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The Future of Goth Revival: Last Grasp’s ‘Creature of Your Kind’ Reimagines Darkwave for a New Era

Published

5 months ago

October 31, 2024

The relentless drive of Last Grasp’s “Creature of Your Kind” is a refreshing addition to the darkwave and industrial scene. Created by Matthew DeFeis and produced by long-time friend Boris Stojanović, this Florida-based band has been making waves since its inception in 2021. With influences from industrial, deathrock, and classic darkwave, Last Grasp pushes boundaries and injects fresh life into the genre, blending haunting atmospheres with raw, powerful instrumentation.

“Creature of Your Kind” captures the intense, almost obsessive side of attraction. Jaysik Smith’s bass and Lo Ormachea’s synth work add depth and grit to the track, setting up a sound that feels immediately captivating. DeFeis describes his love for the track’s chorus, and it’s easy to see why—the refrain digs into the mind, leaving listeners hanging onto every word.

Despite the Atlantic separating them, DeFeis and Stojanović’s remote collaboration yields a seamless sound that feels like a live experience. Trading stems and mixing virtually, they’ve achieved a sound that’s both expansive and intimate. Stojanović’s production keeps everything tightly woven, allowing DeFeis’ vision to shine through without losing its raw, visceral quality.

Their sound places them alongside bands like Vandal Moon and Drab Majesty, yet they bring something darker and more intense to the table. Rather than merely paying homage to the 80s goth scene, Last Grasp crafts a modernized version that feels like a natural evolution of the genre. The track is a testament to how darkwave can continue to surprise and seduce, without losing its connection to the past.

For industrial and darkwave fans alike, Last Grasp’s “Creature of Your Kind” is an unmissable release. It’s a track that pulses with life, wrapping listeners in its evocative world and leaving them wanting more.

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We Speak Music

Etherdene’s “Forsaker” Captures the Power of Letting Go

Published

12 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Philomena Marie

Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.

At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.

‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.

What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.

‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.