THE DARK SHADOWS should sound familiar to regular readers of ramtatta.de. We have been closely following the musical journey of the band led by Brigitte Handley for the past two years. We have engaged deeply with their last two releases. The reviews can be read here:
http://www.ramtatta.de/reviews,id-958,go-the+dark+shadows+_+invisible.html
Since all good things come in threes and the band has released a new record titled “11:11“, the current musical situation of the band will now be examined.
The last release “Invisible“ was a turning point for the band. The earlier tracks also featured a bit of rockabilly and psychobilly. This is no longer the case with the latest record, and with “11:11“, the band confirms their direction.
The songs come cloaked in a dark attire that strongly reminds one of the 80s and 90s when Dark-Wave was still prominent and everything dark had a seductive aura. It is exactly this aura that THE DARK SHADOWS create in their songs. Listening to them brings back memories of my first experiences with this music and places like Linientreu, BKA, or Kato. Losing oneself in one’s own longing, drinking plenty of red wine, and letting the music carry you away. Diving into another world for a few hours. That was it back then. It was beautiful, and it still is today. The difference is that this sound is hardly found anymore. Today it’s called Gothic and is usually completely over the top.
From today’s perspective, the songs of THE DARK SHADOWS seem almost like they are from another time. Dark-Wave or Dark-Pop, that is the sound of the Australians.
Brigitte Handley’s voice carries the songs, giving them aura and strength. A voice that perfectly matches the arrangements. For the dark and longing moments in life, this record is the perfect soundtrack.
With “11:11“, THE DARK SHADOWS have found their sound and have played their way into my heart. That such a thing still exists…
And quite incidentally, the band has dressed the song “Eisbär“ in a tailored black attire. Sung in German by THE DARK SHADOWS, this CD is only available in limited form through Halb 7 Records.
