Dark Wave: History and Sound of Dark Wave Music

Overview

• Dark Wave: A genre combining moody goth atmospherics, post-punk energy, and new wave hooks.

What is Dark Wave?

• Description: A type of rock music with a moody, depressive sheen.
• Origins: Emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s avant-garde rock scenes.
• Locations: United Kingdom, France, Germany, and select American cities (e.g., New York City).

Origin of the Dark Wave Genre

• Time Period: Late 1970s and early 1980s.
• Influences: Moody new wave and post-punk acts such as Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, the Cure, Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, Dead Can Dance, and the Cocteau Twins.
• Notable Bands: Joy Division, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Bauhaus, the Cure.
• Indie Bands: Attrition, Cyan Revue, In the Nursery, Clan of Xymox, Girls Under Glass, Lycia, Deine Lakaien, Diary of Dreams, Black Tape for a Blue Girl.

Subgenres of New Wave

1. Dark Wave
   • Encompasses gloomier new wave members.
   • Features synthesizers and typically includes guitar, bass, or drums.
2. Cold Wave
   • Icy synthesizer sounds and minimalist arrangements.
   • Notable Groups: Twilight Ritual, Marquis de Sade, Asylum Party.
3. Synth-Wave
   • Pop bands based on synthesizers.
   • Notable Bands: A-ha, Tubeway Army, Gary Numan, the Human League, New Order, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, the Thompson Twins.
4. Ethereal Wave
   • Adds ambient and gothic elements.
   • Associated with: Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins.
5. Neoclassical Dark Wave
   • Incorporates classical harmony and soprano vocals.
   • Example: In the Nursery.

Notable Dark Wave Bands

1. Dead Can Dance
   • Known for gothic neoclassical dark wave approach.
   • Transitioned to synth-based in later years.
2. In the Nursery
   • Known for cinematic atmospheres using synthesizers.
3. Cocteau Twins
   • Combined dream pop, goth rock, and ethereal wave.
   • Known for "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops."
4. Kirlian Camera
   • Italian dark wave band, ranges from synth pop to electro-gothic.
5. The Frozen Autumn
   • Influenced by Clan of Xymox, uses synthesizers and programmed drums.

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