We Speak Music

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

Published

6 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

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.

Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’

‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.

Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.