What is Dark Wave?
Dark wave is a music genre that originated in the late 1970s, emerging from the convergence of new wave and post-punk sounds. Characterized by its dark, melancholy sounds, dark wave music is a unique blend of introspective lyrics, minor key tonality, and a distinctive use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
The genre's early days were marked by a DIY ethos, with bands self-releasing their music on cassette tapes and small, independent labels. As the genre evolved, it drew inspiration from a range of influences, including gothic rock, synth-pop, cold wave, neofolk, ethereal, and neoclassical music.
The Sound of Dark Wave
Dark wave music is often described as romantic and dark, with undertones of sorrow and melancholy. The quintessential sound of dark wave is characterized by synths and electric guitars, often accompanied by violin, piano, and other electronic instruments. The genre's use of minor key tonality and introspective lyrics creates a somber, emotive sound that evokes a range of emotions in listeners.
The beauty of dark wave music lies in its ability to evoke emotion, creating a sense of connection between the listener and the music. With its unique blend of sounds and influences, dark wave has become a beloved genre among fans of underground and alternative music.
The Birth of Dark Wave
The 1980s saw the popularity of dark wave music take off, with the genre becoming associated with a range of different sounds and bands. This included artists who produced synthesizer-based, new wave sounds, such as The Cure, Depeche Mode, Joy Division, The Chameleons, and Bauhaus. As the genre evolved, it gave way to spin-off genres such as ethereal wave and neoclassical, further expanding the scope of dark wave music.
How Our Community Defines Dark Wave
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"I generally define darkwave as being either dark post-punk or goth rock that incorporates synthpop elements into the mix. This separates darkwave from new wave, which is usually brighter post-punk combined with synthpop elements or cold wave which is more minimalistic post-punk that doesn’t necessarily require synth work." - Cadaver Kelly
"Got into darkwave in the 1980s cassette-culture scene. Various bands from Europe (and a few from the U.S.) were described as such in the magazines: dark New Wave or dark synth-pop etc. Or they were called "coldwave" at first, but that is really the same thing. On college radio, bands like Xymox, Section 25, Attrition and Minimal Compact epitomized this sound. Later heard it used as a specific genre term by labels like Projekt or C'est La Mort. Also, that is Anja Huwe of Xmal Deutschland, right? Core darkwave!" - Manny Theiner
"Having come of age in the mid-1990s, I defined “darkwave” as any band that had a foundation of electronic rhythms (drum machines) and darker synth-driven atmospheres. It was ‘goth’ but not as organic as bands like Siouxsie, Bauhaus, Christian Death (bands with live drummers), etc. So Die Form, Attrition, Lycia, Soil & Eclipse, Clan of Xymox, SubVersion, Lestat, Malign, Switchblade Symphony were what I considered “darkwave” bands.
I got into it after discovering the major classic 80s gothic rock bands. Also...I was foremost a metalhead in search of darker ‘gothic’ music. Type O Negative’s Peter Steele frequently mentioned Lycia and Projekt records in interviews around 1993/1994. So I bought “A Day in the Stark Corner” and “Idylls” from Love Spirals Downward at a local record store." - Matthew Heilman
Relationship with Gothic Rock
While Dark Wave and Gothic Rock share many similarities, they are distinct genres with their own unique characteristics. One of the main differences between the two genres is their approach to sound and instrumentation. Dark Wave tends to be more electronic and atmospheric, often incorporating synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic elements into its sound. In contrast, Gothic Rock often features heavier guitars and a more driving rhythm section, creating a more aggressive and intense sound.
The Dark Wave Movement
The dark wave movement was characterized by its DIY ethos, with fans and bands alike self-releasing music, creating their own artwork, and organizing their own shows and events. This sense of community and self-sufficiency was a key part of the genre's appeal, allowing fans to feel like they were part of something bigger than themselves.
Influential Bands Dark Wave Bands
Some of Europe's most popular bands brought dark wave music to the masses, including The Cocteau Twins, In the Nursery, Xmal Deutschland, Wolfsheim, Unlimited Systems, Moloko, and Clan of Xymox. These bands helped to define the sound of dark wave and inspired a new generation of musicians to explore the genre.
As the 1990s came around, the second generation of dark wave artists began to emerge, primarily based in Germany. These bands, such as Girls Under Glass, Das Ich, and Deine Lakaien, were linked to the Neue Deutsche Welle genre and helped to further expand the scope of dark wave music.
Dark Wave in the United States
In the United States, dark wave took off in the 1990s, particularly in the underground music scene. The genre became closely associated with the Projekt Records label, created by Sam Rosenthal, who drew inspiration from German music magazines such as Zillo. Projekt Records played a key role in promoting dark wave music in the US, releasing music by bands such as Clan of Xymox and Psyche.
As the genre gained popularity, international bands such as Dead Can Dance and In the Nursery began to gain a following in the US. These bands brought a more classical, medieval sound to dark wave, while bands like Die Form and Lycia introduced an ambient, avant-garde sound.
Global Scene
While Dark Wave originated in Europe, it has evolved into a global phenomenon with thriving scenes in Australia, Japan, and South America. In Australia, bands like The Sisters of Mercy and The Mission have influenced a new generation of Dark Wave bands, such as The Crüxshadows and The Birthday Massacre. The Australian scene is characterized by its use of driving beats and catchy hooks, often combined with introspective and poetic lyrics.
In Japan, Dark Wave has merged with the country's vibrant Visual Kei scene, resulting in a unique blend of Gothic and avant-garde styles. Bands like Malice Mizer and Moi Dix Mois have gained international recognition for their flamboyant and theatrical live performances, which often feature elaborate costumes and makeup.
In South America, Dark Wave has been influenced by the region's rich cultural heritage and history of social and political upheaval. Bands like Caifanes and Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio have incorporated traditional Latin American music and instrumentation into their sound, creating a unique blend of Dark Wave and folk influences.
Subgenres and Hybridization
Dark Wave has spawned various subgenres, each with its own distinct sound and style. Ethereal Wave, characterized by its use of lush synths and atmospheric soundscapes, has influenced bands like Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance. Neoclassical, which combines Dark Wave with classical music influences, has inspired bands like In the Nursery and Attrition.
Cold Wave, a subgenre characterized by its use of minimalist beats and icy synths, has influenced bands like Joy Division and Wire. Other subgenres, such as Dark Ambient and Industrial, have also emerged, often incorporating elements of noise and avant-garde music into the Dark Wave sound.
The hybridization of Dark Wave with other styles has resulted in a diverse range of sounds and influences. The genre's fusion with Gothic Rock has created a heavier, more aggressive sound, while its combination with Electronic music has resulted in a more experimental and avant-garde approach. The incorporation of folk and world music influences has also added new textures and rhythms to the Dark Wave sound, creating a rich and complex musical landscape.
The Evolution of Dark Wave
Towards the end of the 1990s, dark wave had a firm footing on US soil, with a large following and a thriving underground scene. The success of Sam Rosenthal's own band, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, and the band Switchblade Symphony helped to further establish the genre.
As the 21st century dawned, new record labels such as Metropolis and Cleopatra emerged, providing a platform for dark wave bands to release their music. However, it was Projekt Records that continued to play a key role in promoting the genre, releasing music by both established and new bands.
The Contemporary Dark Wave Scene
Despite its origins in the 1980s, Dark Wave remains a vibrant and thriving genre, with a new generation of bands and artists pushing the boundaries of its sound and style. The contemporary Dark Wave scene is characterized by its diversity and eclecticism, with bands incorporating a wide range of influences and styles into their music.
One of the key trends in contemporary Dark Wave is the incorporation of post-punk and indie rock influences, resulting in a more energetic and guitar-driven sound. Bands like Interpol, The National, and Editors have been cited as influences by many contemporary Dark Wave bands, who are drawn to their dark, atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics.
Another trend in contemporary Dark Wave is the use of electronic and synthesizer-based sounds, often combined with traditional rock instrumentation. Bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and New Order have been influential in this regard, with their use of synthesizers and drum machines to create a distinctive and atmospheric sound.
The contemporary Dark Wave scene is also notable for its global reach, with bands from all over the world contributing to the genre's continued evolution. In Europe, bands like She Wants Revenge, The Soft Moon, and Boy Harsher are leading the charge, with their dark, synth-heavy soundscapes and introspective lyrics. In the US, bands like Cold Cave, Austra, and Tamaryn are pushing the boundaries of the genre, incorporating elements of post-punk, indie rock, and electronic music into their sound.
In addition to these established bands, there are also many newer bands and artists emerging on the Dark Wave scene. These bands are often characterized by their experimental approach to sound and style, incorporating elements of noise, industrial, and avant-garde music into their sound. Some notable newer bands include:
- Molchat Doma: A Belarusian post-punk band known for their dark, atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics.
- Lebanon Hanover: A Swiss post-punk band that incorporates elements of Dark Wave and Gothic Rock into their sound.
- Vox Low: A French post-punk band that combines elements of Dark Wave and electronic music to create a distinctive and atmospheric sound.
- Whispering Sons: A Belgian post-punk band that incorporates elements of Dark Wave and indie rock into their sound.
These bands, along with many others, are helping to shape the sound and style of contemporary Dark Wave, pushing the genre in new and exciting directions.
Cinematic Connections
Dark Wave's atmospheric and visual aspects have been influenced by film and cinema, particularly the work of directors like David Lynch and Tim Burton. Lynch's surrealist and often unsettling films, such as "Eraserhead" and "Blue Velvet," have inspired Dark Wave's use of eerie soundscapes and avant-garde visuals. Burton's Gothic and fantastical films, such as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Sleepy Hollow," have influenced Dark Wave's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural.
The cinematic connections to Dark Wave can also be seen in the genre's use of cinematic soundscapes and audio-visual experimentation. Many Dark Wave bands have incorporated film scores and sound effects into their music, creating a sense of drama and tension. The genre's use of distorted guitars, haunting synths, and driving beats has also been influenced by the soundtracks of horror and sci-fi films.
Conclusion
Dark wave is a genre that has captivated audiences for decades, with its unique blend of introspective lyrics, minor key tonality, and distinctive use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments. From its early days as a DIY movement to its current status as a global phenomenon, dark wave has remained a beloved and enduring part of the underground music scene.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the genre, dark wave has something to offer. With its rich history, diverse influences, and thriving community, dark wave is a genre that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
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