Gothic rock is one of the alternative world’s most referenced yet misunderstood genres given how “goth” is an etymology for anyone who wears dark clothing or takes an interest in anything horror related. But despite this position in everyday discourse, gothic rock as a musical movement has retained its signature croons, wailing guitars and dark themes that has kept it away from mainstream light.
Oroboros are one of the latest bands to emerge from the murky goth rock underworld lately, composed of an experienced duo of London based musicians (originally from Greece) who know their sound and fanbase well from what their debut release “Saturnalia” told me.
Initially I was expecting some gloomy alternative guitar tunes and that is what I got. Every now and again it was good to be reminded of Suspiria or Garden of Delight and other less known groups of the genre’s heyday in the 90s. I wouldn’t call this a “Batcave” release as I felt it wasn’t as fuzzy as something Specimen or Sean Brennan would put out – not something that would have a deathrock fan smiling over at first hearing but has the staying power for those who cannot get enough of the old school.
Overall, having listened to goth for over a decade and a half, I felt this piece did exactly what it says on the tin by offering all the doom, gloom and wayward vibes that you’d expect from a band you caught up with in Whitby or somewhere else in the north of England. It’s most pleasing to hear this band are from London as the London scene has not been anywhere as strong in terms of membership or musical creativity in the years I’ve been part of it. When you hear such a release like this you’re bound to think this band are from Leeds or somewhere else that’s known as a goth playground – but the south still has its share of beautiful bleakness.
Saturnalia is a combination of the 80s and 90s in terms of musicianship and the manners of the lyrics and vocals so check it out if you want to hear some fun tunes made by someone who knows the scene inside out, back to front.
(7/10 Demitri Levantis)
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