#90's darkwave

[possible-streetwear]

Peter Murphy of Bauhaus - NICE AND DIRTY ART

[maestroeternal]

My new Single “Dream-Land” just dropped on Bandcamp! this track is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem of the same name. If you get a chance to check it out, I hope you enjoy it! ✨🖤✨

[prayyer]

Schau dir "Grensgebied Amsterdam ~ You are Magic" auf YouTube an

Magical Song

[autodiscipline]

Rare & Obscure Darkwave DL

Here you'll find a few downloadable albums from the German one man(?) electronic/darkwave project Entre Deux Guerres, all from the late 80's & early 90's

I was unable to find any of it on slsk so I thought it would be of some use to upload it here, enjoy

DOWNLOAD | 286.5MB

[gabrielisdead]

would you love me if my music taste was this extremely fucked up experimental industrial rock and techno music inspired by 90's darkwave exploring themes of sex, power, subversion & death

[th3-0bjectivist]

     Folks, I’m back, and I’m bringing you more music because it’s my blog, and on my blog the music party don’t quit until I die, or until I’m finally permanently incarcerated by the law for online lewdness. This entire month (mid-March into mid-April 2023) I’m dedicating to Lady-Vocalist-Hotties-Who-Rock... but aren’t exactly Hollywood-caliber famous. First up is Collide, and now that I’m divorced, I don’t mind telling everyone that I’ve had a crush on lead singer kaRIN for over a decade and a half. Her voice, when not drenched in obnoxious autotune, is the sexiest thing since sliced bread. Instead of yelling or screaming, this lady lead vocalist gets downright sultry; very closely approaching the microphone and delivering a breathy, contemplative, and skilled lyrical performance that makes me wanna get on my knees and beg for a repeat live performance… preferably at her very own bedside. Folks, I’ve been listening to this group for years and I can tell you for a fact that not only are their albums unfairly undervalued, Collide’s entire catalog is about as popular as the nerdy dipshit in class with taped-together glasses who constantly smells like pee. This L.A.-based group has pounded out ten quality studio albums since the mid-90’s, each of them sounding slightly tonally different from one another. And because they aren’t as radio-friendly as say, Linkin Park or Korn, you’ll probably only hear them randomly on the internet these days. But when it comes to electronic rock, I’ll take ten trip-hoppy, darkwave-y Collide sandwiches over ANYTHING you’ll get served on modern mainstream radio. If you bother digging a little deeper into the mythos of this band, you’ll discover that this musical duo is all about combining musical styles, as well as masculine and feminine energies to create a sound that is both positive and negative. It’s hard-rocking, and soft-spoken, it’s cerebral and subconscious. This is Tongue Tied & Twisted from the very excellent 2008 album Two Headed Monster. And if that preface is still not enough to convince you to smash play, here’s a picture of young kaRIN to tempt your palette. 

     Oh, my dear, sweet kaRIN… your panting voice has been the primary source of my nocturnal emissions most pleasant dreams for over a decade now. Did I mention I’m single now? We’re about the same age, we could hit it off. Hit me up on plentyoffish.com. Oh, there’s also a guy in the group nicknamed Statik. He does the instrumentals; she does the lyrics/vocals. Image source: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/karin-from-collide--72409506479103536/

[bellheadband]

Saturday May 11th BELLHEAD | Cemetery Sex Healer 3631 E Raymond St. Indianapolis, IN 46203 7pm | $10 | All Ages Come join us for the 2024 World Goth Day party hosted by Dead Souls Gothic Lounge!

Get ready for a night of dark melodies and haunting rhythms as we present two incredible bands:

BELLHEAD Post-punk male-female duo hailing from Chicago, wielding two basses and a drum machine for a unique sound https://bellhead.bandcamp.com/music

CEMETERY SEX Bringing a raw dose 90's-style goth/darkwave energy straight from Washington DC https://cemeterysex.bandcamp.com

Adding to the atmosphere, we have the esteemed DJ KALEIDOSCOPE from Louisville, KY, a veteran in the local goth scene renowned for her project Broken Nails

Our vendor for May: JUNKYARD BAT Durable goth jewelry in the beaded chain style with stainless steel wire covering all various aspects of community interests including spirituality, nature, curiosities, macabre imagery, the occult and gothic art. There are nods to the Victorian era and historically inspired sensibilities as well. https://junkyardbat.com/

Get your black attire ready and prepare for an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie!

Resident DJs GOMEZ and NAGGAROTH will be spinning their unique blend selection of past and present Dark Wave, Cold Wave, Minimal Synth Wave, Post Punk, Death Rock, Ethereal Wave, Gothic Rock and Industrial. Along with some ambient neoclassical sounds.

$10 Cover ALL AGES

In addition, be sure to check out the incredible art exhibits the Healer has to offer. It's truly something that must be experienced!

Gothic Clothing Swap! Participate in the gothic clothing swap Bring your own contributions that you're looking to trade.

Dead Souls Gothic Lounge couldn't be more excited to bring you a night of dancing and live performances each month at Healer!

We hope to see all of you there!

Find Dead Souls Gothic Lounge DJ setlists on Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/djgomez29/ https://www.mixcloud.com/naggaroth-wych/

[agendaculturaldelima]

 #SinMusicaNoExisto

🎶 “LET YOUR BODY BEAT / THE WORKING PARTY” 💃🦇🕺🥳🍻

💥 Disfruten de una delirante noche bailando hasta el amanecer, celebrando el Dia del Trabajador, en la terraza con dos ambientes y con la música New Wave // Synth Pop // 80s, 90s, 00s // EBM // EuroDance // Dance Rock // DarkWave // Electronica 90s // UltraHits /  Tributo a Pet Shop Boys.🎉🥳

🎩 Feria de accesorios Dark & Gothic: @Xickath13 / @Alicia Echegara darkich / @eurekamanoslibres / @magicbrownieskenny / @Motava.parfum / @Ron King Express /  @el_cuarto_azul / @Miss.psychoart / @hazelsgarden.pe / @el_mundo_gotico_de_pandora

🎁 Regalos al mejor Outfit / Fotos / Musica y Videos / Sorteo de un Vodka Ruskaya Manzana🥂

👗Dresscode (no requerido pero apreciado): Gothic / Darkwaver / Post-Punker / Industrial Raver / LatexLover / Vamp / Extravagance

🎧🎹 Dj Darklands y Dj Julián Discjektor @Djdarklands @dj_discjektor

© Producción: Darklands y Fiesta Ritual.

📌 FIESTA!

📆 Martes 30 de Abril

🕘 9:00pm.

🏟 Fabri-k Underground de Yacana (jr. De la Unión 892, 7º Piso, frente a la Plaza San Martin – Centro de Lima) @fabrikunderground @fabriklima

🎫 Entrada: S/.15

🖱 Reservas:https://wa.pe/LaFabri-k

📱95122 7777 [Plin / Yape]

[alexadd77]

The Cure ‎ -Easy Cure 1st Demo (1977-1978) 1990 Unofficial A Four tracks EP with Studio Demos recorded at London (11/10/1977) Comprado a finales de los 90's en Discos Revolver, siempre me ha encantado como suena este Ep, de fondo el entramado de cajas que forman mi mueble de singles los cost en madera. #thecure #easycure #7" #single #postpunk #punk #darkwave ##goth #vinylcollection #vinyljunkie #vinyl #vinylcollectionpost #vinylcover #colorvinyl #artwork #recordcover #recordcollection #recordcollector #illustration #photography #newwave #pop #demo

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[vegangirldiaries]

Intro...

Honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing...

Hi there, I'm 'V' and this is my journal. I plan on writing here as often as I can - whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly, I have no idea. My goal is to just write how I feel, what I'm doing and just to express myself in a healthy manner. Whether that means talking about my feelings, or just writing what I'm thinking and not making any sense... I'm not fully sure yet.

A little bit about myself: I have been vegan for the animals for over a decade. I was raised by traditional Mexican parents who immigrated here in the US in the late 70s. I am 36 years old. I married my high school crush in 2017 after having been together for nine years- is it weird to say that he's still my crush? (love him so much!)

I have experienced grief in the deepest sense, having lost two beloved friends, my mother, and my aunt all within four years' time. My mother's loss was the hardest, being that she passed away a mere three days from my 32nd birthday, after having celebrated my birthday with her in hospice.

I am apparently what is considered a 'Disney adult', having a Magic Key pass, and visiting the park at least once/month.

There are many things I dislike that only my husband agrees with: We don't drink alcohol, smoke or do drugs, and we feel disappointed that all of those things (particularly cannabis) lately are being normalized in every type of media these days. We also don't like that cosmetic surgery is being normalized. We think people have the right to do whatever they want - don't get me wrong, but most people who get lip filler, botox, facelifts, etc. are already beautiful and everyone tends to end up with that same 'kardashian' face when they're through. What a waste of natural beauty. We don't go to the movies anymore - haven't been for at least 12 years. Mostly because we don't like the ambience. Hearing people obnoxiously laugh at a not-so funny joke kinda takes us out of it. We much prefer watching movies in our 85 in. screen tv with surround sound while being cozy in our jammies, where we can pause whenever we need a potty break. It's just more ideal and practical for us. We are also childfree. We both agree that we do not want children, and I am so grateful that we've been on the same page with this since day one.

We do not have too many friends. Just maybe like four or five people we see every so often. When it comes to friendships, we choose quality over quantity. It's difficult to be a good friend to so many people, you can overstretch yourself easily.

I've been asked why I'm vegan, but I'll probably write about that later, since it's kind of a long story.

I've been told my music taste is weird... I hardly listen to anything that came out after 2016...ish? mostly, I like 80s music, and goth bands. Darkwave I think is my favorite genre. but I also listen to musical soundtracks and showtunes. 90s pop and 2000's metal. Souixie and the Banshees and System of a Down + NSync + Britney Spears + Switchblade Symphony + Marilyn Manson + the Singin' in the Rain Soundtrack, as well as some spanish music - no mexican banda but traditional Mariachi. It's an odd combination, but it's definitely me!

When it comes to video games, I love RPG's like Skyrim and ESO. Adventure games like God of War and the Batman Arkham games are top of my list.

Speaking of Batman, I've been obsessed with him since I was about 4 years old with the 90s animated series (RIP Kevin Conroy). Batman was my first crush and also the longest lasting crush to this day aside from my husband of course!

I've always worked in an office setting, but was always so unhappy and felt underappreciated and bored. Last year I quit my job and became a stay at home housewife with my husband's blessing. It's been fun, but the weight gain started, since I've had more time to cook more meals + desserts at home. So, I decided to start a home business of baking vegan sweets, breads, and even selling tamales. It makes just enough for me to have some fun spending money at Disneyland!

My favorite meal to make is a vegan mac n cheeze with spiced roasted potatoes, yum! eating mostly comfort foods which are high and fat, although vegan, can be unhealthy to have all the time, every day. So, I'm trying to get back to eating more veggies. Sounds weird to hear that a vegan isn't eating vegetables, but it happens! So, I'm trying my best to get back to my old habit of healthy eating and working out more. I'm currently at 180lbs and with my height being 5ft 3in, this puts me in the 'obese' category. yikes! I've never been this heavy, and honestly don't FEEL obese, but I really need to get my health back in order.

So is this a diary type journal? tracking my emotions? a weightloss diary? I honestly have no idea. I just get on here and type away, and I'm already feeling a bit lighter. If you have no outlet for your feelings, and keep them bottled in, of course an explosion will eventually happen. And I guess, I'm trying to avoid a mushroom cloud in my tiny house.

To anyone reading this, thanks for taking the time. I hope to write again soon.

Sincerely,

-V

[circuit-music]

2023 Music Recomendations

2023! This year really propelled right along at a nice pace. Seems like after years of chaos and uncertainty that many things were starting to return to familiar while still looking cautiously ahead. A lot was happening and thankfully there was PLENTY of good music to coincide. Observations and listening habits:  • Techno-ebm still ruling the majority of what I listen to and purchase.  Still remains exciting to me and there’s still plenty of fuel left in the tank in my opinion. In that genre, enjoyed the new releases from Comfort Cure, Semantix, Nuxx Vomica, Red Deviil, MVTANT and more. • That new beat/Italo/future-synth sound really had my attention this year with some absolute bangers. It’s got a bit of 80’s retro flair, it’s uplifting and absolutely motivating.  Absolutely loved the entire “Love Lines” album from Nuovo Testamento, while Rue Oberkampf, Facets, Fiero, More Ephemeral and more all brought sprightly energy in 2023 as well. • Synthpop and Wave continued to be robust this year with releases/singles from Fragrance, Korine, and Lust For Youth amongst others. The New Division “Modern Life” album was an absolute gem, as was the phenomenal Zanias “Chrysalis” LP. • Lots of releases crossed genre lines in 2023 (without being pretentious af about it either). While often difficult to categorize, many still perked my ears right up including Die Selektion, Years of Denial, Mission to the Sun and Frett.  • Few things in alternative, shoegaze and pop this year were engaging, including a new album from Everything But the Girl after a lengthy absence, a teaser single from ambient/shoegaze darlings Mint Julep, a jangly guitar pop single “Ayn” from my not-so-guilty guilty pleasure The Ocean Blue, and new work from OMD.  • The industrial genre still churns and yes, will still give a listen especially when it’s material like Klack “Body2Body2Body” single! Great fun! Mode Bionics “Precise Control”, Realite “Crusher Zone”and PC World all thrust me back to 90’s era stompy-stomp rivethead delight. “The Incomplete Truth” by Sheffield powerhouse EBM masters Randolph & Mortimer delivered a force from beginning to end.  • Post-Punk seemed oversaturated, and the term over-used in 2023, but cutting through the clutter was the magnificent “Playground” album from House of Harm who seem to want to distance themselves far from the label altogether. That gorgeous track “Roseglass” reminded me more of synth-darlings Iris than anything dark and mopey. • Essential reissues from Code Industry, Schicksal and MCL (“New York” on the legendary ZYX!!), Section 25, Max and Intro were all cool to see. Can’t forget those notable tunes amongst all the modern gems.  alright then without further ado:

:: My Album of the Year for 2023 :: Zanias – Chrysalis Unveiling Chrysalis, her third monumental solo effort, Zanias marks some of the finest work of her musical career, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic channel for raw emotional catharsis and intellectual exploration. This latest album, released via her label, Fleisch Records, is a hopeful and optimistic ethereal pop opus. It represents a significant evolution in her production techniques, offering the most genuine avatar of Alison Lewis’ (Zanias) musical philosophy to date.

Zanias masterfully interlaces avant-garde, otherworldly sonics with elements of darkwave, dazzling dance rhythms, surreal synth textures, indie pop, and folk harmonies. This intricate blend carves her unique signature within the astral pop landscape, evoking ethereal otherness. ‘Chrysalis’ was seeded by a number of unfortunate events in Lewis’ life but using her own music as therapy, she has weaved a cocoon of hope from the despair. Song topics include the human condition, burnout, disillusionment, bereavement and the toxicity of capitalism. Written and recorded between her adopted home of Berlin and the rainforest of Queensland in Australia, despite the various foods for thought, this is the possibly the most accessible Zanias album yet.

The excellent ‘Simulation’ opens and is a bittersweet ode to Berlin where “This city is a fable, nowhere else to go. This city has enabled us all and it’s breaking my soul”. Despite the introspection as expressed by a hauntingly contralto vocal, the backdrop glistens. Capturing “a broken reality” where “everything’s shattering”, a joyful escapist euphoria counters those feelings.

The swaying avant pop of ‘Metrics’ is beat-centric, ghostly yet danceable with a catchy buzz. Meanwhile if Madonna had more gothic tendencies around her ‘Bedroom Stories’ period, the dark and ethereal ‘Burial’ might have been the end result. Its lush synth strings and voiced-derived layers points towards global pop, but is much deeper. If you listen to one song this year from my playlist, make it “Burial” – words and emotions escape me. I danced to the song, other listens gave me a good cry. A cathartic experience with a solid beat. With glorious arpeggios and lush synth strings, ‘Lovelife’ is wonderfully trance, bolstered with bass guitar by live bandmate Laura Bailey aka NEU-ROMANCER while an array of pitch-shifted voice samples act as an abstract lead vocal before the actual one kicks in. With ominous tones reminiscent of THE CURE’s ‘A Forest’, ‘Closing’ uses a number of interesting vocal treatments which provide intensity over the snappy rhythmics.

In a departure, ‘Teatree’ features virtual strums and could be considered an eerie ZANIAS folk ballad while also taking a more sedate approach, ‘Departure’ projects a more atmospheric tone with rung textures and a white noise backbone. To close, the ‘Chrysalis’ title song goes for a full acoustic intro before beats and electronics make their presence felt as our heroine emerges from her sheltered state into her next stage of growth.

Evocative and captivating, ‘Chrysalis’ is the best Zoe Zanias long player to date. Alison Lewis remains independent and true to her art while providing a new-found immersive immediacy that will help her music reach a wider audience. That balance is no easy feat to achieve but with some new approaches, she has managed it. Look for Zanias to release remixes and alternate versions from Chrysalis in 2024 as well as a new experimental follow-up titled Ecdysis in the coming months, featuring tracks from the same time period.

::: ::: :::

Ah, I could go on and on. I love writing and talking about music. Your comments and conversation are welcome, but let’s wrap this up…

This isn’t a top 10, top 25 or even a top 50. Instead, it’s an A-Z recommendation list encompassing many genres as those lines are getting more and more blurred. A good tune is a good tune, regardless of genre.  

HIGHLY encourage you to get out there and seek out new music; Visit the record stores, go hear a new DJ, fire up Spotify or another streaming service, check out some new music via podcast, DJ mixes, label sites, online retailers, even Facebook. One of the best sources for discovering new music is Bandcamp – a plethora of discoveries to be found out there. If you do the work, you’ll be rewarded ;)      Speaking of Spotify – I made a playlist this year featuring plenty of the bands on my list. There’s at least a track or more from the artist who have a presence on Spotify. Sadly a few bands on this list aren’t on the platform but check Bandcamp and you can have a listen. Here’s the link:   https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1PYVw5uRCYlu9RGLnno861?si=ea8eb848f834415d

As in years past I’m certain I missed a few things, ignored the hype on certain releases or just plain forgotten something. It’s a chore to compile this list, but I love to do it. There’s a ton of new pioneering music out there for sure waiting to be discovered and it’s the “what’s next” that keeps me a motivated music fan. There’s never a dull moment in speaking, writing, DJ'ing or promoting new music, so I’ll keep doing it and hopefully be a guide for you all ;).   If it needs mention and I overlooked it - I may do an addendum in the next week or so. Anyways, got your notepaper and plenty of beverages ready? Don’t be a TL:DR (Too Long: Didn’t Read) fool. Read up. Enjoy the music of 2023!

::: ::: :::

Abby Knives – The Flowers of Evil

Alpha Sect & Weever – Machine Crime

Alpha Sect – Geile Tierre

Andi + Machino – Parafernales

Asymetric80 – Meraki

Autumns – Eaten Inside

B1980 – Body Awareness

Body of Light – Bitter Reflection

Brixx – Erotomania

Chrome Corps – Intimidation Tactics

Code Industry – Structure (RE)

Comfort Cure – Design International

Comfort Cure – Not My Taste

Curses Presents Tutto Vetro – No Mercy

Cyberaktif – A Single Trace

Damaged Clock – The Key of the Future

David J Bull – The Energy EP

Die Selektion – Zeuge aus Licht

Djedjotronic – Smog on the Dancefloor

Ethan Fawkes – Belgium is Back Remixes

Everything But The Girl – Fuse

Facets – Breakable

Fiero – Pulse Seductor

Fragrance – Dusts & Disorders

Frett – Nottwo

Fuedal – Unit 1

GBxCL – Carved Upon my Stone

Ghosts in the Machine / Kris Baha – Ghosts in the Machine

Handful of Snowdrops – Gabrielle 35th Anniversary EP

Hanged Man – Deathwish

House of Harm – Playground

ISO City – Back on the Grid

IV Horsemen – Parade Nocturne Remixed

Inva//id – Cover Story

Jorgen Thorvald – Ghost Citizens 7”

KRSSV – Coupe Fuego

KLACK – Body2Body2Body

Korine – Tear Lust for Youth – Accidental Win (single)

Lust for Youth – Giorgia (single)

MVTANT – Low Culture Metal Bodies

Magnum Opus & Ravetop – Fear in Our Veins 7”

Max & Intro – We Design the Future (RE)

Meshes – Always Against

Mind | Matter – Ode a La Foudre

Mint Julep – All Summer Long

Mission to the Sun – Sophia Oscillations

Mode Bionics - Precise Control

Monolith – Concrete Playground

Nasdrowie - Hardlines

New Division, The – Modern Life

New Frames – Scherben

New Scene – Waves

Notausgang – Shredded With Time

Nuovo Testamento – Love Lines

Nuxx Vomica - FTEV

Nuxx Vomica – Easy Go (Semantix Remix)

Omon Breaker – Compromat

Ortrotasce – War

PC World – Infinite Dream Weapon

Parasite – Cipher EP

Randolph & Mortimer – Solta No Caos feat. Avnoar (Alen Skanner Remix)

Randolph & Mortimer – The Incomplete Truth

Realite – Crusher Zone

Red Deviil – Overkill

Red Deviil – Seperado De La Realidad

Red Deviil – Tendencias Ocultas

Rhys Fulber – Brutal Nature Reux

Rival Cults – Indoctrination

Rue Oberkampf – Moths (single)

Rue Oberkampf – Solitude (single)

SDH – Fake is Real Section 25 – Retrofit (RE)

STKD:999 – Borders of the Mind

Schicksal – 24 Hours / Perpetum Cycle I + II

Semantix – Caustic Motion (single)

Semantix – Violent Protocol

Serfs – Half Eaten By Dogs

She Lost Kontrol – In The Realm of Electricity Remixed

Soft Crash – Free Yourself (single)

Soft Moon – Exister remixed

Spike Hellis – Altitude Sickness (S/T Remixes)

St. Theordore – Majesty

Survival Paradox – Dysfunctionalism

Various Artist - 5 Years SOIL Records

Various Artist – Cage of Flesh (Kindcrime Records)

Various Artist – Die Erlosung: Kapitel II (Crave Tapes)

Various Artist – KEYI Magazine Charity Compilation

Various Artist – Next Wave Acid Punx Deux

Various Artist – Precious Decay Selections (Miseria + Oraculo Records)

Various Artist – Shedding Skin (Bite Records)

Various Artist – The Brutality of Rhythm (Mecanica)

Various Artist – Under the Stone Vol. 2 (Bruto Industries)

Visceral Anatomy – Vol. II

Yansyet – Tears of the Motherland Remixes

Years of Denial – Suicide Disco Vol. 2

Zanias – Chrysalis

Zanias – Metrics (single)

Zanias – Simualtion (remixes by Clouzer, Alen Skanner, Forces)

[clownsgobeepbeep]

Cora doesn't like dancing but maybe if someone played some gothic darkwave like it's a vampire club in the 90's-00''s...

[screamingforyears]

BEST OF ’22:

// SONGS_of_the_YEAR… “ROMAN BATH” was a choice cut from ANTHONY COZZI’s latest EP titled ‘The Middle Pillar’ & it found the Los Angeles-based artist boomin’ & bringin’ all kinds of fluttered euphoria across 3 ½ mins of gloomy malaise meets club-ready & disco_lite DarkWave. “IN NEED OF REPAIR” was thee track from BAND OF HORSES’ triumphant LP titled ‘Things Are Great’ & it found the veteran act reaffirming their status, finding that good_good & bringing exactly what we needed; a strummy yet churning blast of harmonized IndieRock. BELLY UP brought their “fuzzverb from the green mountains” in full on their latest LP titled ‘Haven’ & it found the Burlington, VT-based quartet hitting us hard w/ “SUM OF ALL MY PARTS” which rode an amplified gaze & maximized their “Sad N’Loud but sometimes quiet” template. “ELEMENTS” was a choice cut from BUILT TO SPILL’s latest solid ass LP titled ‘When The Wind Forgets Your Name’ & it found the venerable Boise-based project not missing a fucking beat across damn near 6 mins of psych-tinged, indie-honed & unmistakably BTS sounds. “FASCINATION” was the title-track from BUZZ KULL’s latest LP & it found the Sydney-based project expertly dipping its toes into the bodied-up & industrialized waters of “90’s era Front 242 & Front Line Assembly” w/out abandoning any of that darkened poppiness. “DUST” was the song that hit your boy the hardest this year & it served as not only as my personal go-to but as the title-track from THE DEAD TONGUES’ latest LP which found the Durham-based project bringing a beautiful piece of Appalachian-indebted FolkRock, the kind that allowed you to lose oneself in its rangy Americana.

//

LISTEN BELOW...

////

[randomvarious]

Element - “The Sound of Angels” Goth’s Undead Song released in 1991. Compilation released in 1997. Darkwave

Found a short bio of this L.A. County-based darkwave / goth rock band from a 2001 archive of the website that belonged to an early aughts downtempo and big beat duo called Papa Byrd, which founding member Scott C started after he left Element:

Scott C, a struggling young musician spent most of his time writing instrumental electronic soundscapes for a project called Fade when along came Shane Talada, hot off the heels of the extremely popular, and quite violent Screaming To God a grinding industrial outfit.  Shane had been writing songs on a personal basis for years and had shelved much of his early works on some vintage synthesizers located in a small studio built outside of his house.  Not long after STG's demise, Shane met up with Scott Cleaver to start fidling [sic] around with some experimental ideas.  They both fused and created Element.  As it turns out, Element worked better as an electronic dance outfit and early tracks written were purely electronic. They needed more members to be able to pull the whole plan off live and recruited Jeremy Meza.  Jeremy Meza brought guitar skills to the table and with additional member David Skott on bass, Element was ready for prime time.

Element enjoyed some success with their single, The Sound of Angels released on Cleopatra's 2 CD box set, "Goth's Not Dead".  However time waits for no one, and by the time it had come out, Scott had left the band to pursue another project called Papa Byrd.  Shane and Jeremy went on to play with Komunity FK and Faith and the Muse.  David Skott's whereabouts are unknown.  Many believe him to be missing.

Element still plays and tours extensively to this day with revolving members.

If you're wondering if they ever found David Skott like I was, have no fear. I found an article that was promoting a goth event that he was slated to DJ at in 2008. *phew* 😅

OK, so, although that Element bio says that "The Sound of Angels" gained popularity with its inclusion on Cleopatra Records' Goth's Not Dead (that's a typo; it's actually Goth's Undead) compilation, which came out in 1997, the fact of the matter is that this song actually originally came out in 1991 on the band's debut release, a cassette called Red meat & beauty queens ep. But whether or not they re-recorded it for 1997, I really don't know.

But that's the wild thing about this brand of darkwave goth rock stuff. It's a type of music that's perpetually managed to leave itself stuck in the 80s, by choice. And it's not really a revivalist or neo- thing either. It's just music that continued to serve a small and hungry niche long after the gothic 80s had served its purpose to a mainstream audience. With most songs, you can probably tell the difference between something that was recorded between 1991 and 1997, but with a darkwave song like this one, it's really hard to tell!

And, I mean, you just have to tip your hat to a scene or cultural movement that has the ability to sustain itself for that long of a period of time off of a specific kind of sound. It's impressive. How I wish there was some kind of extant scene that still churned out 80s freestyle-laced pop burners like "Tell It to My Heart" 🥺 , but alas, the only kind of music that's seemed to really keep the 80s alive and pure is this darkwave stuff. And you can make a case for all the synthwave that's going around these days, but that's really a recent phenomenon. Darkwave's been around since the 80s and it's always sounded like it was from the 80s. There's not much else that you can really say the same of.

So, I ask you, do you think this 80s-sounding song, with its very varied ethereal synth work, its dark drum machine percussion, its brooding, UK-inspired, soft boy goth vocals, and its faintly acidic bass stabs is from 1991 or 1997? I myself really have no clue. All I can say is that Scott Cleaver's penchant for crafting electronic soundscapes is pretty apparent in a song like this one and it's cool that he took that skill and was able to fit it remarkably well into a dark, gothic framework alongside Shane Talada.

The 80s never died; they just went to the goths.

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Meditabor by Dead Can Dance Musica Mystica 1994 Modern Classical / Ethereal Wave / Darkwave

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SILHOUETTE.

By Naveen Annam