The argument is, did goth go to bed or has it been consistent and concurrent. Same question, supplement goth for metal. I guess it likely depends on what side of the fence you are standing on - a fan or observer. I'm both. Early 80's goth scene that emerged out of U.K. is easily definable - and it's closest domestic relative was the deathrock scene from L.A. However, the late 80's and early 90's offered a wealth of rebirths and new bands. Goth divereged into darkwave, synthpop, ethereal, neoclassical, goth rock, and so many other classifications that I'm sure I could write them for another 20 minutes. The whole scene became tied into bands like Marilyn Manson and Kittie and what defined goth in popular culture morphed into anything weird, anything in black, and anything that may remind you of Halloween or a Victorian dinner party. It was essentially a death knell to the scene - because what was truly goth was bleached away when the media tied the scene to the popular bands and murders in Columbine. Labels like Projekt and Dark Vinyl left the light on, but goth music was back to it's indie status. Oddly enough, it's the indie music scene where you will find the newest blood in terms of the genre. Whether or not you want to define the scene as goth - really the media and press will make the determination. It is irrefutable that the label has already been thrown upon band, Esben And The Witch. It is immediately evident when listening to any of their songs, that the late 80's goth scene a la This Ascension, Trance To The Sun, The Prophetess - are influences upon the band. However, the measure is equally goth as much as it is the current lo-fi and slo-core scenes. The result is something refreshing and new, whether or not it's a breeding ground for a new influx of bands remains to be seen. When the goth hipsters hit the streets - I will send up the warning flag. Esben is not alone though - there's a crop of bands that clearly were paying attention or at least were being weaned on 90's goth music. Early singles by Dum Dum Girls and Veronica Falls are rife with a good percentage of my record collection. Since I am only beginning to dent the surface of the current indie music scene - I've been certain that there's more examples out there. Today, Maisy handed me an album and eliminated any doubt; The Waves by Tamaryn. The familiar beds here are Rain Parade, Mira, and Mephisto Walz.
Like I said - is this a new wave of goth? It's unlikely in my opinion, but if the press wants it to be - it will be. Esben And The Witch are the only band I know of that could wear the tag that are indeed being proclaimed a goth band... however - they are as much an indie band as Tamaryn is. It doesn't diminish my excitement to hear those influences, and to have some current, relevant, undated music to cling to and not have to dig out the lace, lipstick and manic panic.
