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If, like me, you've spend a goodly amount of time in a "goth" club in the last decade then you know the truth: the chance of actually hearing anything "goth" is pretty slim. Most goth clubs are actually industrial/ebm/future pop/etc clubs.
There's nothing wrong with that, but those genres never had the warmth, the sexiness, the sinuousness of actual goth. If you missed the days when goth ruled the dusky dance floor than "Shelter" (the first full length by Demonika and the Darkings) is for you.
Successful dance music is about one variety of sex or another. Industrial is about fucking, pure raw animal aggressiveness. Goth is about seduction and desire, about loose limbs, full lipped promises, and hidden secrets. Demonika and the Darklings are sexy and seductive, this is music to entwine bodies to.
Demonika Darkling's vocals are full, lush, occasionally soaring and achingly female. She is strong and sultry, and never stoops to be simply coy. Dv8 Darkling's thick, sensual bass work is what gives "Shelter" it's body moving power. The throb of the low-end moves up your spine and pulls you around the room. Dv8 is the reason that you want to dance to this CD. There are some electronics here, but they're never the focus. Beats, programming and the like are there to support the distinctly organic feel that dominates the music. The secret key that keeps this collection from descending into a cold, mechanical sound is Devlyn Darkling's violin playing. Other bands would have the high-end crunched out on guitar or plinked out on keyboards. The violin is the perfect instrument for this band. It moves, snakelike, between and through the vocals and rides the current of the basslines. The combination is both languid and lurid.
It's not just that the band works well together, it's also that they very skilled. Not only do they handle songs by Justin Timberlake and Ministry with equal aplomb but they remake "Everyday is Halloween" into a *different* sexy, dark dance song. This isn't just a cover, they don't take the easy road: they remold the song to fit their vision. If you don't know it's coming "Everday is Halloween" sneaks up on you, you're already dancing before you realize that you know this song.
The production (by the band and John Napier) is on the mark. Nothing is ever out of keel: the vocals are upfront through out and the other instruments rise and rumble as befits the moment. The sound is nicely layered, there is a lot going on under the surface that emphasizes the richness of the music. Despite it's goth roots the production makes sure "Shelter" never sounds dated.
If you miss the days (or *missed* the days) when sultry, dark, groovy music ruled the dance floor than "Shelter" belongs in your collection.
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Demonika and the Darklings:
http://www.demonikaandthedarklings.com/
http://www.myspace.com/demonikaandthedarklings
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