Although darkness often “illuminates” better the reality, it almost always gives more “shine” to the notes.
How it sounds
Dark and erotic, dark erotic or erotically dark.
It is as if Gothic and Punk met in the cabaret of Berlin in the interwar period.
Basically like Gothic Rock and Darkwave playing in a dark, smoke-filled cabaret.
Why listen to it
Because anything dark always fascinates.
It exudes mystery and is generally melodic and theatrical, with a strange dark sarcasm.
Why not
Because you do find all this theatrical bullshit and it is not Punk.
Also, because it comes with a cocktail and not a cheap beer ξει okay, it’s very cool for you and you do not have t-shirts with skulls.
Where we meet it
In Western Europe.
When did it start
The late 70s, early 80s
Who are the pioneers
Nico’s 1974 album “The End” is an example of an early Dark Cabaret, especially in songs such as “You Forgot To Answer” and “Secret Side“.
Other contributors to the early dark cabaret sound of the 1970s were Klaus Nomi, Marc Almond, Kate Bush, and Virgin Prunes.
In the 1980s the cabaret was revived and spread by London-based bands.
However, Tiger Lillies incorporated blasphemy, prostitution, and bestiality into their songs. Sung by Martyn Jacques in a menacing style and with a falsetto voice.
The term Dark Cabaret seems to have become popular with the release of a collection album in 2005 entitled “Projekt Presents: A Dark Cabaret” by Projekt Records, a record label that is primarily associated with the Darkwave genre.
You have to listen
Jill Tracy, Revue Noir, The Dresden Dolls, Martin Bisi, Katzenjammer Kabarett, Tragic Tantrum, Wendy McNeill.
Days of glory
In the ’80s, when some names of the genre were quite commercially successful.
However, it has its own audience, which may not be fans of the genre.
Red card
Too eclectic, on the verge of arrogance. Snob, with excessive cynicism, touches the avant-garde.
It relies too much on, stage presence.
What is it confused with
With Gothic Rock, Punk, Deathrock, Gothic-Americana, Punk-opera, Neo-burlesque, Gothic Ragtime, Vaudeville, Apocalyptic Folk, Neo-folk, Psych Folk, and Darkwave
How do you describe it to an irrelevant
Imagine a movie with vampires in the interwar period… The music of this movie.