DollyDagger is an ex-pat Australian, living in the USA, creating her own style of dark pop music. Her new single is called “Tower,” on which she has collaborated with guitarist JesseMcInturff and producer LouieDiller.
Photo by Kim Peterson
The slow burn start builds the tension, and when we reach the chorus, there is the iteration of I’m not your prey. A call to arms amidst growling guitar work and shrieking synths, about the power of the female character.
There is also a lush video saturated in a fantasy vision of history directed by Dagger that accompanies the single. “Tower” is DollyDagger’s ode to never giving in no matter the odds, or how much people tell you that you shall never succeed by being your own tower of strength.
The new album Glimmer came out in April, but right now I am going to drag your attention to LunarPaths’ single release “A Star At Dawn.” It dropped in March for the duo of Diane Dubois and Kevin Hunter, and I think it deserves its own time in the moonlight.
A depth to the electronics, an undercurrent of something ancient in the Middle Eastern lilt of the vocals and instrumentation, while the drums pick their way on the odyssey. Like Venus at the end of night, Dubois‘ vocals light the way and are a bridge between the past and present.
LunarPaths are masters of intertwining darkwave with world music. Entrancing and exotic, they pour themselves into these tracks because they see the beauty in how an instrument sounds or can influence the overall ambience. I love the ability to express themselves in such an alluring manner and “A Star At Dawn” might my favourite to this date while following the LunarPaths.
Arguably, Robots In Love is one of the best dark electronic rock bands in New Zealand right now, lead by front woman Elenor Rayner (vocals, synths, programming), with AlexBurchell (drums), TonyLumsden (bass) and BrettLemmon (guitar). These very experienced musicians have dropped the new single “Unbreakable” with two bonus remixes.
A slow and purpose filled build up from the start, with the rumbling affirmation of the title, wrapped up in tendrils of a classical edge, enticingly liquid next to the unwavering, steeled vocals of Rayner. Of the two remixes, the first is the EBM remix by Rayner, which has adopted a faster pace, and has a really tribal ambiance with enhanced electronics, while the second, Magnetique remix, happens to be bandmate Burchell behind the desk, creating a second dance track that again exudes an indomitable spirit.
“Unbreakable is about how we feel the minute we walk on stage. It’s about being in the place where you feel at your strongest, and connecting with other people to increase that strength.” – Elenor Rayner
Oh my, for me Rayner exudes feminine power, not to mention wearing that lovely corset, made me think of that other female warrior, Xena, in the video, which makes my heart melt a little more for Robots In Love. This is a boot stomping affair, which I associate with epic anthems such as Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” with its positive declaration that doing something you love with like-minded people can make you “Unbreakable.”
From Athens, Georgia, you can find deathrock roaming wild in the form of Tears for theDying. The band’s current line-up consists of original member Adria Stembridge (guitars, synthbass, synths, vocals) and Cody White (guitar, bass) and we thought we would check out the single “Dancing Dead Girl” off the album In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun.
The beginning is reminiscent of Switchblade Symphony, delicate feminine vocals with ringing guitar work that tinkles down, and it mirrors that classic sound throughout. Entrancing in the extreme, the music flows mystically, and it leaving me wondering if the girl was dead before she danced or like the lass in the Hans Christensen tale of the dancing shoes, she expires al la Saint Vitus disease.
“Dead Girl Dancing” is thoughtful and sweet, in that ghoulish gothic way and Adria’s vocals are quite lovely, but trust me when I say that this band can be heavier when they want to be, yet it is nice to hear this side as well. Tears for the Dying are one of those hard working bands, and you will often see them on Facebook, on the road touring, so if you get the chance, get out and check them out
It feels like there is so much going on in the world currently and the rest of the planet are watching in horror as wars are popping up like spreading fires. Irish project OWLS was created by EmyCollum back in 2021, where he went from drumming with indie bands to going solo so he could dive into his passion for post-punk and electronic music, and March has seen the release of the new single “Body Bags.”
The style is energetic analogue, like a mash up of CabaretVoltaire and FadGadget. The vocals range from darkwave whispers to barked out cries. The music is punchy and definitely has a punk based approach.
“All of my songwriting up until now has been dealing with internal conflicts and self assessment. It feels selfish looking inwards when being faced with genocide daily. I teach History. I had a Palestinian student join one of my classes recently. They presented a project on the ancient buildings of Gaza City only to highlight the fact that they’re no longer there. That hit hard” – EmmettCollum
“Body Bags” is an enjoyable track, but at just over two minutes long, it vibes along quite nicely, when it stops. Ah well, this is the punk way and the absurdity of the whole thing is that we shouldn’t have to be talking about bagging and tagging men, women and children that should have lived long and wonderful lives. The OWLS are watching in judgement.
California’s BestialMouths, headed by vocalist and lyricist LynetteCerezo, has been creating their own style of industrial/synthpop infused music with a punk edge, since 2009. 2024 has brought with it the album BACKBONE, a seventeen track remix of songs off the 2023 studio release of R.O.T.T. (In My Skin), complete with an extraordinary guest list of artists. The lovely Lynette was kind enough to chat to us about BACKBONE, music and her influences, but also, maybe more importantly is her fearlessly pushing to prove that women, and especially ladies of colour are very much spearheading great dark electronic music.
Welcome Lynette Cerezo, of BESTIAL MOUTHS, to ever inviting darkness of Onyx and its denizens.
You are the core of the project BESTIAL MOUTHS, which has been around since 2009. Looking back now, what do you think were your motivations for bringing BESTIAL MOUTHS into existence?
We started Bestial as an outlet to create something new. We were not trying to fit into any genre but wanted to make new art/music. Honestly, when we started, we did not think of much – like, will this go anywhere? What is the future? What’s the plan? etc. We were clueless, really, on the music business and felt a need in our hearts and souls to express and perform. We did not think; we just did. It’s crazy to see this and realize it has been that long, and I still feel so novice; I’ve been told it’s the whole “imposter syndrome” thing.
What is the current configuration of the band? Is it just you with guest artists and if so, who do you love coming back to play?
Me, Lynette Cerezo, as vocalist and main head with Brant Showers of AAIMON and SOLVE as the other main person and producer. Live I had been joined for a while with Raphael Gaudino on synths, who also contributed to writing I AM THE SPELL or HEX. Plus Ely of CRUNE on synth and Theremin Live. Recently, you can see Wanda playing electronic drums ~ and yes, these I love & have my heart (all so much talent and dedication).
“R.O.T.T. (In My Skin)” was the album released in 2023, that you wrote with Rhys Fulber (Front Line Assembly, Delerium, Noise Unit). Can you tell us what went into making “R.O.T.T. (inmyskin)” and what it is like working with Fulber?
Everything went into it, as it always does writing an album. But this one was a lineage from the previous two, INSHROUDSS & RESURRECTEDINBLACK. It was the next phase or culmination. The name means Road Of Thousand Tears, referring also to the trail of tears tragedy. It was time to tell my story and be more open and direct with what has happened to me. To own who I am and also why I chose to sing in Spanish and English on Road Of Thousand Tears song. I actually had the concept and lyrics for quite a while till we started making the music and taking form. I wanted something that had more repetitive lyrics or hooks to capture people and more dance-oriented – to draw people together as one and so people could all relate.
Working with Rhys was like a dream for me- I just kept thinking if teenage me knew this would happen (or back in 2009 let’s say). Of course, at first, I felt nervous and intimidated and wanted to prove my worth. Show Rhys I am professional. Rhys’s calm demeanor and amusing stories and humor made it a blast. I was really impressed by how much he really drove into the songs/music and created for this.
As the title might suggest, this is a pretty personal album it seems. How close to the truth is this and what are the underlying themes running through it?
It is written in truths from my life experiences. The truth of traumas and PTSD and what I have been through (my divorce, betrayals, abuse). I knew many have had similar experiences in this world, and I wanted to reach them to say you’re not alone, and that means I am not alone. One topic is bullies, being bullied and picked on and the pain it brings and how unfair and how helpless you feel. So for myself, I tried to reclaim my strength by continuing on and “taking back what’s mine.” This album is to show you have not destroyed me but I don’t think I can take any more in; I am exhausted; I show the scars, but we still find a glimmer of hope “we vomit the stars and gather new moons.”
2024 has already started with a bang for you, with the huge remix of “R.O.T.T” called “BACKBONE.” Was this a project that you enjoyed doing and what is it like for you hearing your music through the ears of other artists?
It is such a huge honor to collaborate with other artists you admire. It’s incredible to think your baby is getting this much attention from others. They have taken the time to dive into your music and lyrics and channel it through them and create new visions. I truly find it magical. Same with covers; maybe one day that will start happening as well.
The artists on remix duties vary greatly in style, with names like ACTORS, genCAB, Bedless Bones, Snowbeasts and Trace Amounts turning up. How did you go about organising this mammoth task and did you know most of these guys before “BACKBONE”?
Thank you for recognizing it was a large task; it was for sure, but a great one! I listen to various genres within this scene and these are some I love. I have been fortunate to have met many along the way touring and the like. Some I went out on a limb and held my breath and contacted them like REBEKA WARRIOR and Broken English Club have never met in person yet. I wanted to have a variety just as it reflects Bestial’s more diverse style.
Are there original songs of your that you particularly liked and that really now pop or have you found some of the remixes have made re-estimate certain tracks, and made you love them even more?
That’s the beauty of a remix; you now have two or sometimes more versions of a song each with its essence. Luckily, I still love the originals, haha! But look forward to hearing the remixes on the dance floors.
You are on the Negative Gain Production label. How has it been working with them and having them support you with this mammoth remix?
NGP has always been amazing and truly cares about us artists. I love that they foster community and a team and connect all of us artists on the label. Having this support means a lot emotionally, mentally, and is very helpful in many ways.
Lynette, about three years ago, you said that as a woman of colour, you have basically spent a lot of time pushing to be seen and heard. Do you feel this has in many ways influenced your music writing and visual aesthetics?
Without a doubt it has; how can it not. I write and perform from who I am, which is emotions, experiences, and challenges. Being a woman in music is a challenge to be seen and taken seriously. I really fought to be seen as a human/a person as we all should be. Lots of disappointments because life is not fair a lot of the time. But I want to leave an impression that I will fight and believe in you and do it.
It also hasn’t always been a smooth ride for women, and especially females that are not white, in the darkwave/industrial scenes, so I am wondering if you personally have seen a change in attitudes from fellow musicians and the public that consume this style of music, notably with the release of the last two albums?
I believe I have, especially from when I started. Especially because we originally played a lot with the noise scene which was very male and the same with electronic music as the woman was more the eye candy of it. I like to think as this world becomes more diverse and women get more power it reflects into music. We still have a long road with the way some are fighting back and trying to take all that away again though (and I will say honestly I fear that but do all I can to fight it and with the movement).
You have worked an amazing array of producers and musicians, however one name really caught my eye. One Mick Harvey who was a member of the wonderfully explosive The Birthday Party (prev. Boys Next Door), as well as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and having a very extensive solo career. So how did you end up working with Harvey and what was he like, as he always seemed to be the most down earth type?
I had the pleasure of working and meeting Mick in a project unrelated to Bestial Mouths. Mick had written a record on Mute Records with a friend of mine Richard Barker. I was fortunate to come sing making vocals on air during radio sessions. No practice, just pick up from the airport and here you go. Was also quite impressive to tour mute offices!
The lyrics you write are darkly descriptive, like you are creating a picture verbally but also the visual side seems equally important to you. Do you perceive that visuals give your music a more tactile quality…a sense of realism?
I do tend to write more in a cut-up or poetic way that is often more vague and less direct. I like people to use their minds and emotions, to draw upon their experiences and themselves; this way it really lives through them, then they can connect to it. The visual aspect is also very important as I feel Bestial is immersive in both sounds performance visuals. What is real? I often wonder and I feel our visuals play on that as well and are often open-ended as well in terms of story- or if wanted someone can choose to take them more directly and figuratively. Once again, it’s up to the listener or viewer.
Who’s music captured your imagination and brought you into the dark alternative fold when you were younger?
How young are we starting?? My first concert alone was The Ramones at 12 or 13. I even got to meet them in the local independent music shop and get an autograph. I remember I got to go with my friend’s older brother who drove us. He ended up getting kicked out of the show for moshing. He went across the street for snacks and got into a small car accident. I got home super late, and my mom said, “Well, you have to go to school tomorrow.” I said gladly. I can still remember being shy and feeling someone’s spike bracelet in my back too nervous to say anything.
Who do you listen to now that illicit great joy and that you find inspiration in?
There are so many contemporary musicians, artists that catch my soul – oftentimes you can hear or find them when I DJ or our mixes. Inspiration is sound, usually birds or streams, rivers, the ocean cities for me.
Lynette, thank you ever so much in taking the time to speak with us and release the bats!
Thank you for wanting to know more and letting me ramble!
-Is your BACKBONE willing to break – Never did I promise you –
For those that remember the 80s, or are connoisseurs of goth/post-punk music of that period might be familiar with the band Siiiii, a UK band that sprung onto the scene from 83-86, with PaulDevine as the lead singer. Devine released his debut solo album called We Are The Compass Rose, the beginning of 2023 (you can read the MichelRowland review here —-> https://onyxmusicreviews.com/2023/02/26/paul-devine-we-are-the-compass-rose/) and in October, he dropped a second album, titled ADHD.
You know when the first instrument you hear is a deep, rolling bass, that you are in for something rather exciting, and so we are plunged into the punk affair that is “Leader ofthe Free World.” With the snarled vocals and grating guitar, it is a sneering two fingers in the air with contempt. “TheTardigradeSong” is dedicated to the micro animal who is also known as the moss piglet or water bear. One may ask what is so impressive about these creatures until you realise that they are near indestructible and in that light, the track conga lines, engaging with indifference of the humans, as the tardigrade will be here long after you are gone. The sawing guitars squeal and reverberate, collapsing into charming wistful chiming, over and over again in “RememberedVoices.” Everything is delicately layered into a powerful wall of noise with Devine’s poetic prose stirring the ghosts of yesteryears.
They say youth is wasted on the young, but also that time flies fast for a mortal soul and this feels true of “She Was Married in June,” a delicate track, with beautiful instrumentation with the air of an olde lament. The tragedy of a life so fleeting while the natural world continues without noticing the loss. “Dulle Griet” (Dull Gret) also known as Mad Meg, was a female of Flemish legend, who supposedly led an army of women into the Mouth of Hell to plunder. Peter Bruegel the Elder immortalised her in his painting of the same name, and there is debate as to whether the artwork depicts Meg as a shrew or a woman brave enough to face her own demons. And true to form, this track is a harsh descent into the madness that is the painting, portraying a lady who will broker a world created by men no more, stalking the Devil, before setting her intent on destroying God. RebeccaAntrim is responsible for the vocals of DulleGriet and they are wonderfully cutting, where you can feel in your bones her aggrievement.
There is a surreal presence in “Stillness,” a sinuous calm before the storm, the focus being between Devine’s vocals and the soaring guitar, foreboding and at odds with itself. I love the juxtaposition of punk music married to lyrics written in a much older form of English in “Mary’sAle.” Both bewitching and modern, using the English language as ornamentation and gilding the track in golden hues. The jauntily joyous feeling “One Skin for Another,” tinkles with guitar shoegaze swirls and couldn’t be much further in difference to “The Song of Just Because.” With its southern twang and Cool Hand Luke style vocals, you can imagine sitting on the open plains in twilight, though nothing is so simple. “O Happy Day” holds the promise of a 50s do-wop for the damned, and yet there is a sweet reminder that maybe, in the end, we should just enjoy the each day as it comes. The last track “Leaf” is an ephemeral piece, immersed in a classical fashion, a spoken word experimental tale that captures your imagination with its sorrowed sweetness.
For those wondering why the album is called ADHD, this is because the musician behind it all, is neurodivergent. PaulDevine recorded all these songs in one take, no practice runs with the other musicians, and it really is a tribute to the craftmanship of the tracks, as well as all the contributing talents. Each track feels fully formed and gloriously intricate, exploring the depths of Hell, the brevity of life, love and even celebrating the smallest creatures most people have no idea exist. ADHD is a plethora of styles held together with dark romanticism and is a modern classic.
The album Crystalline was released in 2023 and spawned the intensely rich single “Bleached,” via the Norwegian and British collaboration of Antipole & ParisAlexander. US based musician, Mareux has taken “Bleached” and given it a 2024 remix treatment.
MAREUX AND ANTIPOLE
The low rumble of electronics perfectly showcases Alexander’s ghost in the machine style whispered vocals. The synths and programmed rhythms, sinuous in their way above the oppressive fuzzed undertones.
There is an unease created with the mechanised mix by AryanAshtiani (Mareux), that slowly ignites and bristles with smouldering intent, building on a track that already dripped in sensual tension. “Bleached” remixed by Mareux just proves what great songsmiths Antipole&ParisAlexander are.
Label NegativeGain has dropped the newest single “NecessityMeal” from Florida’s darkwave based AstariNite, a follow up to their previous Thin White Duke inspired track, “BowieInDaydream.”
From the beginning, there is an air of tension, set by the stressed and wavering synths, matched by the keening guitar. The vocals tell a tale about not living up to expectations, having fears and even needing drugs in order to appear perfect. Those vocals lilt and melt over you with dark intent, while the drums power on.
On first listen, the track feels off kilter, a loss of control is conveyed, and yet it is this state of honest disclosure that truly brings “NecessityMeal” into focus. It is the seeing beauty in what is not perfect, because in the end, perfection will never fuel creativity. If Bowie had been a goth, I can imagine he might have sounded like AstariNite.
If you had a friend such as Irish actor and wordsmith, BenKeaton, it would be a no brainer to collaborate on a track, and this is exactly what LunarPaths have done with the latest single, “New.”
Keaton has written the spoken word poem that tells a story about a relationship where one promised change that could lead to a better life, yet they failed, falling back into bad habits and violence. The rhythm laid down by Hunter lends itself to a trap feel, while Dubois had looped and extruded shoegaze guitars and clever synths.
The track slow burns, doused in regrets of a life waiting with disappointment over and over again, just like echoes within the music, heightened by the Julie Cruize (Twin Peaks) inspired floating vocals of Dubois. This is in juxtaposition with the very matter-of-fact style of Keaton where there is no candy coating. A reflection of a tale as old as when humans formed relationships, beautifully executed while picking at your heart strings, and as they say, something olde, something “New.”
Onyx Music Reviews 