The Birthday Massacre have been around for some time now, putting out music for nearly 20 years. They’ve done well, and amassed a huge following in the process. I was curious to see how this new album had evolved their sound. This is essentially a very dramatic pop album. It’s an incredibly well crafted and produced album, the sound is massive, but it is still pop music. The slightly heavier instrumentation and synth choices…
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What can I say about hearing this album? I am so enthused to report to you that the start to 2020 has many surprises for us. This album is sublime. It’s full of energy; it’s original and contains so much power. It starts with ‘Dakar’ and its construction is one of my favourite styles. It starts with a lower volume and speckled with female vocals within its intricate intro. Then it booms into life…
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Created in the heart of The Netherlands, Clan of Xymox produced a sound that could have easily fit into the North of England where the whole ‘goth’ sound and culture was born. With a musical career spanning over 35 years they, like many others, have had their ups and downs, but are still going strong and still packing in the crowds in the 21st Century. With a US tour coming up in March 2020,…
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Some talented “six-string for hire” musicians stand shoulder to shoulder with their trusty bandmates, taking the odd job to pay the bills. Some strive to leap onto the shoulders of giants, often ending up standing on those akin to a munchkin. And other guitarists, with serendipitous timing, can become a dynamic creative influence on the already established outfit, frequently refreshing the band/artist’s repertoire, breathing new energy into what was at risk of becoming a…
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I’m sorry. The first words I utter to Håvard a.k.a. Mortiis, The Inky Lord of the Hidden People, The Cold Priest of Creep, The Whisperer in the Starkness, The Goblin King of the.. erm, Goblins, (enough – Ed), are sincere apologies. The time difference between here and Norway is an hour. Our interview is arranged for 3pm, and me being oh so clever, figure that I need to call at 2pm to make up…
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Thorsten Quaeschning is the current bandleader of Tangerine Dream. He joined the group in 2005. He performs synthesizers and guitar. Born in Berlin in 1977. As a child he practised on violin, the flute and the piano. Before Thorsten joined Tangerine Dream, he worked as a producer for the band ‘Minory’. Afterwards he began to tour with Tangerine Dream, behind the scenes in 2003, before joining them. Each year since the sad death of…
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An American dark wave/dream pop act Drab Majesty could be described as one of the most enigmatic and intriguing musical projects of the last decade. With two full length albums under their belt, they released “Modern Mirror” in July 2019, which is by far their most profound and elaborate album. The band toured the USA and Europe in support of the release and are returning for another round of European shows in May and…
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The latest album from the Pet Shop Boys is exciting and vibrant. It should be an instant success and please new and existing fans. There’s a great mixture of dark and light here and a great sense of maturity. ‘Will-O-The-Wisp’ is possibly one of the darker tracks and it sets a nice intro to the whole album. Neil Tennant does have different strengths within his vocals and the interesting lyrics and the way they…
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WIRE, the post-punk luminaries’ seventeenth studio album has been released, and goes to show that they are still one of the strongest forces in post punk after all this time. Recently hailed by the Quietus as “one of the most consistent British bands of all time” they have been constantly producing sublime material in a familiar manner, yet never really going over old ground and reliving past successes. Mind Hive is a perfect example of…
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Taking your name from an iconic horror film can be a challenge, but London After Midnight have done that in style. Singer/Songwriter Sean Brennan created the band in the 1990s in LA and has not looked back since then. London After Midnight have become one of the darlings of the goth/alternative festival circuit and have often headlined the iconic WGT in Leipzig. Sean’s no-nonsense approach makes them a force to be reckoned with. Recently…
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