Eerie and atmospheric electronic beats in the realm of witch house Witch house, a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 2000s, is characterized by its dark and haunting soundscapes. With its roots in experimental and industrial music, witch house creates an atmosphere that is both eerie and atmospheric. At the core of witch house is the use of electronic beats, which are often slowed down and distorted to create a sense of unease. These beats, combined with elements of hip-hop and trap music, give witch house its unique and haunting sound. One defining characteristic of witch house is its use of atmospheric synths and samples. These elements add layers of texture and depth to the music, creating an otherworldly vibe.
Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles are a Canadian group whose name came from a commercial for a toy for She-Ra’s castle, which included the lines “The fate of the world is safe in Crystal Castles” and “Crystal Castles, the source of all power.” Probably the most well known of the bands I’m writing about, you can borrow all four of their albums from Hoopla and at some BCCLS Libraries. The sprinkle of video game like noises in some of their songs has also had their music described as Ninetendocore. If you enjoy fellow Canadian avant-garde singer Grimes, then Crystal Castles is definitely one for you to check out.
You can check out the Sidewalks Skeletons track Exhume on the Occult Box Compilation from Cleopatra that also offers up a sample of other delightfully macabre music which is worth a listen. Its influence can be seen bubbling up to the more mainstream surface in pop music hits like Katy Perry s Dark Horse or the edgier music and style of Billie Eilish.
These elements add layers of texture and depth to the music, creating an otherworldly vibe. The synths are often manipulated to create dissonant and discordant tones, further contributing to the eerie atmosphere of witch house. Another key aspect of witch house is its use of vocal samples.
Goth music with more ambient/atmospheric direction?
Is there any (preferably newer) music with a more ambient and atmospheric approach compared to regular goth? Probably somewhere in the ethereal wave and darkwave realm.
Some examples of what I'm talking about and what I like the most: Lycia (probably the best example), Love Spirals Downwards, Autumn's Grey Solace (especially Eifelian, this is my favourite album), The Frozen Autumn (esp. first two albums, although the others are good too), Dead Can Dance (both newer and older), Fields of the Nephilim (esp. Elizium).
Some other older bands that also partially fit the bill: Cocteau Twins (obviously), This Ascension, Trance to the Sun, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Soul Whirling Somewhere, Asylum Party, The Chameleons, Robin Guthrie solo albums. If there's some other older ethereal wave band, I probably also already know it.
Out of the newer ones Winter Severity Index (this one especially sounds pretty close to Lycia, mixed with the coldwave sound), Drab Majesty, Twin Tribes somewhat fit. I would prefer an even more ambient/ethereal sound, but if it's somewhat close to this, it should be fine.
The Sisters of Mercy would be the opposite of this sound.
In the ambient genre I like raison d'etre and Klaus Schulze, if that could help. Also I already know about the so-called "neoclassical darkwave" genre, it's good, but I would prefer more guitar-based music, and I already know all the bands from this genre. In the shoegaze genre Slowdive is pretty good and borderline goth sometimes.
Dive into the enigmatic realm of witch house music and explore its haunting melodies, dark atmospheres, and otherworldly charm. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the genre, there's no denying its hypnotic allure and enduring influence on electronic music.
These samples are often distorted and heavily processed, adding to the overall haunting and occult aesthetic of the genre. The vocals are typically chopped up and repeated, adding to the hypnotic and ritualistic nature of the music. With its dark and atmospheric sound, witch house has gained a dedicated following who are drawn to its haunting and unsettling nature. It has also influenced other genres of electronic music, such as darkwave and industrial. In conclusion, the electronic beats in the realm of witch house are characterized by their eerie and atmospheric nature. Through the use of slowed-down and distorted beats, atmospheric synths, and manipulated vocal samples, witch house creates a haunting and otherworldly sound. Whether you're a fan of the genre or not, there's no denying the unique and unsettling atmosphere that witch house creates..
Reviews for "Witch House and the Gothic Tradition: Exploring the Genre's Dark Roots"
1. Mark - 2/5 stars - While I appreciate experimentation and pushing boundaries in music, the eerie and atmospheric electronic beats in this album left me feeling rather uncomfortable and disconnected. The distorted vocals and occult-inspired themes failed to resonate with me, and I found the overall listening experience to be quite unsettling. Perhaps this style of music just doesn't align with my personal taste, but I struggled to find any enjoyment or meaning in this particular blend of witch house.
2. Jennifer - 1/5 stars - I have tried to give witch house a chance, but this album just solidified my dislike for the genre. The eerie and atmospheric electronic beats felt monotonous and repetitive, lacking any real substance or depth. It seemed like the artist relied too heavily on shock value and occult imagery, without truly delivering a cohesive musical experience. Overall, I was left feeling bored and rather annoyed by this style of music, and I don't think I will be revisiting it anytime soon.
3. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I had higher expectations for this album, considering the hype around witch house, but it left me feeling underwhelmed. The eerie and atmospheric electronic beats felt contrived and predictable, lacking any innovation or originality. The occult-inspired themes and distorted vocals quickly grew tiresome, and I found myself yearning for something more engaging. Perhaps this particular album just didn't resonate with me, but I was left unsatisfied and ultimately disappointed with what I hoped would be a captivating musical experience.
4. Michael - 2.5/5 stars - I understand that witch house aims to create an eerie and atmospheric vibe, but this album took it to an extreme that I couldn't quite handle. The distorted vocals and occult themes were overwhelming and off-putting, making it difficult for me to connect with the music on any level. While I appreciate experimentation, I found this particular blend of electronic beats to lack coherence and direction. It's not a genre that resonates with me, and this album only reaffirmed that sentiment.
5. Emma - 1.5/5 stars - The eerie and atmospheric electronic beats in this album didn't quite hit the mark for me. I found the overall sound to be overly dark and gloomy, without any clear direction or purpose. The occult-inspired themes and distorted vocals felt more like a gimmick than a genuine artistic expression. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this album and found myself quickly losing interest. Perhaps this style of music simply isn't my cup of tea, but I would advise listeners to approach it with caution and an open mind.