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.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
MySpace Madness
Thought I would do something different and highlight some bands that I have been digging thanks to the excellent networking tool MySpace.com. In my opinion MySpace is becoming the true heir to the old Mp3.com site, tons of obscure and up-and-coming artists sharing their music. It has been a treasure trove of new dark stuff, so I thought I would make this a semi-regular installment.
Femme Fatality
Poppy, new-wave with a nice dark twist.
Quidam
Synth-pop with deathrock tendancies, live tracks from the famous "Pagan Love Songs" club.
Jenn Vix
A mix of trip-hop, and dark electro.
Darvoset
Electro-rock with new-wave leanings.
More to come in the future, or just go and explore for yourself!
Thought I would do something different and highlight some bands that I have been digging thanks to the excellent networking tool MySpace.com. In my opinion MySpace is becoming the true heir to the old Mp3.com site, tons of obscure and up-and-coming artists sharing their music. It has been a treasure trove of new dark stuff, so I thought I would make this a semi-regular installment.
Femme Fatality
Poppy, new-wave with a nice dark twist.
Quidam
Synth-pop with deathrock tendancies, live tracks from the famous "Pagan Love Songs" club.
Jenn Vix
A mix of trip-hop, and dark electro.
Darvoset
Electro-rock with new-wave leanings.
More to come in the future, or just go and explore for yourself!
Monday, January 24, 2005
Girls Under Glass - In The Darkness Mp3
Girls Under Glass
Band Bio:
Girls Under Glass, founded in 1986 are still alive. The alternative scene has changed much over the past two decades; more and more bands have proved that their idea of crossing and melting different elements in music - from Metal through Electro -Trance to Industrial can be successful. Girls Under Glass have always been innovators of musical openness and known for their overlapping mixture of styles since G.U.G's founding in 1986. - Girls Under Glass Website
Reviews:
"While standard with the expected chunky guitar riffs, heavy bass, electronic grooves and some German / some English lyrics, it's quite good for its genre. And no qualms can be passed here, as GUG have been playing and pioneering this form of music for nigh on fifteen years." - Legends Magazine
"The material is good and, believe it or not, all songs are actually good! A couple of them remind me of typical goth metal. But there is a positive difference in the presence of electronic sounds and melodies. Girls under Glass is not a monotonous band and offers variety." - Release Magazine
"...their back-catalogue and shows a talent for experimentation and skilful execution. Girls Under Glass mix styles together well enough not to sound derivative, even though their influences are fairly obvious. They also change their style often enough to avoid becoming boring." - Sorted Magazine
My Two Cents:
This is what would be classified as a "slow jam" for the German band, but I thought it would be a pretty good introduction to this veteran Goth/Metal/Industrial hybrid. They have a new CD coming out on Metropolis Records, so it looks like their profile might get raised a bit in the coming months. This track is only up until the end of January, so don't wait too long. Classic raspy German goth vocals, catch it while you can.
Further Reading:
You can find an interview here. Another interview here. Yet another interview here. Sound samples and ordering info at their Metropolis Records page.
Girls Under Glass
Band Bio:
Girls Under Glass, founded in 1986 are still alive. The alternative scene has changed much over the past two decades; more and more bands have proved that their idea of crossing and melting different elements in music - from Metal through Electro -Trance to Industrial can be successful. Girls Under Glass have always been innovators of musical openness and known for their overlapping mixture of styles since G.U.G's founding in 1986. - Girls Under Glass Website
Reviews:
"While standard with the expected chunky guitar riffs, heavy bass, electronic grooves and some German / some English lyrics, it's quite good for its genre. And no qualms can be passed here, as GUG have been playing and pioneering this form of music for nigh on fifteen years." - Legends Magazine
"The material is good and, believe it or not, all songs are actually good! A couple of them remind me of typical goth metal. But there is a positive difference in the presence of electronic sounds and melodies. Girls under Glass is not a monotonous band and offers variety." - Release Magazine
"...their back-catalogue and shows a talent for experimentation and skilful execution. Girls Under Glass mix styles together well enough not to sound derivative, even though their influences are fairly obvious. They also change their style often enough to avoid becoming boring." - Sorted Magazine
My Two Cents:
This is what would be classified as a "slow jam" for the German band, but I thought it would be a pretty good introduction to this veteran Goth/Metal/Industrial hybrid. They have a new CD coming out on Metropolis Records, so it looks like their profile might get raised a bit in the coming months. This track is only up until the end of January, so don't wait too long. Classic raspy German goth vocals, catch it while you can.
Further Reading:
You can find an interview here. Another interview here. Yet another interview here. Sound samples and ordering info at their Metropolis Records page.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Server move
I'm currently recovering from a server move. So excuse the broken picture links, I'll have them fixed by this evening along with a new post.
I'm currently recovering from a server move. So excuse the broken picture links, I'll have them fixed by this evening along with a new post.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Baby Shower - Nosferatu Mp3
Baby Shower
Band Bio:
Awaking in the back of a dirty van in the middle of nowhere, the dark death dance rockers, Baby Shower, bring on the night through a tortured blend of razor guitars, throbbing bass, haunted synthesizers and chilling vocals. Pleasantly disturbing, they evoke the demented days of Christian Death fucking the B52's. - Baby Shower Website
Reviews:
"This Brooklyn-based band has a toolkit of fetching sounds, danceable beats and slightly decadent leanings. What's not to like?" - Splendid Magazine
"Is Siouxsie Sioux on speed/LSD? This dark and somewhat goth crew have crafted a sound that bridges electro with a twisted fix on old dark wave, then speeded it up for the dance floor (“Nosferatu”). They often remind me of The Vanishing." - NY/Brooklyn Reviews
"'Nosferatu,' is my pick for 'the hit,' its a great death disco track - reminding me of Subtonix - heavy organs, fast drums, Rowland S. Howard-style distorted guitar. The vocals are great - androgynous and slightly unemotional - but still filled with a great sexual energy - reminding me of a female Rozz Williams." - IndyGoth.com
My Two Cents:
Baby Shower is one of the many spooky planets created by the 'big-bang' that was The Subtonix. Merging No-Wave with Deathrock in yet another permutation of the "Death-Disco" sweeping the nation. I'm really starting to think that this may be the dominant style of 'Goth' soon.
Further Reading:
You can download more songs here. There are some nice show posters on their site as well.
Baby Shower
Band Bio:
Awaking in the back of a dirty van in the middle of nowhere, the dark death dance rockers, Baby Shower, bring on the night through a tortured blend of razor guitars, throbbing bass, haunted synthesizers and chilling vocals. Pleasantly disturbing, they evoke the demented days of Christian Death fucking the B52's. - Baby Shower Website
Reviews:
"This Brooklyn-based band has a toolkit of fetching sounds, danceable beats and slightly decadent leanings. What's not to like?" - Splendid Magazine
"Is Siouxsie Sioux on speed/LSD? This dark and somewhat goth crew have crafted a sound that bridges electro with a twisted fix on old dark wave, then speeded it up for the dance floor (“Nosferatu”). They often remind me of The Vanishing." - NY/Brooklyn Reviews
"'Nosferatu,' is my pick for 'the hit,' its a great death disco track - reminding me of Subtonix - heavy organs, fast drums, Rowland S. Howard-style distorted guitar. The vocals are great - androgynous and slightly unemotional - but still filled with a great sexual energy - reminding me of a female Rozz Williams." - IndyGoth.com
My Two Cents:
Baby Shower is one of the many spooky planets created by the 'big-bang' that was The Subtonix. Merging No-Wave with Deathrock in yet another permutation of the "Death-Disco" sweeping the nation. I'm really starting to think that this may be the dominant style of 'Goth' soon.
Further Reading:
You can download more songs here. There are some nice show posters on their site as well.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
controller.controller - Disco Blackout Mp3
controller.controller
Band Bio:
controller.controller’s sound is an energetic, rhythmic post-punk rock, taking a cue from late 70's/early 80's bands like P.I.L., the Slits and Joy Division, but departing significantly from there. It's about tension and opposition, juxtaposing discordant and jagged rhythms with disarmingly pretty melody and counter-melody. They wed propulsive, angular rock structures with minimalist death-disco accents and grooves that seductively embrace sometimes sweet and sometimes barking vocals. - Controller.Controller Website
Reviews:
"...the band grooves through a half-hour of sharply honed post-disco, shuddering through the frenetic and dramatic chord changes and buildups of 'Silent Seven', and slipping on the viscous rhythms of 'Disco Blackout'. Controller.Controller have pulled together a deftly funky debut, as full of thoughtful songcraft as pure kinetic energy." - Pitchfork Media
"Like the best post punk/new wave bands of the late '70s and early '80s, controller.controller's music sounds stiff, yet propulsive. Drummer Jeff Scheven provides an incessant, insistent disco beat (like PIL's seminal "Death Disco"), guitarists Colwyn Llewllyn-Thomas and Scott Kaija alternate from miming the melodic synth lines of Depeche Mode and the slicing, angular guitar licks of Gang of Four, and the cool, yet seductive Nirmala Basnayake delivers half spoken, half sung vocals, in the same style as The Slits." - PopMatters
"The short story is that this Canadian quintet sounds a hell of a lot like Siouxsie and the Banshees. This group has neatly revamped the (late 70s/early 80s) post-punk sound for 2004, and threw in a disco backbeat." - IMF
My Two Cents:
Another band negotiating that now surprisingly hazy line between dark post-punk and disco-beats. Like the reviews say you can hear some Siouxsie and Slits in there along with a many other post-punk icons, but I don't mind so long as the result sounds as fresh as this song does.
Further Reading:
You can download another song by the band here. You can read a interview here. You can read another interview here.
controller.controller
Band Bio:
controller.controller’s sound is an energetic, rhythmic post-punk rock, taking a cue from late 70's/early 80's bands like P.I.L., the Slits and Joy Division, but departing significantly from there. It's about tension and opposition, juxtaposing discordant and jagged rhythms with disarmingly pretty melody and counter-melody. They wed propulsive, angular rock structures with minimalist death-disco accents and grooves that seductively embrace sometimes sweet and sometimes barking vocals. - Controller.Controller Website
Reviews:
"...the band grooves through a half-hour of sharply honed post-disco, shuddering through the frenetic and dramatic chord changes and buildups of 'Silent Seven', and slipping on the viscous rhythms of 'Disco Blackout'. Controller.Controller have pulled together a deftly funky debut, as full of thoughtful songcraft as pure kinetic energy." - Pitchfork Media
"Like the best post punk/new wave bands of the late '70s and early '80s, controller.controller's music sounds stiff, yet propulsive. Drummer Jeff Scheven provides an incessant, insistent disco beat (like PIL's seminal "Death Disco"), guitarists Colwyn Llewllyn-Thomas and Scott Kaija alternate from miming the melodic synth lines of Depeche Mode and the slicing, angular guitar licks of Gang of Four, and the cool, yet seductive Nirmala Basnayake delivers half spoken, half sung vocals, in the same style as The Slits." - PopMatters
"The short story is that this Canadian quintet sounds a hell of a lot like Siouxsie and the Banshees. This group has neatly revamped the (late 70s/early 80s) post-punk sound for 2004, and threw in a disco backbeat." - IMF
My Two Cents:
Another band negotiating that now surprisingly hazy line between dark post-punk and disco-beats. Like the reviews say you can hear some Siouxsie and Slits in there along with a many other post-punk icons, but I don't mind so long as the result sounds as fresh as this song does.
Further Reading:
You can download another song by the band here. You can read a interview here. You can read another interview here.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
AntiQuark - Lopoff Effect Mp3
AntiQuark
Band Bio:
AntiQuark is 2 women and one guy making and performing experimental mad-scientist electronic pop. Much of the music is dancey, but we don't adhere to genres or types. We borrow from a number of styles, and these old sounds and styles can be useful, but we want to escape from retro-ism and start mining the future of music. We use the computer as a tool and a jumping-off point for creating and playing music, without letting it dictate our sound or limit it in any way. - AntiQuark Website
Reviews:
"First, your foot will tap. Next your head will bob. Your eyes will close, and you will dance idiotically around your bedroom. At least, that’s what happened to me. AntiQuark’s album Mask put me in this hypnotic techno trance. It embraces reality and at the same time keeps one foot in science fiction. The band, composed of two women and one man, make me want to flail my arms into the air and spin in circles. The music is not dance-worthy per se, but it is good enough for those hip European underground dance clubs. You know, the ones with the dim lights and heavy cigarette smoke." - Soundthesirens.com
"A rarity in San Diego, Antiquark is a dark-wave goth trio. The group relies on heavy synthesizers and creepy vocals to craft their brand of industro-dance. It’ll dominate you." - San Diego CityBEAT
"Comprised of two female scientists who list hidden messages as one of their instruments, AntiQuark are making a dent in the electronic world. The vocals on the disk have a deep texture and the electronics beeps and sounds had me wanting more." - Gothic Beauty
My Two Cents:
This band was brought to my attention by the 'Nostalgia Del Buio' compilation (which is really cool btw). An ominous dance track. It "looms" over you. For some reason I keep wanting to invoke Gary Numan, but they don't really sound like him. In any case this track held my attention which is a big feat for a song that could be thrown into the "experimental electro" camp. RIYL The Ghost Orchids and Crack:WAR.
Further Reading:
You can find more songs for download here. You can get friendly with them on Myspace. Here is an interview.
AntiQuark
Band Bio:
AntiQuark is 2 women and one guy making and performing experimental mad-scientist electronic pop. Much of the music is dancey, but we don't adhere to genres or types. We borrow from a number of styles, and these old sounds and styles can be useful, but we want to escape from retro-ism and start mining the future of music. We use the computer as a tool and a jumping-off point for creating and playing music, without letting it dictate our sound or limit it in any way. - AntiQuark Website
Reviews:
"First, your foot will tap. Next your head will bob. Your eyes will close, and you will dance idiotically around your bedroom. At least, that’s what happened to me. AntiQuark’s album Mask put me in this hypnotic techno trance. It embraces reality and at the same time keeps one foot in science fiction. The band, composed of two women and one man, make me want to flail my arms into the air and spin in circles. The music is not dance-worthy per se, but it is good enough for those hip European underground dance clubs. You know, the ones with the dim lights and heavy cigarette smoke." - Soundthesirens.com
"A rarity in San Diego, Antiquark is a dark-wave goth trio. The group relies on heavy synthesizers and creepy vocals to craft their brand of industro-dance. It’ll dominate you." - San Diego CityBEAT
"Comprised of two female scientists who list hidden messages as one of their instruments, AntiQuark are making a dent in the electronic world. The vocals on the disk have a deep texture and the electronics beeps and sounds had me wanting more." - Gothic Beauty
My Two Cents:
This band was brought to my attention by the 'Nostalgia Del Buio' compilation (which is really cool btw). An ominous dance track. It "looms" over you. For some reason I keep wanting to invoke Gary Numan, but they don't really sound like him. In any case this track held my attention which is a big feat for a song that could be thrown into the "experimental electro" camp. RIYL The Ghost Orchids and Crack:WAR.
Further Reading:
You can find more songs for download here. You can get friendly with them on Myspace. Here is an interview.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Zombina and The Skeletones - Nobody Likes You (When You're Dead) .mp3
Zombina and The Skeletones
Band Bio:
Zombina & The Skeletones are five garage punk rock n' roll vampires from Liverpool. The album, 'Taste the Blood of Zombina & the Skeletones' is a bite-sized punk adventure packed with aliens, monsters and doomed teenage romance. From the declaration of ghoulish intent, 'The Grave & Beyond', to the grand finale of 'Horror Highschool', no tombstone is left unturned in bringing you the scream of the crop. But let’s get one thing straight, this ain't no novelty band, 'cause Zombina and Doc Horror happen to be pop song writing geniuses with an endless supply of hit-single melodies. And the Skeletones make flesh eatin' guitar fuzz and whirling organs sound like they never came back into fashion, add to that - three to five part vocal harmonies with the sex-voiced Zombina singing love songs to asteroids and monkeys and you get something pretty cool. - Zombina and The Skeletones Website
Reviews:
"The most successful horror-pop act to come out yet! And by successful I mean success in capturing the sound and feel of what a horror-pop band should sound like. Sickeningly sweet female vocals switched off with male counter-vocals on select tracks. If their music and lyrics are sweet, it is a bittersweet. If they are bubbly, it is only from the murkiest swamps imaginable." - Deathrock.com
"Musically the fearsome looking group of five are far more tongue in cheek than their appearance first suggests with pop melody aplenty. Fun punk rock seems to be the call of the day, and the live show is more than ably represented on this superbly produced single. There is seemingly nothing overtly innovative musically in this three track release but for sheer solid sing-a-long tuneage you can’t go wrong. The sultry Zombina herself sounds a lot like Charlotte Hatherley of Ash fame and it has the same kind of overall vibe." - Glasswerk.co.uk
"Punk & Roll has to be nimble and seared by snide character, which ZATS have in great quantities, both bubbling with fast-paced ideas and disgracefully catchy." - Mick Mercer
My Two Cents:
Fun, catchy and infectious. Zombina and The Skeletones are the bright bubbly side of the dark subculture. They write tunes that make you wobble with amazing melodies, three chords and fake blood.
Further Reading:
You can find a bunch more songs for download here. You can find an interview here.
Zombina and The Skeletones
Band Bio:
Zombina & The Skeletones are five garage punk rock n' roll vampires from Liverpool. The album, 'Taste the Blood of Zombina & the Skeletones' is a bite-sized punk adventure packed with aliens, monsters and doomed teenage romance. From the declaration of ghoulish intent, 'The Grave & Beyond', to the grand finale of 'Horror Highschool', no tombstone is left unturned in bringing you the scream of the crop. But let’s get one thing straight, this ain't no novelty band, 'cause Zombina and Doc Horror happen to be pop song writing geniuses with an endless supply of hit-single melodies. And the Skeletones make flesh eatin' guitar fuzz and whirling organs sound like they never came back into fashion, add to that - three to five part vocal harmonies with the sex-voiced Zombina singing love songs to asteroids and monkeys and you get something pretty cool. - Zombina and The Skeletones Website
Reviews:
"The most successful horror-pop act to come out yet! And by successful I mean success in capturing the sound and feel of what a horror-pop band should sound like. Sickeningly sweet female vocals switched off with male counter-vocals on select tracks. If their music and lyrics are sweet, it is a bittersweet. If they are bubbly, it is only from the murkiest swamps imaginable." - Deathrock.com
"Musically the fearsome looking group of five are far more tongue in cheek than their appearance first suggests with pop melody aplenty. Fun punk rock seems to be the call of the day, and the live show is more than ably represented on this superbly produced single. There is seemingly nothing overtly innovative musically in this three track release but for sheer solid sing-a-long tuneage you can’t go wrong. The sultry Zombina herself sounds a lot like Charlotte Hatherley of Ash fame and it has the same kind of overall vibe." - Glasswerk.co.uk
"Punk & Roll has to be nimble and seared by snide character, which ZATS have in great quantities, both bubbling with fast-paced ideas and disgracefully catchy." - Mick Mercer
My Two Cents:
Fun, catchy and infectious. Zombina and The Skeletones are the bright bubbly side of the dark subculture. They write tunes that make you wobble with amazing melodies, three chords and fake blood.
Further Reading:
You can find a bunch more songs for download here. You can find an interview here.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Entertainme/nt - Patroness Mp3
Entertainme/nt
Band Bio:
Entertainment is dead karaoke---the sound of a break down. A stark light. Fusing a mixture of Deathrock, Postpunk, Garage rock and New Wave into a modern mesh of groping, existential noise. - Entertainme/nt Website
Reviews:
"The voice, which joins shortly thereafter, kind of reminds me of Peter Murphy, or maybe Robbie Grey: sort of dark, sort of upfront, somewhat mopey. The guitarwork really attracts my attention -- it alternates between echoey verses reminiscent of The Edge's playing on early U2 records (think October not Achtung Baby) and overdriven punky choruses. Overall, this is a good post-punk tune that builds nicely to a climactic frenzy then fades out slowly. Very nice." - Evil Sponge
"Very heavily influenced by Bauhaus and Peter Murphy's solo work, I think that eNTERTAINME.nt is beginning to live up to their potential. They come recommended to fans of the afore-mentioned bands, as well as acts like David Bowie, Audra and Legion Within." - Starvox
"This is bonafide 100% intelligent post-punk with real class and skill. But the REAL gem comes in the form of the b-side "The Queen’s Beast (or Suffer Fools.)" With its atmospheric sparkling synth, drum beat seemingly conjured by a tribesman on speed, achingly romantic post-punk guitar and guttural bass that you can feel in your balls, this song is a complete valentine. An exploding valentine. With the suave kiss-you-then-kill-you intelligence of early U2, eNTERTAINME.nt definitely deserve attention." - 'Mr. X'
My Two Cents:
Part of the up and coming post-punk/deathrock scene, Entertainme/nt has certainly impressed many critics and music lovers who have come their way. The music has a heavy sound that many mining the post-punk cave seem to pass over in favor of a more pop style. In any case this song knocks me out. Don't miss out on this one.
Further Reading:
You can find another track for download here. Cozy up to them at Livejournal, or visit their label.
Entertainme/nt
Band Bio:
Entertainment is dead karaoke---the sound of a break down. A stark light. Fusing a mixture of Deathrock, Postpunk, Garage rock and New Wave into a modern mesh of groping, existential noise. - Entertainme/nt Website
Reviews:
"The voice, which joins shortly thereafter, kind of reminds me of Peter Murphy, or maybe Robbie Grey: sort of dark, sort of upfront, somewhat mopey. The guitarwork really attracts my attention -- it alternates between echoey verses reminiscent of The Edge's playing on early U2 records (think October not Achtung Baby) and overdriven punky choruses. Overall, this is a good post-punk tune that builds nicely to a climactic frenzy then fades out slowly. Very nice." - Evil Sponge
"Very heavily influenced by Bauhaus and Peter Murphy's solo work, I think that eNTERTAINME.nt is beginning to live up to their potential. They come recommended to fans of the afore-mentioned bands, as well as acts like David Bowie, Audra and Legion Within." - Starvox
"This is bonafide 100% intelligent post-punk with real class and skill. But the REAL gem comes in the form of the b-side "The Queen’s Beast (or Suffer Fools.)" With its atmospheric sparkling synth, drum beat seemingly conjured by a tribesman on speed, achingly romantic post-punk guitar and guttural bass that you can feel in your balls, this song is a complete valentine. An exploding valentine. With the suave kiss-you-then-kill-you intelligence of early U2, eNTERTAINME.nt definitely deserve attention." - 'Mr. X'
My Two Cents:
Part of the up and coming post-punk/deathrock scene, Entertainme/nt has certainly impressed many critics and music lovers who have come their way. The music has a heavy sound that many mining the post-punk cave seem to pass over in favor of a more pop style. In any case this song knocks me out. Don't miss out on this one.
Further Reading:
You can find another track for download here. Cozy up to them at Livejournal, or visit their label.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - When You Go Out .mp3
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness
Band Bio:
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness is a new group playing new music. They were formed in 2002 by friends and bandmates Christian Goyer and Jason McNeely, who previously worked together on several Windsor for the Derby albums for labels like Trance Syndicate and Young God. Rounding out the group is Edward Robert of Paul Newman and Cyrus Rego, Austin musician Ernest Salaz of Glorium, and Tim White of Salute the Curse. The doom pop songs on their eponymously-titled debut CD strike the head and the heart. Produced in summer 2003 Britt Daniel of Spoon, the music captures a strong American pop-sensibility with a distinct UK punk aesthetic. - I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness Website
Reviews:
"I Love You... is comprised of traditional band arrangements – drums, guitars, bass and vocals – that deliver angsty, bleak, yet ultimately energetic songs...It’s not necessarily the kind of music that compels analysis, but at the same time, it’s clear that the potential for greateness hangs on every note." - Dusted
"...broadsides of tightly constructed, Factory-brand indie rock...I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness already have the sound of a pink and grey counterpart to Interpol's red and black" - Pitchfork Media
"Mixing everything that’s remotely any good in music together in one big mash, Chosen Darkness have delivered an exciting five track taste of the wonder yet to come. If Interpol had a little brother that listened to the Cure, he would be named I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness. And would probably wear really nice clothes." - Of The Record
My Two Cents:
More post-punk influenced music for you. Someone pointed out a show they were playing in Chicago and decided to look them up. I'm sure glad they did, because as the reviews attest this is a slightly more sensitive Interpol, and I mean that in the nicest way possible.
Further Reading:
You can find another track for download here. Here is a scene report that interviews them, and here is a live review that calls them the "evil spawn of Bauhaus and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club" which tickled me.
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness
Band Bio:
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness is a new group playing new music. They were formed in 2002 by friends and bandmates Christian Goyer and Jason McNeely, who previously worked together on several Windsor for the Derby albums for labels like Trance Syndicate and Young God. Rounding out the group is Edward Robert of Paul Newman and Cyrus Rego, Austin musician Ernest Salaz of Glorium, and Tim White of Salute the Curse. The doom pop songs on their eponymously-titled debut CD strike the head and the heart. Produced in summer 2003 Britt Daniel of Spoon, the music captures a strong American pop-sensibility with a distinct UK punk aesthetic. - I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness Website
Reviews:
"I Love You... is comprised of traditional band arrangements – drums, guitars, bass and vocals – that deliver angsty, bleak, yet ultimately energetic songs...It’s not necessarily the kind of music that compels analysis, but at the same time, it’s clear that the potential for greateness hangs on every note." - Dusted
"...broadsides of tightly constructed, Factory-brand indie rock...I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness already have the sound of a pink and grey counterpart to Interpol's red and black" - Pitchfork Media
"Mixing everything that’s remotely any good in music together in one big mash, Chosen Darkness have delivered an exciting five track taste of the wonder yet to come. If Interpol had a little brother that listened to the Cure, he would be named I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness. And would probably wear really nice clothes." - Of The Record
My Two Cents:
More post-punk influenced music for you. Someone pointed out a show they were playing in Chicago and decided to look them up. I'm sure glad they did, because as the reviews attest this is a slightly more sensitive Interpol, and I mean that in the nicest way possible.
Further Reading:
You can find another track for download here. Here is a scene report that interviews them, and here is a live review that calls them the "evil spawn of Bauhaus and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club" which tickled me.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
UK Decay - Unexpected Guest Mp3
UK Decay
Band Bio:
UK Decay was formed out of the ashes of a band called The Resistors. who were, Steven Abbot (Abbo) guitar, Steve Harle on drums, Paul Wilson vocals, and Martin (Segovia) Smith bass. After P.Wilson left during the spring of 1979, they changed their name and released the 'Split Single' 7" with local band Pneumania, on their own Plastic records label, under the new name, UK Decay. In the short time the band were around they had played over 450 gigs, all around the UK,with tours of Germany, Holland, Belgium and France as well as the West coast of the US and Canada. They also released six singles and one studio album and one Live album cassette, They also recorded two shows for the BBC’s John Peel. The influence UK Decay had on the emerging ‘Post punk’ and 'Goth' movements is well documented and cannot be underestimated. - UK Decay Website
Reviews:
"UK Decay had the sound, didn’t give a toss about image, and had the Punk ethos, so they helped bands along the way, understanding the communal aspect. (Prime beneficiary of their support, for instance, was Sex Gang Children, but many benefited.) UK decay were cool, as well as responsible. The single most important band in the initial Goth phase, these are your spiritual forefathers and, for once, respect is due." - Mick Mercer
"Aside from Theatre of Hate and Southern Death Cult, UK Decay fit the same bill as bands like The Dark, Crisis (Douglas P and Tony Wakeford of pre Death in June's punk band), and Warsaw (who would become Joy Division)." - Deathrock.com
"Theatrical post-punks with an unfortunately short lifespan, UK Decay provided a crucial bridge between such art-gloom bands as Bauhaus, PiL, Theatre of Hate and Killing Joke and the anarchy-punk camp led by Crass, Rudimentary Peni and Flux of Pink Indians. Quite unlike the politico/nasty-thrash image suggested by their name, UK Decay had a classical bent, both in frontman Abbo's theatrical intonations (think Shakespearian) and the complex, almost stately modalities of the music." - Trouser Press
My Two Cents:
If there was any justice we would be invoking the name of UK Decay just as often as we mention Bauhaus when talking about Goth. All of UK Decay's work is now out of print and hard to find but that may be changing in 2005, a recently announced fan-exclusive live album has been put out and there is the promise of actual releases of their back-catalouge. So maybe 2005 will be the year when we rediscover this worthy band.
Further Reading:
There are more downloads of audio and video on their website. They also have an extensive record of interviews for your reading pleasure.
UK Decay
Band Bio:
UK Decay was formed out of the ashes of a band called The Resistors. who were, Steven Abbot (Abbo) guitar, Steve Harle on drums, Paul Wilson vocals, and Martin (Segovia) Smith bass. After P.Wilson left during the spring of 1979, they changed their name and released the 'Split Single' 7" with local band Pneumania, on their own Plastic records label, under the new name, UK Decay. In the short time the band were around they had played over 450 gigs, all around the UK,with tours of Germany, Holland, Belgium and France as well as the West coast of the US and Canada. They also released six singles and one studio album and one Live album cassette, They also recorded two shows for the BBC’s John Peel. The influence UK Decay had on the emerging ‘Post punk’ and 'Goth' movements is well documented and cannot be underestimated. - UK Decay Website
Reviews:
"UK Decay had the sound, didn’t give a toss about image, and had the Punk ethos, so they helped bands along the way, understanding the communal aspect. (Prime beneficiary of their support, for instance, was Sex Gang Children, but many benefited.) UK decay were cool, as well as responsible. The single most important band in the initial Goth phase, these are your spiritual forefathers and, for once, respect is due." - Mick Mercer
"Aside from Theatre of Hate and Southern Death Cult, UK Decay fit the same bill as bands like The Dark, Crisis (Douglas P and Tony Wakeford of pre Death in June's punk band), and Warsaw (who would become Joy Division)." - Deathrock.com
"Theatrical post-punks with an unfortunately short lifespan, UK Decay provided a crucial bridge between such art-gloom bands as Bauhaus, PiL, Theatre of Hate and Killing Joke and the anarchy-punk camp led by Crass, Rudimentary Peni and Flux of Pink Indians. Quite unlike the politico/nasty-thrash image suggested by their name, UK Decay had a classical bent, both in frontman Abbo's theatrical intonations (think Shakespearian) and the complex, almost stately modalities of the music." - Trouser Press
My Two Cents:
If there was any justice we would be invoking the name of UK Decay just as often as we mention Bauhaus when talking about Goth. All of UK Decay's work is now out of print and hard to find but that may be changing in 2005, a recently announced fan-exclusive live album has been put out and there is the promise of actual releases of their back-catalouge. So maybe 2005 will be the year when we rediscover this worthy band.
Further Reading:
There are more downloads of audio and video on their website. They also have an extensive record of interviews for your reading pleasure.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
1999 - Midnight People Mp3
1999
Band Bio:
The sound of 1999 is primitive yet oh so special, i would say that they are like a we-build-our-songs-like-primetime-misfits mix of early killing joke and siouxsie and the banshees. desperate melodies, melodies, melodies. desperate youth anthems. really can't describe it in words. members from audionom. one of the best new bands coming from sweden in a long, long time. - 1999 Website
Reviews:
"1999 plays rocking dark post-punk. Their music is more punk than Bauhaus and more gothic than Au Pairs. This band is a revelation for everyone who thought post-punk was a dead and forgotten genre. 1999 plays post-punk in its pure form but it's totally here and now." - Funprox.com
"Wow, that beginning of "Legends" gave me an instant Joy Division flashback. Then the bass and guitar kicks in giving it a definite 70's feel. It has female vocals which sounds very punky too...if you like Joy Division, Glass Candy, etc.. you should try out 1999." - Mashnote.net
"Here's a brief 7" from this Swedish band that's been compared to Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees, playing that sort of 80's new wave-ish/post-punk kind of stuff that's been regaining popularity as of late with that simple drumbeat and chorused bass tone that drive the pieces amidst ringing guitar lines and odd high-pitched vocals with a monotone singing delivery." - Aversiononline.com
My Two Cents:
This is a nice example of the dark post-punk explosion (from Sweden even!), primitive, emotive and mixing several different styles. 1999's songs have been growing on me the more I listen to them.
Further Reading:
You can download two more songs on their website. Also check out their page on the "Release The Bats" label.
1999
Band Bio:
The sound of 1999 is primitive yet oh so special, i would say that they are like a we-build-our-songs-like-primetime-misfits mix of early killing joke and siouxsie and the banshees. desperate melodies, melodies, melodies. desperate youth anthems. really can't describe it in words. members from audionom. one of the best new bands coming from sweden in a long, long time. - 1999 Website
Reviews:
"1999 plays rocking dark post-punk. Their music is more punk than Bauhaus and more gothic than Au Pairs. This band is a revelation for everyone who thought post-punk was a dead and forgotten genre. 1999 plays post-punk in its pure form but it's totally here and now." - Funprox.com
"Wow, that beginning of "Legends" gave me an instant Joy Division flashback. Then the bass and guitar kicks in giving it a definite 70's feel. It has female vocals which sounds very punky too...if you like Joy Division, Glass Candy, etc.. you should try out 1999." - Mashnote.net
"Here's a brief 7" from this Swedish band that's been compared to Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees, playing that sort of 80's new wave-ish/post-punk kind of stuff that's been regaining popularity as of late with that simple drumbeat and chorused bass tone that drive the pieces amidst ringing guitar lines and odd high-pitched vocals with a monotone singing delivery." - Aversiononline.com
My Two Cents:
This is a nice example of the dark post-punk explosion (from Sweden even!), primitive, emotive and mixing several different styles. 1999's songs have been growing on me the more I listen to them.
Further Reading:
You can download two more songs on their website. Also check out their page on the "Release The Bats" label.