to feel buried beneath the dirt. Smaller scenes need more care and respect, not less.

That said, The Dead Ringer itself is a great venue. The lighting improvements and upgraded air conditioning have been much appreciated by patrons like me. But keep going! Don't overlook the "talent".

What Ritual really needs is a complete overhaul of the DJ lineup. DJs like Owen from the Bay Area get it. He understands the theme, connects with the crowd, and keeps energy alive. Ritual could be a cornerstone event in Reno nightlife if it had DJs who actually respect the genre and the crowd.

To the owners, think about how much money you’re losing every Saturday when your customers walk out early because of poor music. Your hardworking bar staff deserve a packed club until closing, not an early shutdown caused by a bad DJ.

I challenge you to replace the current DJs with friendly customer service professionals who appreciate the fact that party goes pay out of pocket to be at Ritual. Find DJ's that know how to spin goth industrial tracks and keep the night on point. Watch the crowd stay, see the bartenders make more tips, and watch your business grow. Everyone wins.

The scene deserves better. So do you.

If my concerns are addressed, I assure you I will remove this review and replace it with a five-star review. You...

Dive bar-cum-Twin peaks decor. One solid bartender, others learning their craft. On Ritual nights (1st Sat of the month) gothic EBM mixes with 80s standards and a dash of esoterica. Great people watching. Eyeliner a must. Dance floor a bit cramped, but it expands and contracts with patron overflow. Additional seating in an expansive back room off the dance floor with comfortable seating. Selection of lagers could be wider. Easy parking right across street. Be one of the cool kids and smoke your cloves outside the deliberately gothic front gate. Arrive before 10 on Ritual nights for cheaper cover, ($3)...

Definitely the best electronic music venue in all of Reno! they put a lot of energy into cute creative decorations and their AV visual are great, immersive. They get great DJs up from the Bay Area and all over... this is often the place for the after party after festivals . If you like house music this is the place to come. Fun intimate bar/club with an accepting open crowd and generally good vibes all around. No outfit is too crazy for DR. It's also one of the latest-open places. it's one of those bars where you can even just show up by yourself and have a great time dancing on the dance floor. Diverse and...