Swung By Seraphim is a blog run by me, Jason Pitzl-Waters (AKA DJ ZoZo) a DJ living and working in
Urbana, Illinois (home of the University of Illinois). I do a "Goth and Darkwave" weekly radio program,
spin at various live events and write a music column for a slightly hip Pagan magazine.
I'm doing this blog to
break from the popular consensus that any music that dares draw "Goth" fans is somehow less worthy or brilliant. In fact, I dare posit that some of these bands may end up being lauded by the critics who now
scorn them or lump them in with superficial shock-rockers.
If you are an artist or label and wish to contact SbS please e-mail
me. All Mp3s hosted on this site are taken down after 10 days.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Incus - Dead Wood Mp3
Incus (feat. Yanka Rupkina) - Just One Thing Mp3
Incus
Band Bio:
Incus is a combination of dark and light. There is no doubt the band possesses an aesthetic, both in sound and vision, that appeals to lovers of traditional Goth music and lifestyles. Under the powerful bass and drums that drive Incus' music is a soul that is rare within the form. If Incus is dark, than it is dark like the woods under a full moon: unexpectedly bright, full of brilliant stars, inviting, warm, natural and seductive. Songs that drive more than drone and that dare to incorporate pop-hooks within dark places, are complimented by a band that has included some of Boston's premiere musicians (most recently, Brian Viglione of the Dresden Dolls), and international artists like Bulgarian folk singer Yanka Rupkina, who George Harrison called, "The best singer all over the planet!" - Incus Website
Reviews:
"Just One Thing has a rather mournful lilting that set the mood quite appropriately. Rupkina's vocals came forth in a rather tortured and spectral backdrop, complementing lead vocalist Jason Cohen. The track is a combination of haunting orchestral work, Rasputina-like rock and a mix of jungle-like percussion. Needless to say, it is well crafted and quite unique. Cohen's vocals sounded quite familiar and then it dawned on me. Imagine Brendan Perry from Dead Can Dance in a goth rock type of band. The vocals are THAT passionate and THAT good." - Legends Magazine
"Incus are a doomy and tribal-sounding darkwave band. The evocative singing of Jason Coehn assures that they are treat a to hear. "Even if it kills me I wish you well" is as sad as the title implies. It's also rhythmic and oddly persuasive. The cello and spooky sounding backing vocals are well used. "Dead Wood" echoes late period Dead Can Dance. Its driving beats and haunted moods sound great." - Luna Kafe'
"By default, the brooding sound of cellos and distant female vocals throughout the album sets a somber mood. Add Jason Cohen's haunting voice, (periodically taking on a Dave Gahan tone) with drums steadily pounding away, and the creeping tendrils of gloom move in to ensnare any spare traces of cheer you have lying about. There are times when the energy picks up to a tribal pitch, especially during "Big Grey," while in other instances Incus prefers to keep things melodically quiet with piano. Admittedly I don't wander these stark musical lands often, but if you're looking for something to keep you company on cloudy days this won't disappoint." - The Noise
My Two Cents:
Tribal, emotive, exotic, passionate. These were words that came to mind when I first encountered the music of Incus a Boston based band lead by singer and songwriter, Jason Cohen. Incus bills itself as "music for fire worshippers" and from the ever-present tribal drumming that informs their sound you can almost picture a horde of people dancing around a huge bonfire. These are two great tracks.
Further Reading:
Check out their website for another song, a tour diary, and ton of pics.
Incus (feat. Yanka Rupkina) - Just One Thing Mp3
Incus
Band Bio:
Incus is a combination of dark and light. There is no doubt the band possesses an aesthetic, both in sound and vision, that appeals to lovers of traditional Goth music and lifestyles. Under the powerful bass and drums that drive Incus' music is a soul that is rare within the form. If Incus is dark, than it is dark like the woods under a full moon: unexpectedly bright, full of brilliant stars, inviting, warm, natural and seductive. Songs that drive more than drone and that dare to incorporate pop-hooks within dark places, are complimented by a band that has included some of Boston's premiere musicians (most recently, Brian Viglione of the Dresden Dolls), and international artists like Bulgarian folk singer Yanka Rupkina, who George Harrison called, "The best singer all over the planet!" - Incus Website
Reviews:
"Just One Thing has a rather mournful lilting that set the mood quite appropriately. Rupkina's vocals came forth in a rather tortured and spectral backdrop, complementing lead vocalist Jason Cohen. The track is a combination of haunting orchestral work, Rasputina-like rock and a mix of jungle-like percussion. Needless to say, it is well crafted and quite unique. Cohen's vocals sounded quite familiar and then it dawned on me. Imagine Brendan Perry from Dead Can Dance in a goth rock type of band. The vocals are THAT passionate and THAT good." - Legends Magazine
"Incus are a doomy and tribal-sounding darkwave band. The evocative singing of Jason Coehn assures that they are treat a to hear. "Even if it kills me I wish you well" is as sad as the title implies. It's also rhythmic and oddly persuasive. The cello and spooky sounding backing vocals are well used. "Dead Wood" echoes late period Dead Can Dance. Its driving beats and haunted moods sound great." - Luna Kafe'
"By default, the brooding sound of cellos and distant female vocals throughout the album sets a somber mood. Add Jason Cohen's haunting voice, (periodically taking on a Dave Gahan tone) with drums steadily pounding away, and the creeping tendrils of gloom move in to ensnare any spare traces of cheer you have lying about. There are times when the energy picks up to a tribal pitch, especially during "Big Grey," while in other instances Incus prefers to keep things melodically quiet with piano. Admittedly I don't wander these stark musical lands often, but if you're looking for something to keep you company on cloudy days this won't disappoint." - The Noise
My Two Cents:
Tribal, emotive, exotic, passionate. These were words that came to mind when I first encountered the music of Incus a Boston based band lead by singer and songwriter, Jason Cohen. Incus bills itself as "music for fire worshippers" and from the ever-present tribal drumming that informs their sound you can almost picture a horde of people dancing around a huge bonfire. These are two great tracks.
Further Reading:
Check out their website for another song, a tour diary, and ton of pics.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Rasputina - Sign of the Zodiac (Tweaker Remix) Mp3
Rasputina - Possum of The Grotto Mp3
Rasputina
Band Bio:
Rasputina is a 'cello-rock' ensemble. Founded by Melora Creager in 1891. They have long held true to their mission of enlightening the common man as to the power and versitiity of the mighty cello. Historically influenced, and contantly costumed, Rasputina keeps a small legion of incredible passionate admirers enthralled with their earnest musicianship.Considered to be quite a pioneer and visionary, Melora and her group have inspired countless young people to pick up the cello, and have re-inspired many uninspired string players. Rasputina considers this to be the finest payment for their work. - Rasputina Website
Reviews:
"Case in point: the band's fourth proper album, Frustration Plantation. God, it's good. I keep listening to it in disbelief, waiting for it to unravel, because a record this willfully bizarre has no business being this good. But it is. It blows away anything Creager's ever done, and should establish once and for all that, occasional novelty track aside, Rasputina is not a novelty act." - PopMatters
"Giving their cello strings poundings they won't soon forget, Rasputina fuse the classical and the modern in a most intriguing way (and what other band in music today totes 32 pairs of grubby stockings, 21 shirtwaists and 10 corsets along with them on tour?) Cellist and vocalist Melora Creager's vocals alternate between delicate vibrato- ridden purrs and catlike yowlings, especially on cuts like "LeechWife" the surprisingly- danceable 'The Olde Headboard.'" - Pitchforkmedia.com
"Rasputina may mine a gimmick and entertain the kind of lightweight disdain for fucked-up hicks that only caricaturists can thrive on, but four albums into their career, they still have a truly unique sound. In the overcrowded ranks of goth-industrial rock, that gives them a major edge." - Splendid Magazine
My Two Cents:
Maybe this band is a bit too famous for this blog, after all who hasn't heard of Rasputina by now? But since there were some "legal" Mp3s floating around out there of the band I figured that this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Rasputina are an amazing band, and if you don't know it by now then I highly recommend picking up their latest CD "Frustration Plantation" their most mature work yet filled with excellent tunes written for the cello with a dark and twisted bent.
Further Reading:
You want interviews? We got interviews.
Rasputina - Possum of The Grotto Mp3
Rasputina
Band Bio:
Rasputina is a 'cello-rock' ensemble. Founded by Melora Creager in 1891. They have long held true to their mission of enlightening the common man as to the power and versitiity of the mighty cello. Historically influenced, and contantly costumed, Rasputina keeps a small legion of incredible passionate admirers enthralled with their earnest musicianship.Considered to be quite a pioneer and visionary, Melora and her group have inspired countless young people to pick up the cello, and have re-inspired many uninspired string players. Rasputina considers this to be the finest payment for their work. - Rasputina Website
Reviews:
"Case in point: the band's fourth proper album, Frustration Plantation. God, it's good. I keep listening to it in disbelief, waiting for it to unravel, because a record this willfully bizarre has no business being this good. But it is. It blows away anything Creager's ever done, and should establish once and for all that, occasional novelty track aside, Rasputina is not a novelty act." - PopMatters
"Giving their cello strings poundings they won't soon forget, Rasputina fuse the classical and the modern in a most intriguing way (and what other band in music today totes 32 pairs of grubby stockings, 21 shirtwaists and 10 corsets along with them on tour?) Cellist and vocalist Melora Creager's vocals alternate between delicate vibrato- ridden purrs and catlike yowlings, especially on cuts like "LeechWife" the surprisingly- danceable 'The Olde Headboard.'" - Pitchforkmedia.com
"Rasputina may mine a gimmick and entertain the kind of lightweight disdain for fucked-up hicks that only caricaturists can thrive on, but four albums into their career, they still have a truly unique sound. In the overcrowded ranks of goth-industrial rock, that gives them a major edge." - Splendid Magazine
My Two Cents:
Maybe this band is a bit too famous for this blog, after all who hasn't heard of Rasputina by now? But since there were some "legal" Mp3s floating around out there of the band I figured that this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Rasputina are an amazing band, and if you don't know it by now then I highly recommend picking up their latest CD "Frustration Plantation" their most mature work yet filled with excellent tunes written for the cello with a dark and twisted bent.
Further Reading:
You want interviews? We got interviews.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Turn Pale - Light Melts Away Mp3
Turn Pale
Band Bio:
TURN PALE is a band, from Bloomington, Indiana, seeking to explore the corners of the dancefloor, within a decidely punk asthetic. We opt to caress a dark, Rough Trade sound from the early 80's post-punk movement, while remaining up tempo and danceable. Darkness does not necessitate evil. Known for a highly energetic live show, TURN PALE has toured the US several times in the last 2 years with friends such as BLACK EYES (Dischord) and LOVE LIFE (31G) and continue to tour in support of their new CD throughout October and November of 2003. To date, they have performed well over 100 shows. TURN PALE is currently writing songs for the follow-up to "KILL THE LIGHTS". - Turn Pale Website
Reviews:
"I have made some pretty bold statements here, and I am fully aware of that fact. But seriously folks, imagine this: the plodding drums of Bauhaus, the chunky and melodic bass of Joy Division, chaotic and frighteningly discordant guitars, a la the Gang of Four and Birthday Party, and a bit of sassiness, courtesy of lead vocalist Michael Anderson (whose vocals sound like a cross between PIL-era Johnny Lydon, Ian Svenonius circa Nation of Ulysses and David Byrne). This is the sound of the incredible Turn Pale." - Ink19
"And so take that Rozz sound, lighten it, making it more fluid, even frilly and feathery, and that’s what Turn Pale throw at you, with an equally agile musical development on from known forms. Early Goth luminosity with a punkier version of Grunge. That's good going" - Mick Mercer (Starvox)
"Forget all preconceptions you may have about bands from Indiana -- this Bloomington tribe's "death disco" has nothing whatsoever to do with the heartland. Rather, the ashen quartet are a stirring throwback to '80s post-punk warriors like PIL and Bauhaus, and a perfect complement to current indie darlings like the Rapture and the Faint. Tribal drum patterns, graveyard guitars, and a few well-placed screams and howls from frontman Michael Anderson add up to black-lipstick thrills you can drown your sorrows with." - The Daily Page
My Two Cents:
For those who want a darker take on what bands like The Rapture and Interpol are doing may I present Turn Pale? These are true believers in the wonder-working powers of post-punk and they go all out to show you how much faith they have. Most of the musical references have been thrown out in the reviews above so if this is something that floats your boat you should check out this track.
Further Reading:
You can download another Mp3 from their website and here are a couple interviews for your reading pleasure and a name-drop from Carina Round.
Turn Pale
Band Bio:
TURN PALE is a band, from Bloomington, Indiana, seeking to explore the corners of the dancefloor, within a decidely punk asthetic. We opt to caress a dark, Rough Trade sound from the early 80's post-punk movement, while remaining up tempo and danceable. Darkness does not necessitate evil. Known for a highly energetic live show, TURN PALE has toured the US several times in the last 2 years with friends such as BLACK EYES (Dischord) and LOVE LIFE (31G) and continue to tour in support of their new CD throughout October and November of 2003. To date, they have performed well over 100 shows. TURN PALE is currently writing songs for the follow-up to "KILL THE LIGHTS". - Turn Pale Website
Reviews:
"I have made some pretty bold statements here, and I am fully aware of that fact. But seriously folks, imagine this: the plodding drums of Bauhaus, the chunky and melodic bass of Joy Division, chaotic and frighteningly discordant guitars, a la the Gang of Four and Birthday Party, and a bit of sassiness, courtesy of lead vocalist Michael Anderson (whose vocals sound like a cross between PIL-era Johnny Lydon, Ian Svenonius circa Nation of Ulysses and David Byrne). This is the sound of the incredible Turn Pale." - Ink19
"And so take that Rozz sound, lighten it, making it more fluid, even frilly and feathery, and that’s what Turn Pale throw at you, with an equally agile musical development on from known forms. Early Goth luminosity with a punkier version of Grunge. That's good going" - Mick Mercer (Starvox)
"Forget all preconceptions you may have about bands from Indiana -- this Bloomington tribe's "death disco" has nothing whatsoever to do with the heartland. Rather, the ashen quartet are a stirring throwback to '80s post-punk warriors like PIL and Bauhaus, and a perfect complement to current indie darlings like the Rapture and the Faint. Tribal drum patterns, graveyard guitars, and a few well-placed screams and howls from frontman Michael Anderson add up to black-lipstick thrills you can drown your sorrows with." - The Daily Page
My Two Cents:
For those who want a darker take on what bands like The Rapture and Interpol are doing may I present Turn Pale? These are true believers in the wonder-working powers of post-punk and they go all out to show you how much faith they have. Most of the musical references have been thrown out in the reviews above so if this is something that floats your boat you should check out this track.
Further Reading:
You can download another Mp3 from their website and here are a couple interviews for your reading pleasure and a name-drop from Carina Round.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Audra - There Are No Snakes In Heaven Mp3
Audra
Band Bio:
Born under the gray skies of Chicago, brothers Bret and Bart Helm created Audra back when they were teenagers in the early 90s. In the last few years, Audra has shared the stage with acts such as The Mission UK, New Model Army, Gene Loves Jezebel, ex-Christian Death member Gitane DeMone, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Lycia, Sheep On Drugs, Test Dept, Birmingham Six, Human Drama, Steve Roach and many others. Audra is currently rehearsing for upcoming concerts and recording their third album to be released in 2004. - Audra Website
Reviews:
"The first thing that stands out about Audra's sound is its vocal style, which is reminiscent of Peter Murphy but not in a manner that is a blatant rip-off of the former Bauhaus front man. Musically, the group sounds like a cross between early Bauhaus and the Cure, with a touch of David Bowie and Joy Division thrown in for good measure." - Choler Magazine
"'There Are No Snakes In Heaven' is a song that's even been getting played at Deathrock club nights and that's no small feat to have crossed genres so easily. It has a fabulous rumbling bass line that would make any punk band proud, driving percurssion and Bret's super stylized vocals - deep but smoothly calm, velvety, completely in charge and some of the best atmospheric goth rock guitar playing I've heard in a long, long time. As if the music alone weren't enough, the descriptive lyrics are brilliant and set a dark tone for the rest to follow by." - Starvox
"I've lost track of what wave of goth we're on now (third? fourth?), but Bret and Bart Helm of Audra are definitely riding high on it. Singing about darkness and death, beauty and twisted loves in a dark baritone, Bret reminds me a lot of Pat Ogl of Thanatos. Like Pat, Bret has a beautiful voice, and doesn't sing so much as intone his lyrics like incantations. The music is mostly goth-standard guitar, bass, and drum machine, with added touches such as synth textures and acoustic percussion, providing an appropriately understated (if sometimes slightly monotonous) sepulchral backdrop for Bret's dark musings." - Ink19
My Two Cents:
I was slow to love Audra, but they kept returning to me, and finally it all clicked and I grew to truly appreciate what this band is doing. This is "Goth singing" taken back to it's roots unadorned by vocal manipulations. We may have another Pete Murphy in the making and if Bret Helm's recent vocal work with Black Tape For A Blue Girl is any indication of the future of the band then they may just surpass all their peers.
Further Reading:
I highly suggest downloading the other two songs on their website, you can also find a mini-interview on their Projekt records page.
Audra
Band Bio:
Born under the gray skies of Chicago, brothers Bret and Bart Helm created Audra back when they were teenagers in the early 90s. In the last few years, Audra has shared the stage with acts such as The Mission UK, New Model Army, Gene Loves Jezebel, ex-Christian Death member Gitane DeMone, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Lycia, Sheep On Drugs, Test Dept, Birmingham Six, Human Drama, Steve Roach and many others. Audra is currently rehearsing for upcoming concerts and recording their third album to be released in 2004. - Audra Website
Reviews:
"The first thing that stands out about Audra's sound is its vocal style, which is reminiscent of Peter Murphy but not in a manner that is a blatant rip-off of the former Bauhaus front man. Musically, the group sounds like a cross between early Bauhaus and the Cure, with a touch of David Bowie and Joy Division thrown in for good measure." - Choler Magazine
"'There Are No Snakes In Heaven' is a song that's even been getting played at Deathrock club nights and that's no small feat to have crossed genres so easily. It has a fabulous rumbling bass line that would make any punk band proud, driving percurssion and Bret's super stylized vocals - deep but smoothly calm, velvety, completely in charge and some of the best atmospheric goth rock guitar playing I've heard in a long, long time. As if the music alone weren't enough, the descriptive lyrics are brilliant and set a dark tone for the rest to follow by." - Starvox
"I've lost track of what wave of goth we're on now (third? fourth?), but Bret and Bart Helm of Audra are definitely riding high on it. Singing about darkness and death, beauty and twisted loves in a dark baritone, Bret reminds me a lot of Pat Ogl of Thanatos. Like Pat, Bret has a beautiful voice, and doesn't sing so much as intone his lyrics like incantations. The music is mostly goth-standard guitar, bass, and drum machine, with added touches such as synth textures and acoustic percussion, providing an appropriately understated (if sometimes slightly monotonous) sepulchral backdrop for Bret's dark musings." - Ink19
My Two Cents:
I was slow to love Audra, but they kept returning to me, and finally it all clicked and I grew to truly appreciate what this band is doing. This is "Goth singing" taken back to it's roots unadorned by vocal manipulations. We may have another Pete Murphy in the making and if Bret Helm's recent vocal work with Black Tape For A Blue Girl is any indication of the future of the band then they may just surpass all their peers.
Further Reading:
I highly suggest downloading the other two songs on their website, you can also find a mini-interview on their Projekt records page.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Nicki Jaine - Pretty Faces Mp3
Nicki Jaine
Band Bio:
Nicki Jaine's music could be a soundtrack to a Roaring Twenties gothic cabaret-if there was such a thing. She is blessed/possessed with a voice which some fans describe as eerie & captivating in a Marlene Deitrich & Nico meet Tim Burton kind of way. On the surface, Jaine's songs are stark, uncluttered melodies accompanied by her beautiful, alto vocals. Just below that, lies a nightmarish flow of images involving pigeons, all-knowing octopi, animals crawling, journeys to Antartica, and beautiful disasters sung by a young woman whose chilling voice echos with a tinge of madness to it. Nicki Jaine is all of these things, and for that, we should be even more fearful for her and for the listener who happens across her new release "of pigeons and other curiosities". - Nicki Jaine Website
Reviews:
"“Of Pigeons and Other Curiosities” is a dark cabaret of odd lyrics and sparse instrumentation. Nicki’s voice and refined lyrical approach are the focal points here and rightfully so as that is definitely the strong suit of this album. Piano and acoustic guitar are the predominate instruments, with some drums thrown in to break any monotony that may have occurred. I hate to use the word “cabaret” when describing this music but I just can’t escape it. Its part cabaret and part artsy lounge music, full of starts and stops and dark imagery reflecting life’s harsher side." - 1340mag.com
"This post-gothic vocal album from the talented Nicki Jaine balances full band arrangements ("Octopi", "Antarctica", etc.) with solo pieces ("Animals Crawling", "Sound of Girls", etc.). Her rich, deep voice suggesting mezzo and contralto territories fits excellently her dark topics on this album that lends true artistry to the gothic style." - Outsight Communications
"The dark gothic stories she tells are well worded and you can listen to her songs in the dark and have some rather vivid images indeed. Not the usual hard rock, heavy metal fare we love here but something hauntingly and provocatively different indeed." - Rocknet Webzine
My Two Cents:
If The Dresden Dolls are a kind of twisted poppy pre-WW2 dark cabaret then Nicki Jaine is the cabaret for after the bombs have dropped and the "subversive" artistic elements are being rounded up and yet the show must go on. This is a cabaret for the broken and Jaine does a great job of using that fuel for her songs.
Further Reading:
You can download more songs from her official website, they also have an interview posted there as well. Also, Jaine has joined the touring version of Black Tape For A Blue Girl making it the closest thing to a Goth super-group (they already feature members of Audra, Unto Ashes and Rachel's Surrender).
Nicki Jaine
Band Bio:
Nicki Jaine's music could be a soundtrack to a Roaring Twenties gothic cabaret-if there was such a thing. She is blessed/possessed with a voice which some fans describe as eerie & captivating in a Marlene Deitrich & Nico meet Tim Burton kind of way. On the surface, Jaine's songs are stark, uncluttered melodies accompanied by her beautiful, alto vocals. Just below that, lies a nightmarish flow of images involving pigeons, all-knowing octopi, animals crawling, journeys to Antartica, and beautiful disasters sung by a young woman whose chilling voice echos with a tinge of madness to it. Nicki Jaine is all of these things, and for that, we should be even more fearful for her and for the listener who happens across her new release "of pigeons and other curiosities". - Nicki Jaine Website
Reviews:
"“Of Pigeons and Other Curiosities” is a dark cabaret of odd lyrics and sparse instrumentation. Nicki’s voice and refined lyrical approach are the focal points here and rightfully so as that is definitely the strong suit of this album. Piano and acoustic guitar are the predominate instruments, with some drums thrown in to break any monotony that may have occurred. I hate to use the word “cabaret” when describing this music but I just can’t escape it. Its part cabaret and part artsy lounge music, full of starts and stops and dark imagery reflecting life’s harsher side." - 1340mag.com
"This post-gothic vocal album from the talented Nicki Jaine balances full band arrangements ("Octopi", "Antarctica", etc.) with solo pieces ("Animals Crawling", "Sound of Girls", etc.). Her rich, deep voice suggesting mezzo and contralto territories fits excellently her dark topics on this album that lends true artistry to the gothic style." - Outsight Communications
"The dark gothic stories she tells are well worded and you can listen to her songs in the dark and have some rather vivid images indeed. Not the usual hard rock, heavy metal fare we love here but something hauntingly and provocatively different indeed." - Rocknet Webzine
My Two Cents:
If The Dresden Dolls are a kind of twisted poppy pre-WW2 dark cabaret then Nicki Jaine is the cabaret for after the bombs have dropped and the "subversive" artistic elements are being rounded up and yet the show must go on. This is a cabaret for the broken and Jaine does a great job of using that fuel for her songs.
Further Reading:
You can download more songs from her official website, they also have an interview posted there as well. Also, Jaine has joined the touring version of Black Tape For A Blue Girl making it the closest thing to a Goth super-group (they already feature members of Audra, Unto Ashes and Rachel's Surrender).
Friday, August 20, 2004
Soulscape - Dreamfree Mp3
Soulscape
Band Bio:
Begun in 2002 as a creative studio project. Founder members Mel Draper and Dan Precision integrated raw punk guitars with melancholy vocals and crisp programming. Drawing on many years of musical experience between them, and blending a diverse array of influences that ranged from gothic rock and post-punk to synth-pop and world music, a number of songs were penned that form the foundation of the recently released debut cd, Grave New World. - Soulscape Website
Reviews:
"Anchored with heart felt, emotional lyrics and propelled by grand rock anthem like melodies along with dance friendly beats, Chicago's Soulscape may have found a combination for success in this somewhat fickle scene. With their lead vocalist no stranger to club nights, this marriage between old school goth rock and new dance/electronica (via the new wave influences of the '80s), attempts to give patrons the best of both." - Starvox
"a symphony meets switchblades" - ChainDLK
My Two Cents:
Upcoming Electro-Goth band from Chicago, Soulscape are not only super nice guys (they played at my club night) but they are super-talented and put on a great live show. Unlike a lot of certain E-G acts they pack a much deeper lyrical punch and the lead singer can actually sing instead of just doing that sort of shouty-singing I see so many do.
Further Reading:
Check out the ChainDLK interview, download more songs at their Soundclick site, or buddy up with them at their Myspace account.
Soulscape
Band Bio:
Begun in 2002 as a creative studio project. Founder members Mel Draper and Dan Precision integrated raw punk guitars with melancholy vocals and crisp programming. Drawing on many years of musical experience between them, and blending a diverse array of influences that ranged from gothic rock and post-punk to synth-pop and world music, a number of songs were penned that form the foundation of the recently released debut cd, Grave New World. - Soulscape Website
Reviews:
"Anchored with heart felt, emotional lyrics and propelled by grand rock anthem like melodies along with dance friendly beats, Chicago's Soulscape may have found a combination for success in this somewhat fickle scene. With their lead vocalist no stranger to club nights, this marriage between old school goth rock and new dance/electronica (via the new wave influences of the '80s), attempts to give patrons the best of both." - Starvox
"a symphony meets switchblades" - ChainDLK
My Two Cents:
Upcoming Electro-Goth band from Chicago, Soulscape are not only super nice guys (they played at my club night) but they are super-talented and put on a great live show. Unlike a lot of certain E-G acts they pack a much deeper lyrical punch and the lead singer can actually sing instead of just doing that sort of shouty-singing I see so many do.
Further Reading:
Check out the ChainDLK interview, download more songs at their Soundclick site, or buddy up with them at their Myspace account.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
The Gathering - "Saturnine" (live)
The Gathering
Band Bio:
Holland's premier band, The Gathering, have always been a continual guarantee for both creatively challenging and special releases. The band's early Celtic Frost/Hellhammer-inspired music was as welcomed as it was primitively heavy, and their transformation into a more atmospherically and euphorically rocking outfit brought even more wonder, amazement and adoration from their growing fan-base. The musical spectrum of the band is enormous; from the deeply atmospheric, electro-influenced songs to the more driving, metallic-rock numbers, the band's new offering is a pleasure for all fans of The Gathering's material. - The Gathering Website
Reviews:
"No, your eyes don’t deceive you, I have put "The Gathering" as genre for this album. I can’t compare them to anyone else. They have created a sound, which has grown from album to album. A sound, that reaches its maturity on this CD "Souvenirs". A maturity that has been helped by their independence as they have their own label now. If you really insist to have a name of another band as reference, maybe the closest match is Porcupine Tree. Especially the built-up of the songs points in the same direction. Every song is an emotion, a feeling that grows without any verses or choruses. They call it trip rock. Hans Rutten gave the definition "soundscape" to some of their songs that could be movie soundtracks, with a psychedelic touch." - Prog-Nose.org
"Starting with the wonderful 1995 release Mandylion and the lucky recruitment of the incomparable vocalist Anneke Van Giersbergen, the band brought its music to a new level of beauty and atmosphere. With each release, they refined their sound and tested boundaries with the kind of daring brilliance usually reserved for bands that influence an entire genre."- Left Off The Dial
"[The Gathering] is so mesmerizing you lose all track of time. That’s a strange experience, really!" - Rockzine
My Two Cents:
It once was metal, then, it became something else, something atmospheric and brilliant, dark and undefinable. This is a classic band, one of those European bands that never find stardom in the states even if they should. Look into this band. The song above is from a "semi-accoustic" performance, so the electronic elements are mostly stripped away, but the vocals carry it. A great song.
Further Reading:
You can find much more, including interviews, and songs to download at their official website.
The Gathering
Band Bio:
Holland's premier band, The Gathering, have always been a continual guarantee for both creatively challenging and special releases. The band's early Celtic Frost/Hellhammer-inspired music was as welcomed as it was primitively heavy, and their transformation into a more atmospherically and euphorically rocking outfit brought even more wonder, amazement and adoration from their growing fan-base. The musical spectrum of the band is enormous; from the deeply atmospheric, electro-influenced songs to the more driving, metallic-rock numbers, the band's new offering is a pleasure for all fans of The Gathering's material. - The Gathering Website
Reviews:
"No, your eyes don’t deceive you, I have put "The Gathering" as genre for this album. I can’t compare them to anyone else. They have created a sound, which has grown from album to album. A sound, that reaches its maturity on this CD "Souvenirs". A maturity that has been helped by their independence as they have their own label now. If you really insist to have a name of another band as reference, maybe the closest match is Porcupine Tree. Especially the built-up of the songs points in the same direction. Every song is an emotion, a feeling that grows without any verses or choruses. They call it trip rock. Hans Rutten gave the definition "soundscape" to some of their songs that could be movie soundtracks, with a psychedelic touch." - Prog-Nose.org
"Starting with the wonderful 1995 release Mandylion and the lucky recruitment of the incomparable vocalist Anneke Van Giersbergen, the band brought its music to a new level of beauty and atmosphere. With each release, they refined their sound and tested boundaries with the kind of daring brilliance usually reserved for bands that influence an entire genre."- Left Off The Dial
"[The Gathering] is so mesmerizing you lose all track of time. That’s a strange experience, really!" - Rockzine
My Two Cents:
It once was metal, then, it became something else, something atmospheric and brilliant, dark and undefinable. This is a classic band, one of those European bands that never find stardom in the states even if they should. Look into this band. The song above is from a "semi-accoustic" performance, so the electronic elements are mostly stripped away, but the vocals carry it. A great song.
Further Reading:
You can find much more, including interviews, and songs to download at their official website.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Skinny Puppy - "Pro-Test" Video
Breakdancing Rivetheads
Breakdancing battle between Hip-Hop crew and Industrial Rivetheads set to the tune of "Pro-Test" from the new Skinny Puppy CD "The Greater Wrong of The Right"
Plus, here is the "Wormcult" remix of the track.
Metascore of 75 for the CD if you were wondering.
Breakdancing Rivetheads
Breakdancing battle between Hip-Hop crew and Industrial Rivetheads set to the tune of "Pro-Test" from the new Skinny Puppy CD "The Greater Wrong of The Right"
Plus, here is the "Wormcult" remix of the track.
Metascore of 75 for the CD if you were wondering.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Frank The Baptist - All The Faces Mp3
Frank The Baptist
Band Bio:
Frank The Baptist was conceived out of a need for a sound that wasn't being heard in the San Diego underground. Frank wrote the songs and his cronies joined one by one to plug in, let their influences do the talking and bring the idea to life. They played their first show in Autumn of 97 and played locally for a few years wanting nothing more than to be a local, self sufficient band in control of their creativity, accessibility, and destiny. Their desire to be isolated from the rest of the world withered and so they sent out a message to see if anyone else was out there. As soon as they came out of their cave to play places like L.A., Long Beach, and Orange County the word was out and they were hounded by fans from around the world for recordings. Goodbye anonymity. Frank the Baptist is now on the Austrian Based record label Strobelight Records and has two full length releases through them. - Frank The Baptist Website
Reviews:
"The music of Frank the Baptist is sincere and powerful, yet modest. There is no fashion statement to be made, Frank concentrates simply on the music and lyrics, hiding underneath his simple top hat and jacket. From beginning to end the songs have all the emotional and music impact of The Chameleons UK, with the rock'n'roll sensibility of whats always reminded me distantly of TSOL." - Deathrock.com
"Frank The Baptist frequently throw conventional songwriting structures out of the window, an interesting aberration for a band which, in other respects, maintains a traditional rock 'n' roll set-up. And then, right at the finish, the band pull an epic out of the bag - 'All The Faces' is a slow-burning spooky anthem, somewhere between 'Riders On The Storm' and 'Ghost Riders In The Sky'." - Starvox.net
"Frank The Baptist play straight forward 80’s tinged atmospheric, melancholic rock and roll. It’s an eerie and elegant release and songs like Bleeding In My Arms and On My Tongue have proven to be popular on dance floors all over central Europe. It’s clear this San Diego based band has been influenced by The Chameleons and other gloomy, rollicking 80’s bands. Frank "The Baptist" Vollmann sings in a reflective, brooding manner and it compliments the dark, bleak soundscapes and sometimes poppy melodies." - Fiend Magazine
My Two Cents:
I didn't "get" Frank The Baptist until I saw them live at Convergence 10. But after that I was converted and now joyfully endorse this band to all who will listen. For all those who thought Goth had left the melodic guitars and moody vocals behind in favor of synths and drum-machines will be pleasantly surprised. Check it out, especially the latest CD "Beggars Would Ride".
Further Reading:
You can find an interview here (scroll down a bit).
Frank The Baptist
Band Bio:
Frank The Baptist was conceived out of a need for a sound that wasn't being heard in the San Diego underground. Frank wrote the songs and his cronies joined one by one to plug in, let their influences do the talking and bring the idea to life. They played their first show in Autumn of 97 and played locally for a few years wanting nothing more than to be a local, self sufficient band in control of their creativity, accessibility, and destiny. Their desire to be isolated from the rest of the world withered and so they sent out a message to see if anyone else was out there. As soon as they came out of their cave to play places like L.A., Long Beach, and Orange County the word was out and they were hounded by fans from around the world for recordings. Goodbye anonymity. Frank the Baptist is now on the Austrian Based record label Strobelight Records and has two full length releases through them. - Frank The Baptist Website
Reviews:
"The music of Frank the Baptist is sincere and powerful, yet modest. There is no fashion statement to be made, Frank concentrates simply on the music and lyrics, hiding underneath his simple top hat and jacket. From beginning to end the songs have all the emotional and music impact of The Chameleons UK, with the rock'n'roll sensibility of whats always reminded me distantly of TSOL." - Deathrock.com
"Frank The Baptist frequently throw conventional songwriting structures out of the window, an interesting aberration for a band which, in other respects, maintains a traditional rock 'n' roll set-up. And then, right at the finish, the band pull an epic out of the bag - 'All The Faces' is a slow-burning spooky anthem, somewhere between 'Riders On The Storm' and 'Ghost Riders In The Sky'." - Starvox.net
"Frank The Baptist play straight forward 80’s tinged atmospheric, melancholic rock and roll. It’s an eerie and elegant release and songs like Bleeding In My Arms and On My Tongue have proven to be popular on dance floors all over central Europe. It’s clear this San Diego based band has been influenced by The Chameleons and other gloomy, rollicking 80’s bands. Frank "The Baptist" Vollmann sings in a reflective, brooding manner and it compliments the dark, bleak soundscapes and sometimes poppy melodies." - Fiend Magazine
My Two Cents:
I didn't "get" Frank The Baptist until I saw them live at Convergence 10. But after that I was converted and now joyfully endorse this band to all who will listen. For all those who thought Goth had left the melodic guitars and moody vocals behind in favor of synths and drum-machines will be pleasantly surprised. Check it out, especially the latest CD "Beggars Would Ride".
Further Reading:
You can find an interview here (scroll down a bit).
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Inkubus Sukkubus - Belladonna and Aconite Mp3
Inkubus Sukkubus
Band Bio:
Inkubus Sukkubus formed in the summer of 1989 when Tony McKormack, Candia Ridley and Adam Henderson met at college studying graphic design. They shared an interest in paganism, witchcraft and vampirism as well as making original music from an early age, and so the type of band that was to emerge from the joining of forces was, quite naturally, an expression of this. Initially the band was called Incubus Succubus. The original aim of the band was (as it still is today) to be the vehicle in which the celebration of the Pagan experience could be conveyed. - Inkubus Sukkubus Website
Reviews:
"Inkubus Sukkubus is noted for their powerful female vocals, hard rocking guitars, and strong pagan lyrics. The music is far from the slow, melodramatic chants sometimes associated with Gothic music. "Vampyre Erotica" is filled with guitars, energy , and pounding drums. This CD is a call of the wild that sets young pagan hearts afire. Many who enjoy Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, or Christian Death will surely find this album comparable." - In Music We Trust
"Whilst there have been many bands that have pledged allegiance to the Pagan faith, few have done so with more enthusiasm (and, it might be added, more success) that the UK act Inkubus Sukkubus. Formed in 1989 by Candia, Tony and Adam, the project became a means by which they could explore and celebrate their religion. The outfit soon acquired a following in both Pagan and gothic circles (with many of their most devoted fans members of both!), keeping up an exhaustive touring schedule and even making it onto national radio." - Eraser Online
"By the gods I love this band! The latest offerering from IS is a definite must have for their fans. The production is great and the songs are true Inkubus Sukkubus. Recommended for goth/pagan/rock fans. The drum machine does not dominate as it did (in my opinion) on Supernature. Very dark and romantic in its way. Check out the cover art!" - Amazon.com Review
My Two Cents:
Welcome to the world of Pagan Goth (or is that Goth Paganism?). Inkubus Sukkubus stuck their pre-Christian religion into their dark Gothy roots and found that the two tasted great together! Drum machine, driving guitar and belted-out anthems to the Goddess rule here. The best thing to do is to enjoy the camp and pump those fists in the air!
Further Reading:
A ton of downloads and a very devotional fan-site should suffice.
Inkubus Sukkubus
Band Bio:
Inkubus Sukkubus formed in the summer of 1989 when Tony McKormack, Candia Ridley and Adam Henderson met at college studying graphic design. They shared an interest in paganism, witchcraft and vampirism as well as making original music from an early age, and so the type of band that was to emerge from the joining of forces was, quite naturally, an expression of this. Initially the band was called Incubus Succubus. The original aim of the band was (as it still is today) to be the vehicle in which the celebration of the Pagan experience could be conveyed. - Inkubus Sukkubus Website
Reviews:
"Inkubus Sukkubus is noted for their powerful female vocals, hard rocking guitars, and strong pagan lyrics. The music is far from the slow, melodramatic chants sometimes associated with Gothic music. "Vampyre Erotica" is filled with guitars, energy , and pounding drums. This CD is a call of the wild that sets young pagan hearts afire. Many who enjoy Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, or Christian Death will surely find this album comparable." - In Music We Trust
"Whilst there have been many bands that have pledged allegiance to the Pagan faith, few have done so with more enthusiasm (and, it might be added, more success) that the UK act Inkubus Sukkubus. Formed in 1989 by Candia, Tony and Adam, the project became a means by which they could explore and celebrate their religion. The outfit soon acquired a following in both Pagan and gothic circles (with many of their most devoted fans members of both!), keeping up an exhaustive touring schedule and even making it onto national radio." - Eraser Online
"By the gods I love this band! The latest offerering from IS is a definite must have for their fans. The production is great and the songs are true Inkubus Sukkubus. Recommended for goth/pagan/rock fans. The drum machine does not dominate as it did (in my opinion) on Supernature. Very dark and romantic in its way. Check out the cover art!" - Amazon.com Review
My Two Cents:
Welcome to the world of Pagan Goth (or is that Goth Paganism?). Inkubus Sukkubus stuck their pre-Christian religion into their dark Gothy roots and found that the two tasted great together! Drum machine, driving guitar and belted-out anthems to the Goddess rule here. The best thing to do is to enjoy the camp and pump those fists in the air!
Further Reading:
A ton of downloads and a very devotional fan-site should suffice.
Friday, August 13, 2004
S.A.V.A.S. - Dancing In Graveyards Mp3
Something About Vampires and Sluts
Band Bio:
Start with a base of Depeche Mode, followed by a dash of The Cure, a few sprinkles of Joy Division, and a hint of hardcore punk. Mix these influences in with two hot girls on keyboards, a Mick Jaggeresque singer, a guitar god, a flawless punk rock bassist, and an insessant drum machine, and you have just begun to taste the irresistable Something About Vampires and Sluts. - S.A.V.A.S. Website
Reviews:
"Sporting a Stonesy strut and a New Orderesque mixture of man and machine, Something About Vampires and Sluts have made an EP that perfectly accentuates the indie scene's current "dance it up" attitude. The very title suggests a bad-ass brashness that's anything but ironic; this is the product of a generation ready to reclaim the dancefloor for the punk-minded." - Splendid
"...old school vocal stylings reminescent of The Ramones, and early The Cure married to a saucier rendition of The Clash. The heavy guitar and bass lines will keep your pelvis rocking into the grave. The percussion often races into warp speed that often works well and at other times... leaves me guessing, but not in a bad way. This seems like rock 'n' roll experimentation with a jovial kick in the pants. Not a dull moment!" - In Music We Trust
"I knew not what to expect from a name like Something About Vampires and Sluts, but I think I like what I’m given. Punk guitar, retro keyboards, Brit-garage vocals, and an ever present drum machine may be all the pieces to the rock puzzle you’ve been looking for. Something About Vampires and Sluts is another band with the "old is the new new" vibe, and although comparisons can be made to others in this vein, I’m Not Afraid of Sex is a unique jewel in the rough." - Lost At Sea
My Two Cents:
Like another famous/infamous band they give full respect to their drum machine, they even give it it's own e-mail address on the website. Also they rock. Also they sing about dancing in graveyards. Truly how can you ignore this track?
Further Reading:
Look, here are more Mp3s for download
and here is an interview with the band.
Something About Vampires and Sluts
Band Bio:
Start with a base of Depeche Mode, followed by a dash of The Cure, a few sprinkles of Joy Division, and a hint of hardcore punk. Mix these influences in with two hot girls on keyboards, a Mick Jaggeresque singer, a guitar god, a flawless punk rock bassist, and an insessant drum machine, and you have just begun to taste the irresistable Something About Vampires and Sluts. - S.A.V.A.S. Website
Reviews:
"Sporting a Stonesy strut and a New Orderesque mixture of man and machine, Something About Vampires and Sluts have made an EP that perfectly accentuates the indie scene's current "dance it up" attitude. The very title suggests a bad-ass brashness that's anything but ironic; this is the product of a generation ready to reclaim the dancefloor for the punk-minded." - Splendid
"...old school vocal stylings reminescent of The Ramones, and early The Cure married to a saucier rendition of The Clash. The heavy guitar and bass lines will keep your pelvis rocking into the grave. The percussion often races into warp speed that often works well and at other times... leaves me guessing, but not in a bad way. This seems like rock 'n' roll experimentation with a jovial kick in the pants. Not a dull moment!" - In Music We Trust
"I knew not what to expect from a name like Something About Vampires and Sluts, but I think I like what I’m given. Punk guitar, retro keyboards, Brit-garage vocals, and an ever present drum machine may be all the pieces to the rock puzzle you’ve been looking for. Something About Vampires and Sluts is another band with the "old is the new new" vibe, and although comparisons can be made to others in this vein, I’m Not Afraid of Sex is a unique jewel in the rough." - Lost At Sea
My Two Cents:
Like another famous/infamous band they give full respect to their drum machine, they even give it it's own e-mail address on the website. Also they rock. Also they sing about dancing in graveyards. Truly how can you ignore this track?
Further Reading:
Look, here are more Mp3s for download
and here is an interview with the band.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Collide - Violet's Dance Mp3
Collide - Son of a Preacher Man Mp3
Collide
Band Bio:
The principle members of Collide, Statik and kaRIN, met in 1993 at a Los Angeles industrial club. Statik, who is responsible for all of the music and production, has lent his skills to such artists as Tool, Leonard Cohen, Love & Rockets, Powerman 5000 and Skinny Puppy, to name a few. kaRIN provides vocals and lyrics, and also has her own line of handmade, decorated metal cases called "Saints and Sinners." The duo chose the name Collide as a description of the clashing and melding of their styles and talents into a powerful whole. - Collide Website
Reviews:
"Imagine yourself in the humid heat of summer, stripped to near nothing, covered in delicious sweat, languid and supine. Now, crank up the erotic possibilities, and you have a rough idea of the atmosphere set by Collide's Some Kind of Strange. Easily their best work to date, Collide has put forth a solid release filled with sexy rhythms and an overall sultry atmosphere, though possibly unlike anything one might have expected. Some Kind of Strange moves into a mellow groove filled with edgy guitars, touches of acoustic, topped with masterful and highly textured programming." - Sublevel
"They bring to mind a more unnerving Portishead or an electronic blend of other female fronted rock acts like Curve, Garbage, & Tapping The Vein but their far from sounding like knock off clones." - Grave Concerns
"Hey kids, tired of the soulless fodder available at your local record store? Well, "in the middle of darkness there is a light", Collide's latest is dripping with hot sweaty soul. Long overdue but well worth the wait, "Chasing the Ghost" slithers in and out of your mental meat dropping unnoticed fertile eggs at each and every turn. This is an ethereal, emotive disc that crosses the cold fire of early Siouxsie with the warm urgency of modern trip hop, yet wholly manages to defy categorization. The lyrics intrigue and kaRIN's vocals are seductive and powerful enough to make the hair on your ass stand up and take notice. Statik, the insane digital wizard behind the music, takes us places we haven't been since those feverish, chemical induced, lucid dreams of yesteryear." - Side-Line
My Two Cents:
Bands like Collide have picked up elements of Trip-Hop and re-positioned it as a darker genre for the Goth-Industrial dance floor. This studio project (they are playing their first ever live show this Halloween) proves that there is a lot of subtlety to be heard amidst the typical 4/4 Futurepop thumpings.
Further Reading:
Loads of interviews posted on their website along with several more Mp3s.
Collide - Son of a Preacher Man Mp3
Collide
Band Bio:
The principle members of Collide, Statik and kaRIN, met in 1993 at a Los Angeles industrial club. Statik, who is responsible for all of the music and production, has lent his skills to such artists as Tool, Leonard Cohen, Love & Rockets, Powerman 5000 and Skinny Puppy, to name a few. kaRIN provides vocals and lyrics, and also has her own line of handmade, decorated metal cases called "Saints and Sinners." The duo chose the name Collide as a description of the clashing and melding of their styles and talents into a powerful whole. - Collide Website
Reviews:
"Imagine yourself in the humid heat of summer, stripped to near nothing, covered in delicious sweat, languid and supine. Now, crank up the erotic possibilities, and you have a rough idea of the atmosphere set by Collide's Some Kind of Strange. Easily their best work to date, Collide has put forth a solid release filled with sexy rhythms and an overall sultry atmosphere, though possibly unlike anything one might have expected. Some Kind of Strange moves into a mellow groove filled with edgy guitars, touches of acoustic, topped with masterful and highly textured programming." - Sublevel
"They bring to mind a more unnerving Portishead or an electronic blend of other female fronted rock acts like Curve, Garbage, & Tapping The Vein but their far from sounding like knock off clones." - Grave Concerns
"Hey kids, tired of the soulless fodder available at your local record store? Well, "in the middle of darkness there is a light", Collide's latest is dripping with hot sweaty soul. Long overdue but well worth the wait, "Chasing the Ghost" slithers in and out of your mental meat dropping unnoticed fertile eggs at each and every turn. This is an ethereal, emotive disc that crosses the cold fire of early Siouxsie with the warm urgency of modern trip hop, yet wholly manages to defy categorization. The lyrics intrigue and kaRIN's vocals are seductive and powerful enough to make the hair on your ass stand up and take notice. Statik, the insane digital wizard behind the music, takes us places we haven't been since those feverish, chemical induced, lucid dreams of yesteryear." - Side-Line
My Two Cents:
Bands like Collide have picked up elements of Trip-Hop and re-positioned it as a darker genre for the Goth-Industrial dance floor. This studio project (they are playing their first ever live show this Halloween) proves that there is a lot of subtlety to be heard amidst the typical 4/4 Futurepop thumpings.
Further Reading:
Loads of interviews posted on their website along with several more Mp3s.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Crack:WAR - Our Friend Sisyphus Mp3
Crack:We Are Rock
Band Bio:
From the murky border between the urban jungle and the smoldering forests of Hades comes Crack: We Are Rock. Spawned as a cough syrup-fueled dream somewhere in the Midwest, circa 1995, founder King Riff brought his vision to San Francisco and performed under the Crack:WAR banner with a revolving cast of savants and sociopaths. After teaming up with black metal poseur Obscuratron, the line-up solidified with the addition of L'Erin and Le Kim, sirens with a poetic vision who had fallen off the back of a caravan from a satanic children’s circus. Combining electronics gone wrong with glue-sniffer schoolyard taunts and festering disco rhythms, Crack:WAR gave the robo-chic sound the surrealist bathroom beatdown it so savagely deserved. - Crack:WAR Website
Reviews:
"If the new electro-pop stance is that of an ice-cold bitch, the girls in Crack: We Are Rock (Crack: WAR) couldn't give more frostbite if they were frozen solid. The San Francisco outfit skates through no wave, synth pop, and industrial noise on the blades of pretentiousness, deadpanning fitting robotic lyrics like, "Closing the door/someday you'll pay/cold as ice," as if they're simply executing commands from a master computer." - The Stranger
"Synths, beatboxes, hooker legs, and caves…that’s CRACK W.A.R… If yr into TRACY & THE PLASTICS, that’ll give you an inkling into the minds of these boys and girls…it’s eerie in the CRACK W.A.R…like a dark and dusty attic with unlocked wooded chests full of old Victorian Age pictures of yr family…you know the ones…pictures of people not smiling cause they have to stand there for hours for the film to capture their image…unsettling…like the CRACK W.A.R." - Blank Generation
" Musically this lies somewhere between a goth rave and a feisty laptop album with a small dose of those 2 chicks that sing the Mothra song in Godzilla Vs. Mothra. It's electronic through and through with a lot of odd atmospheres and sci fi soundscapes added in. When Le Kim and L'Erin sing it's more like an evil chant by two crazy girls with a jump rope. This is really hard to even begin to describe but in the same breath let me say this is strikingly brilliant. It's noisy, it's catchy, it's annoying, it's tight, and most of all it is unlike anything else I have heard. Fans of the avant garde and the madness of bands that most people won't like will find new heroes in Tigerbeat 6's Crack: We Are Rock." - 1340Mag
My Two Cents:
As you can tell from the above reviews this is some strange dark music, and I mean that in the best way possible. The singers evoke the kind of creepy that Switchblade Symphony could only dream about and the atmospheres are oppressive, claustrophobic and above all dark. This is my favorite track from the CD so I'm glad they posted it.
Further Reading:
Read an interview with the band or download a video interview. On top of that, they have more Mp3 at their website.
Crack:We Are Rock
Band Bio:
From the murky border between the urban jungle and the smoldering forests of Hades comes Crack: We Are Rock. Spawned as a cough syrup-fueled dream somewhere in the Midwest, circa 1995, founder King Riff brought his vision to San Francisco and performed under the Crack:WAR banner with a revolving cast of savants and sociopaths. After teaming up with black metal poseur Obscuratron, the line-up solidified with the addition of L'Erin and Le Kim, sirens with a poetic vision who had fallen off the back of a caravan from a satanic children’s circus. Combining electronics gone wrong with glue-sniffer schoolyard taunts and festering disco rhythms, Crack:WAR gave the robo-chic sound the surrealist bathroom beatdown it so savagely deserved. - Crack:WAR Website
Reviews:
"If the new electro-pop stance is that of an ice-cold bitch, the girls in Crack: We Are Rock (Crack: WAR) couldn't give more frostbite if they were frozen solid. The San Francisco outfit skates through no wave, synth pop, and industrial noise on the blades of pretentiousness, deadpanning fitting robotic lyrics like, "Closing the door/someday you'll pay/cold as ice," as if they're simply executing commands from a master computer." - The Stranger
"Synths, beatboxes, hooker legs, and caves…that’s CRACK W.A.R… If yr into TRACY & THE PLASTICS, that’ll give you an inkling into the minds of these boys and girls…it’s eerie in the CRACK W.A.R…like a dark and dusty attic with unlocked wooded chests full of old Victorian Age pictures of yr family…you know the ones…pictures of people not smiling cause they have to stand there for hours for the film to capture their image…unsettling…like the CRACK W.A.R." - Blank Generation
" Musically this lies somewhere between a goth rave and a feisty laptop album with a small dose of those 2 chicks that sing the Mothra song in Godzilla Vs. Mothra. It's electronic through and through with a lot of odd atmospheres and sci fi soundscapes added in. When Le Kim and L'Erin sing it's more like an evil chant by two crazy girls with a jump rope. This is really hard to even begin to describe but in the same breath let me say this is strikingly brilliant. It's noisy, it's catchy, it's annoying, it's tight, and most of all it is unlike anything else I have heard. Fans of the avant garde and the madness of bands that most people won't like will find new heroes in Tigerbeat 6's Crack: We Are Rock." - 1340Mag
My Two Cents:
As you can tell from the above reviews this is some strange dark music, and I mean that in the best way possible. The singers evoke the kind of creepy that Switchblade Symphony could only dream about and the atmospheres are oppressive, claustrophobic and above all dark. This is my favorite track from the CD so I'm glad they posted it.
Further Reading:
Read an interview with the band or download a video interview. On top of that, they have more Mp3 at their website.
Monday, August 09, 2004
The Dresden Dolls - Girl Anachronism Mp3
The Dresden Dolls
Band Bio:
Combine the smoky cellars of a Weimar-era cabaret with the rock n' roll fury of Joan Jett, PJ Harvey and The Violent Femmes and you have a remote idea of what to expect when experiencing The Dresden Dolls. Ever since taking up arms in mid-2000, the über-dynamic duo of Amanda Palmer (Piano/Vox) and Brian Viglione (Drums) has been selling out clubs in Boston, New York and beyond. Palmer accompanies her confessional story-songs with a thunderous and shimmering piano style that rests on the shoulders of Jerry Lee Lewis and Nina Simone. Viglione's jazz and hardcore-influenced drumming and creative percussion are the perfect foil, providing in turns a delicate cradle of rhythm and a piercing bed of nails onto which Palmer lays her raw, tragicomic lyrics. - The Dresden Dolls Website
Reviews:
"Palmer's booming vocals have amazing depth with the power to pull people into her twisted stories of psychotic love, hatred and pain. Her voice can easily fluctuate from guttural rants to tender confessions, and it is this skill that makes the songs so appealing. All of the emotions are multiplied during her live performance as her body squirms and shifts positions -- her knee often lifts to above the keys and her legs sway open and closed. Her physical movements onstage give off both an uncomfortable and therapeutic feeling, as if she is battling her demons on stage." - Pop Matters
Head Doll Amanda Palmer's voice can slide from shipwreck bullhorn to girly twitter and back within the same line. To gauge the confused awe she inspires in the listener, you have to think back to the first time you've heard air through the vocal cords of Polly Jean Harvey. Palmer's huge sound appears to come almost infuriatingly easy: a natural on stage, she carelessly whispers, sniffles, scat-sings, murmurs asides, and frequently cracks up at her own lyrics, all the while playing respectable piano. Mime-faced drummer Brian Viglione supplies tactful brushwork for her verses, and sets mighty tom rolls for grand finales. - Pitchfork Media
"Palmer plays the piano like a demented cabaret goddess and sings like no one else can. Viglione drums steadily and with fiery passion. They call it Brechtian punk cabaret and that's as good a label as any." - Collected Sounds
My Two Cents:
We now enter the world of dark cabaret, a genre I thought to inhabited by very few. This band of course, and maybe and occasional Nick Cave tune when he's in the mood, but lately I have been finding other artists who are working the same shtick, is it turning into a genre? Will academics do in-depth anaylsis? Only time will tell, in the meantime, this is a great song.
Further Reading:
A Dresden Dolls interview, plus you can download more Mp3s from their website.
The Dresden Dolls
Band Bio:
Combine the smoky cellars of a Weimar-era cabaret with the rock n' roll fury of Joan Jett, PJ Harvey and The Violent Femmes and you have a remote idea of what to expect when experiencing The Dresden Dolls. Ever since taking up arms in mid-2000, the über-dynamic duo of Amanda Palmer (Piano/Vox) and Brian Viglione (Drums) has been selling out clubs in Boston, New York and beyond. Palmer accompanies her confessional story-songs with a thunderous and shimmering piano style that rests on the shoulders of Jerry Lee Lewis and Nina Simone. Viglione's jazz and hardcore-influenced drumming and creative percussion are the perfect foil, providing in turns a delicate cradle of rhythm and a piercing bed of nails onto which Palmer lays her raw, tragicomic lyrics. - The Dresden Dolls Website
Reviews:
"Palmer's booming vocals have amazing depth with the power to pull people into her twisted stories of psychotic love, hatred and pain. Her voice can easily fluctuate from guttural rants to tender confessions, and it is this skill that makes the songs so appealing. All of the emotions are multiplied during her live performance as her body squirms and shifts positions -- her knee often lifts to above the keys and her legs sway open and closed. Her physical movements onstage give off both an uncomfortable and therapeutic feeling, as if she is battling her demons on stage." - Pop Matters
Head Doll Amanda Palmer's voice can slide from shipwreck bullhorn to girly twitter and back within the same line. To gauge the confused awe she inspires in the listener, you have to think back to the first time you've heard air through the vocal cords of Polly Jean Harvey. Palmer's huge sound appears to come almost infuriatingly easy: a natural on stage, she carelessly whispers, sniffles, scat-sings, murmurs asides, and frequently cracks up at her own lyrics, all the while playing respectable piano. Mime-faced drummer Brian Viglione supplies tactful brushwork for her verses, and sets mighty tom rolls for grand finales. - Pitchfork Media
"Palmer plays the piano like a demented cabaret goddess and sings like no one else can. Viglione drums steadily and with fiery passion. They call it Brechtian punk cabaret and that's as good a label as any." - Collected Sounds
My Two Cents:
We now enter the world of dark cabaret, a genre I thought to inhabited by very few. This band of course, and maybe and occasional Nick Cave tune when he's in the mood, but lately I have been finding other artists who are working the same shtick, is it turning into a genre? Will academics do in-depth anaylsis? Only time will tell, in the meantime, this is a great song.
Further Reading:
A Dresden Dolls interview, plus you can download more Mp3s from their website.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Faith and Disease - Marie Don't Sleep In Your Makeup Mp3
Faith and Disease - She's Got A Halo Mp3
Faith and Disease
Band Bio:
Faith & Disease formed in Seattle, WA, and from 1994 to 1998 released 5 albums on Ivy Records. Recently the band signed with Projekt Records and have released two albums ("Beneath The Trees" and "Passport To Kumming"). F&D are the nucleus of Dara Rosenwasser and Eric Cooley, and have gone on two headlining US tours, were selected to play CMJ '99, NXNW '97 and '98, and most recently the sixth annual Convergence Festival. Their music is ambient, etheral, beautifully melancholic melodies with angelic female vocals and lush guitars, keyboards and varied instrumentation. - Faith and Disease website
Reviews:
"The album opens with the bass driven “She’s Got a Halo,” which spotlight’s both Rosenwasser’s soothing and quietly powerful vocals and Cooley’s masterful guitar arrangements in a way that is at once reminiscent of classic Faith and Disease while also being evocative of the band’s current foray into the world of lo-fi, scaled down, sadcore, arrangements that seem more appropriate to labels such as CMK or Kranky than Projekt. “She’s Got a Halo” is followed by tracks that become successively more stripped down, successively more vulnerable, and successively more beautiful" - Losing Today
"All sorts of ancient machinery and wizardry are plied tonight. Nico and My Bloody Valentine by way of madrigals and Morgana Le Fey." - Ink19
"Faith and Disease's slow transformation from a quietly elegant goth band to an equally quietly elegant group with a broader range has been one of darker music's better pleasures over recent years. Passage to Kunming continues that progression — the first song alone, "She's Got a Halo," suggests everything from New Order's warm bass flow to the Moon Seven Times's rich rural reflections and back again. It's a perfect sign that the core duo of Dara Rosenwasser and Eric Cooley aren't content to simply replicate their past, and if the album title and graphics would seem to promise an exploration into Chinese music more than anything else, the focus here is more on other interests." - Allmusic.com
My Two Cents:
What more can I say that hasn't been said in the reviews above other than that Faith and Disease make haunting beautiful music that brings me a lot of joy. The two songs linked above are two of my favorites by the band.
Further Reading:
ChainDLK interview, ten questions with the band, and a ton of Mp3s.
Faith and Disease - She's Got A Halo Mp3
Faith and Disease
Band Bio:
Faith & Disease formed in Seattle, WA, and from 1994 to 1998 released 5 albums on Ivy Records. Recently the band signed with Projekt Records and have released two albums ("Beneath The Trees" and "Passport To Kumming"). F&D are the nucleus of Dara Rosenwasser and Eric Cooley, and have gone on two headlining US tours, were selected to play CMJ '99, NXNW '97 and '98, and most recently the sixth annual Convergence Festival. Their music is ambient, etheral, beautifully melancholic melodies with angelic female vocals and lush guitars, keyboards and varied instrumentation. - Faith and Disease website
Reviews:
"The album opens with the bass driven “She’s Got a Halo,” which spotlight’s both Rosenwasser’s soothing and quietly powerful vocals and Cooley’s masterful guitar arrangements in a way that is at once reminiscent of classic Faith and Disease while also being evocative of the band’s current foray into the world of lo-fi, scaled down, sadcore, arrangements that seem more appropriate to labels such as CMK or Kranky than Projekt. “She’s Got a Halo” is followed by tracks that become successively more stripped down, successively more vulnerable, and successively more beautiful" - Losing Today
"All sorts of ancient machinery and wizardry are plied tonight. Nico and My Bloody Valentine by way of madrigals and Morgana Le Fey." - Ink19
"Faith and Disease's slow transformation from a quietly elegant goth band to an equally quietly elegant group with a broader range has been one of darker music's better pleasures over recent years. Passage to Kunming continues that progression — the first song alone, "She's Got a Halo," suggests everything from New Order's warm bass flow to the Moon Seven Times's rich rural reflections and back again. It's a perfect sign that the core duo of Dara Rosenwasser and Eric Cooley aren't content to simply replicate their past, and if the album title and graphics would seem to promise an exploration into Chinese music more than anything else, the focus here is more on other interests." - Allmusic.com
My Two Cents:
What more can I say that hasn't been said in the reviews above other than that Faith and Disease make haunting beautiful music that brings me a lot of joy. The two songs linked above are two of my favorites by the band.
Further Reading:
ChainDLK interview, ten questions with the band, and a ton of Mp3s.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Swann Danger - Motion To Bliss Mp3
Swann Danger
Band Bio:
Swann Danger is an Oakland, California based band that includes Andy Zevallos on bass and drum machine and Cynthia Mansourian on guitar and vocals. Andy and Cynthia were both members of the band Heart of Snow who put out an EP on GSL before imploding in 2002. - Swann Danger Website
Reviews:
"The music is a duel of fluid, sludgy bass and bursts of noisy guitar that reminds me of The Birthday Party meets Neurosis. Cynthia's vocal approach is a moody warble, much like her previous work in Heart of Snow. The songs are all plodding in tempo, but restless in melody. They offer a good range of intimidating and heavy sounds." - Deathrock.com
"Swann Danger plays well thought out and artistically interesting music. Expect no loud guitars and straightforward drums, the music is subtle with great attention to mood and atmosphere. Next to that Swann Danger makes use of unusual song structures and rhythms, which is clearly portrayed in 'All is Forgiven' and 'The Now is Mine'. Songs like 'Motion to Bliss' and 'Blood and Glory' can easily compete with the best Siouxsie material." - Funprox.com
My Two Cents:
Evoking a slinky atmosphere and torchy singing this band helps sonically broaden the recent crop of dark bands who have for the most part been leaning on a more noisy and discordant atmosphere. This is a band who has it all together on their first EP and we can only expect better things in the future.
Further Reading:
You can find more Swann Danger Mp3s at their website.
Swann Danger
Band Bio:
Swann Danger is an Oakland, California based band that includes Andy Zevallos on bass and drum machine and Cynthia Mansourian on guitar and vocals. Andy and Cynthia were both members of the band Heart of Snow who put out an EP on GSL before imploding in 2002. - Swann Danger Website
Reviews:
"The music is a duel of fluid, sludgy bass and bursts of noisy guitar that reminds me of The Birthday Party meets Neurosis. Cynthia's vocal approach is a moody warble, much like her previous work in Heart of Snow. The songs are all plodding in tempo, but restless in melody. They offer a good range of intimidating and heavy sounds." - Deathrock.com
"Swann Danger plays well thought out and artistically interesting music. Expect no loud guitars and straightforward drums, the music is subtle with great attention to mood and atmosphere. Next to that Swann Danger makes use of unusual song structures and rhythms, which is clearly portrayed in 'All is Forgiven' and 'The Now is Mine'. Songs like 'Motion to Bliss' and 'Blood and Glory' can easily compete with the best Siouxsie material." - Funprox.com
My Two Cents:
Evoking a slinky atmosphere and torchy singing this band helps sonically broaden the recent crop of dark bands who have for the most part been leaning on a more noisy and discordant atmosphere. This is a band who has it all together on their first EP and we can only expect better things in the future.
Further Reading:
You can find more Swann Danger Mp3s at their website.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
The Phantom Limbs - Castanets Cookie Mp3
The Phantom Limbs
Band Bio:
The Phantom Limbs have subjected West Coast punk, goth, metal, and indie audiences alike to their psychosis with equal appreciation since the late 90's. Like a carny sideshow, The Phantom Limbs thrive equally on the awe and anxiety of the crowd. Their music is a swirling amalgamation of old school punk, deathrock, and no wave mixed with the theatre songs of Kurt Weil, or Gilbert and Sullivan gone terribly wrong. - Phantom Limbs Website
Reviews:
"Lead vocalist Hopeless has honed his unsettling, unforgettable, strangled howl, imbuing even seemingly innocuous line[s] with undiluted demon's breath; Mike Klösoff hammers the skins with imposing, fascistic precision… Jason Miller's guitar [is] at once villainous, hallucinatory, and disconcertingly familiar … and organist Stevenson Sedgwick lords over them all, stomping up and down on his keyboard, as if he were really on loan from hell. - Silke Tudor - SF Weekly 9/03/2003
"straight-up goth-punk-n-roll with hauntingly carnivalesque organ sounds to sweep everything together… a perfect combo." -Punk Planet
"The phantom limbs take a melodic approach to punk, but set it to eerie, grinding keyboards farfisa organ style, like a Baptist sermon from hell. The singer's voice is fittingly desperate and high energy to match the frantic pace of the songs. The keys are the most compelling I've ever heard in a punk band, reminiscent of the Dwarves garage punk days, but this is far more dirgey. The frantic funeral pace of the keyboards meets somewhere in the middle of that and a carnival sideshow. This is really a great band." - Deathrock.com
My Two Cents:
I thought this would be a good companion to my Black Ice post (band-cross-overs and all that), in fact in many ways you could copy my reasoning for that last post and apply it this one. The fact that many Goths ignore these bands (except I suppose in their hometown) is a major crime.
Further Reading:
You can find more Mp3s of the band at their Alternative Tentacles page and here is an interview with the band.
The Phantom Limbs
Band Bio:
The Phantom Limbs have subjected West Coast punk, goth, metal, and indie audiences alike to their psychosis with equal appreciation since the late 90's. Like a carny sideshow, The Phantom Limbs thrive equally on the awe and anxiety of the crowd. Their music is a swirling amalgamation of old school punk, deathrock, and no wave mixed with the theatre songs of Kurt Weil, or Gilbert and Sullivan gone terribly wrong. - Phantom Limbs Website
Reviews:
"Lead vocalist Hopeless has honed his unsettling, unforgettable, strangled howl, imbuing even seemingly innocuous line[s] with undiluted demon's breath; Mike Klösoff hammers the skins with imposing, fascistic precision… Jason Miller's guitar [is] at once villainous, hallucinatory, and disconcertingly familiar … and organist Stevenson Sedgwick lords over them all, stomping up and down on his keyboard, as if he were really on loan from hell. - Silke Tudor - SF Weekly 9/03/2003
"straight-up goth-punk-n-roll with hauntingly carnivalesque organ sounds to sweep everything together… a perfect combo." -Punk Planet
"The phantom limbs take a melodic approach to punk, but set it to eerie, grinding keyboards farfisa organ style, like a Baptist sermon from hell. The singer's voice is fittingly desperate and high energy to match the frantic pace of the songs. The keys are the most compelling I've ever heard in a punk band, reminiscent of the Dwarves garage punk days, but this is far more dirgey. The frantic funeral pace of the keyboards meets somewhere in the middle of that and a carnival sideshow. This is really a great band." - Deathrock.com
My Two Cents:
I thought this would be a good companion to my Black Ice post (band-cross-overs and all that), in fact in many ways you could copy my reasoning for that last post and apply it this one. The fact that many Goths ignore these bands (except I suppose in their hometown) is a major crime.
Further Reading:
You can find more Mp3s of the band at their Alternative Tentacles page and here is an interview with the band.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Black Ice - Broken Pieces Mp3
Black Ice
Band Bio:
Stevenson Sedgwick (the phantom limbs, factory of angst) and Sköt B (anal kitties, the phantom limbs) formed Black Ice in 1999. Black Ice concentrated on making music with acoustic instruments, samples, and found sounds that they then tweaked and twisted through a myriad of studio effects. Their early music was primarily instrumental and was often used in the service of art performances in and around the SF Bay Area at places such as Cell Space in San Francisco and Mungasoland in Oakland. 2001 saw the addition of Miss Kel (sister mary shoelace) on vocals. The band, now a three piece, set to work. - Black Ice Website
Reviews:
"Like a child's nightmare, Black Ice conjures images of creepy little things that live in your attic, under your bed, and in your head. It's an atmosphere of discomfort. All of the songs on the E.P. work in cohesion, and Miss Kel's vocals come at you like those of a forsaken porcelain doll that's been rotting away in your basement covered in cobwebs for the past 50 years." - Deathrock.com
"On its debut 10-inch the band fulfills its previous four-song demo's promise of florid poetry and languid drama with new songs that reveal teeth -- not delicate, razor-sharp eyeteeth for piercing flesh, but big, broad molars for grinding bones. With more pounds of pressure per cubic inch, Black Ice is clearly coming of age, and it's a very black beast, indeed." - Silke Tudor, SF Weekly
"Black Ice create a slow and spacious deathrock sound not unlike those experimental moments at the opening of "Bela Lugoi's Dead." Evocative and patient, Black Ice are in league with the monsters under your bed. They entrance you. They misplace your car keys. They steal your socks." - Starvox.net
My Two Cents:
Call it "Deathrock", call it "Death-Disco" call it "Goth", whatever you call it Black Ice is one of the rising stars of the dark music underground, it's bands like these that maintain my faith that I'm not wasting my time doing all this. This track has it all, great vocals, texture and plenty of heavy dread-filled gloom that surrounds the listener.
Further Reading:
Here is an interview with Black Ice, plus you might want to check out Miss Kel's side-project Noise Collage and Stevenson Sedgwick's other band The Phantom Limbs.
Black Ice
Band Bio:
Stevenson Sedgwick (the phantom limbs, factory of angst) and Sköt B (anal kitties, the phantom limbs) formed Black Ice in 1999. Black Ice concentrated on making music with acoustic instruments, samples, and found sounds that they then tweaked and twisted through a myriad of studio effects. Their early music was primarily instrumental and was often used in the service of art performances in and around the SF Bay Area at places such as Cell Space in San Francisco and Mungasoland in Oakland. 2001 saw the addition of Miss Kel (sister mary shoelace) on vocals. The band, now a three piece, set to work. - Black Ice Website
Reviews:
"Like a child's nightmare, Black Ice conjures images of creepy little things that live in your attic, under your bed, and in your head. It's an atmosphere of discomfort. All of the songs on the E.P. work in cohesion, and Miss Kel's vocals come at you like those of a forsaken porcelain doll that's been rotting away in your basement covered in cobwebs for the past 50 years." - Deathrock.com
"On its debut 10-inch the band fulfills its previous four-song demo's promise of florid poetry and languid drama with new songs that reveal teeth -- not delicate, razor-sharp eyeteeth for piercing flesh, but big, broad molars for grinding bones. With more pounds of pressure per cubic inch, Black Ice is clearly coming of age, and it's a very black beast, indeed." - Silke Tudor, SF Weekly
"Black Ice create a slow and spacious deathrock sound not unlike those experimental moments at the opening of "Bela Lugoi's Dead." Evocative and patient, Black Ice are in league with the monsters under your bed. They entrance you. They misplace your car keys. They steal your socks." - Starvox.net
My Two Cents:
Call it "Deathrock", call it "Death-Disco" call it "Goth", whatever you call it Black Ice is one of the rising stars of the dark music underground, it's bands like these that maintain my faith that I'm not wasting my time doing all this. This track has it all, great vocals, texture and plenty of heavy dread-filled gloom that surrounds the listener.
Further Reading:
Here is an interview with Black Ice, plus you might want to check out Miss Kel's side-project Noise Collage and Stevenson Sedgwick's other band The Phantom Limbs.