PROPAGANDA NO. 21 (PART 1)

The roots of gothic literature eventually extended itself into popular music, in particular the genre called goth rock. In 1979 an English band consisting of vocalist Peter Murphy, guitarist Daniel Ash, bassist and keyboardist David J and drummer Kevin Haskins released the single, "Bela Lugosi's Dead", a nine-minute, reverb and delay-drenched single that was later considered the earliest goth rock song to be played over the airwaves. David J explained: "We were very influenced by reggae, especially dub. I mean, basically Bela was our interpretation of dub." However, the dark atmosphere of the song made it an altogether different take on the style.

Sleeve image for Bauhaus single "Bela Lugosi's Dead".

Generally considered an offshoot of post-punk, goth rock, while distinct, has proven to be somewhat elusive to categorically pin down with a simple definition. One source states "Gothic rock typically deals with dark themes addressed through lyrics and the music's atmosphere. The poetic sensibilities of the genre led gothic rock lyrics to exhibit literary romanticism, morbidity, existentialism, religious symbolism, or supernatural mysticism," and another, "Gothic rock features a distinct set of musical and aesthetic elements that set it apart from other genres. It's defined by its dark, cynical sound, with heavy basslines, atmospheric keyboards, and haunting vocals."

Goth rock had, and to a degree still does, have a loyal fan base. Many fanzines and even a few newsstand magazines have lauded the genre's appeal to fans of the darker side of rock and roll.

The leading publication was PROPAGANDA, edited by NYC-based photographer/journalist Fred H. Berger. It ran from 1982 and ceased print publication in 2002. Shown here today is the first part of issue #21 published in Spring 1994. Highlights are features on Dead Can Dance (saw them on their Spiritchaser tour in Seattle in 1994 and it was a near-religious experience), Johnny Indovina of Human Drama, Fields of the Nephilium, Miranda Sex Garden, Smashing Pumpkins (!) the Westgate Art Gallery and Anne Rice.