I love tracks like this; they are, as well as so much else, a reminder that the darkwave music makers of those early days were as aligned to the underground dance scene as to the rock sound that came to define most people’s idea of what the gothic music sounded like. Yes, big, jangly, squalling guitars might have become the dominant force, but “Humanity,” especially in this remix form courtesy of Nashville dream-pop duo, Magic Wands, reminds me clearly of those early gigs and beguiling nightclubs, swirling dancers, and tribal rituals that were the backdrop to my formative years in that scene. I can almost smell the patchouli oil!
This is the fourth single from Killing Kind’s album Being Human, which is really helping the band get noticed. As, undoubtedly, will this single too. It draws a line between their signature, synth-infused, post-punk sound and the dark dance grooves of those early gothic pioneers, between modern experimentation and nostalgic delights, between grit and groove and grace!
Such music, on the gothic-post-punk-darkwave axis, is once more becoming an important musical force after decades as a niche sound. The shaded sophistication, energetic grooves, lush textures, and otherworldly tones are becoming much sought-after music again. And it is due to bands like this and their willingness to allow other like-minded creative folk to push their collective boundaries that the music feels so exciting.
Everything is cyclical, they say, everything gets another day in the sun (well, shadow, but you know what I mean), and it is great to see such music riding high once more. Keep up the great work!
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