Deprived, even when we feel alive
We are the fiends they crucify
Always a cold and darker night
When there’s a price to stay alive
And now for something completely different: a powerful collaboration between San Antonio post-punk trio Haunt Me, and Las Vegas K-Goth act past self, who have joined forces for a heretical gift for your Easter basket: a darkwave track titled Sinner.
For those who see themselves in the lyrics, life is a constant negotiation between authenticity and assimilation. There’s a palpable tension in wanting to honour one’s roots and individuality, yet the expectations and norms of a dominant culture that, intentionally or not, imposes a stifling conformity. Sinner captures the essence of those who walk the tightrope between their distinct identity and the overwhelming pressure to blend in.
Moreover, Sinner sheds light on the spiritual dissonance that accompanies this cultural clash. For those ensconced in a society where Christianity is the majority’s moral and spiritual compass, diverging beliefs can often lead to an existential quandary. The title itself, Sinner, is evocative of this, conjuring up notions of moral judgement and redemption. The song, therefore, becomes a vessel for questioning, challenging, and ultimately seeking solace in one’s convictions, even when they are at odds with the dominant paradigm.
The beauty of Sinner lies not just in its ability to articulate the angst and aspiration of the marginalized but in its capacity to evoke empathy and understanding across the divide. It’s a reminder that beneath the surface of our societal structures and cultural norms, there are myriad human stories, each deserving of recognition and respect.
“Sinner” merges pulsing synths with the airy, spectral touch of shivering post-punk and gothic rock guitars. The vocals, carrying the weight of whispers from the beyond, intertwine with icy, dream-like melodies, offering a profound listening experience that transcends the ordinary.
Listen below:
Haunt Me is the music project and brainchild of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Darius Davila. The band’s sound can best be described as an eclectic blend of alternative, spanning all flavours of post-punk, deathrock, and goth. We hear elements of The Cure, Clan of Xymox, The Drums, Hers, The Strokes, Beach Fossils, and Interpol in their unique fusion.
past self is a “nugoth band from Sin City,” in their words, comprised of Proteus, Spektor Aether. Originally called Luxury Furniture Store, the trio changed lanes for a more fitting name and released BEDROT last summer.
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