Category: music

History, music

The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth Book Review

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth Book Review
John Robb (Photo credit: John Middleham)

“Nothing exists independently; goth was a kind of fever. It just seemed to seep in on a tide of black lace and black leather.”

–Nina Antonia quoted in The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth

Various books have been written attempting to unravel the mystery of the goth subculture and trace its roots. A new text has recently been added to the canon, The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth by John Robb who’s the frontman of the post-punk band The Membranes and head of the online media publication Louder Than War. His behemoth of a book takes a deep plunge into the musical origins of goth, and it’s quite an adventure.

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music

Absinthe Vows: ‘Sunlight Stabs’ Album Review & Interview

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Absinthe Vows: ‘Sunlight Stabs’ Album Review & Interview
Absinthe Vows
Absinthe Vows

Hailing from Columbus, OH, Absinthe Vows is a band blending gothic rock, post punk and darkwave with hints of alternative rock. The variety of genres their music possesses makes it interesting and entertaining to take in. They released their second album, Sunlight Stabs, earlier this year, and I’m reviewing it, as well as interviewing the group about their music.

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Dining & Drink, music

Adrienne LaVey Debuts Absinthe-Inspired Single “Goddess in a Glass”

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Adrienne LaVey Debuts Absinthe-Inspired Single “Goddess in a Glass”
Singer and absinthe connoisseur Adrienne LaVey
Singer and absinthe connoisseur Adrienne LaVey (Photo credit: Rowan & Elle Studio)

Opera vocalist and absinthe enthusiast Adrienne LaVey is unveiling her first solo track titled “Goddess in a Glass” on National Absinthe Day, which is celebrated annually on March 5th. The song pays homage to the legendary and oft-misunderstood spirit, honoring the creative inspiration it incited in artists during the 19th century and beyond. It’s a beautiful ode that exquisitely captures the drink’s essence and true nature.

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entertainment, Events, music, Nightlife

Welcome to Phantasmagoria: A Night with Death Rock Icon Eva O & The Sixth Chamber

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Welcome to Phantasmagoria: A Night with Death Rock Icon Eva O & The Sixth Chamber
Vamp Jenn at Phantasmagoria at the Knucklehead Hollywood
Vamp Jenn at Phantasmagoria at the Knucklehead Hollywood

I spent Friday the 13th attending Phantasmagoria, an event showcasing live dark music, bewitching entertainment and macabre vendors. It’s the creation of Rahne Pistor, founder of The Sixth Chamber, and it debuted in 2021 in Las Vegas. It’s continued to take place ever since in both Sin City and Los Angeles. The January 2023 edition was held at Knucklehead Hollywood in LA and featured performances by The Sixth Chamber and the legendary Eva O, as well as other beguiling amusements.

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music

Fuschia Phlox Embraces a Darker Sound in Her New Album ‘Aspro A.S.B.O’

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Fuschia Phlox Embraces a Darker Sound in Her New Album ‘Aspro A.S.B.O’
Musician Emma Russell, aka Fuschia Phlox
Musician Emma Russell, aka Fuschia Phlox

If you rage against the patriarchy and champion women’s independence, then Aspro A.S.B.O. is an album you’d enjoy. It is the latest release from musician Fuschia Phlox and possesses a darker mood compared to her other works. The tracks explore themes of female suppression, objectification and empowerment, beckoning listeners to heed their message in a magical way.

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music

Spotlight On A Time of Shadows: A Journey Into Gothic Horror Music

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on Spotlight On A Time of Shadows: A Journey Into Gothic Horror Music
Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I album cover by A Time of Shadows
Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I album cover by A Time of Shadows

For your listening pleasure, we’re going to step into the world of A Time of Shadows whose music embodies elements of gothic horror and fantasy. Paul is the mastermind behind the project, and although the first album released in 2021, he’s already produced five full-length recordings. Of course, I’ve heard each one, and they’re the perfect backdrop for a haunting atmosphere. The newest LP, Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I, is accompanied by a novella that tells a sinister tale.

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music

Spotlight on In Isolation: Uniting 80s New Wave & Dark Alternative Beats

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Spotlight on In Isolation: Uniting 80s New Wave & Dark Alternative Beats
Albums | Singles| Soundtracks by In Isolation
Albums | Singles| Soundtracks by In Isolation

How the band, In Isolation, has gone under my radar for so many years, is beyond me, but I’m thrilled to have been able to experience their music recently. It’s a fascinating blend of ‘80s New Wave and dark alternative sounds. They debuted their first single, “The Wrong Girl,” in 2007 and have gone on to produce a wealth of songs. This past June, the group released their latest project, Albums | Singles| Soundtracks, which delivers a retrospective of their past 15 years creating music.

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music, Performing Arts

Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair
Wikka (Photo by Jacob Maximillian Baron)
Photo by Jacob Maximillian Baron

The worlds of classical music and dark alternative magically collide when listening to the melodies of Wikka. The artist behind the persona is Alexia DelGiudice Bigari who’s an adept vocalist and violist from New York City. She studied at The Juilliard School, then went on to receive her Master of Music degree at Northwestern University. Her classically trained background and appreciation for the macabre influence her art, and the result is enticing.

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music

Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet
Singer, songwriter and poet Edward Transylvania
Photo courtesy of Edward Transylvania

Into the depths of the psyche we go, with artist Edward Transylvania as our guide. The Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and poet has been crafting macabre magic through his lyrics for more than a decade and is continuing to carve out his own place within, not only the goth genre, but also the world of dark music. Listeners can expect passionate vocals and sinister beats.

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Lifestyle, music

Experiencing the Goth Subculture Through the Music

by Jennifer Vasquez24 Comments on Experiencing the Goth Subculture Through the Music
Gothik: Special Anniversary Edition CD compilation
Gothik: Special Anniversary Edition CD compilation

When I started getting into the goth scene, I went on a mission to navigate my way through the numerous bands that existed. Since it is a music-based subculture, I wanted to have at least a general knowledge of what had been and was continuing to be produced. One of the beautiful facets of goth is its rich musical heritage. There’s an abundance of beats and sounds that have been created within the genre, and others that have sprouted from it, such as darkwave, ethereal, deathrock and coldwave. For World Goth Day, I’m going to share what I listened to and some of the core groups that were my gateway to the music.

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