Getting into a subculture can be hard. Getting into a sub-subculture of that subculture? Even harder.
Luckily for any new bats out there with a budding interest in ethereal wave, I’ve compiled a beginner-friendly list of bands that are perfect for dipping your toes into the misty waters of this dreamy, haunting genre. π€
1.
Cocteau Twins
Everyone and their mother’s go-to ethereal wave band — and for good reason. Their lush soundscapes, unintelligible lyrics, and otherworldly vocals basically defined the genre. If you’re new to ethereal wave, start here. They’re iconic, they’re beloved, and you’ll never be embarrassed to name them as a favorite. I mean, who’s cooler than Elizabeth Fraser?
2.
Love Spirals Downwards
Creepy and beautiful in equal measure. Love Spirals Downwards is what you put on when you’re reading Interview with the Vampire or Carmilla (yes, I said it — not Twilight). Their music is gentle, melancholic, and romantic — like lace-covered grief echoing through a cathedral. Perfect for a rainy night with candles burning low.
3.
This Mortal Coil
This isn’t just a band — it’s a spiritual experience. I’m pretty sure the members of This Mortal Coil were briefly possessed by angels or ghosts (or both). Their music is layered, ghostly, and full of emotion. Expect chills. Their covers and originals alike are soaked in atmosphere. It’s the kind of music you feel in your bones.
4.
Dead Can Dance
While not exclusively goth, they’ve absolutely earned their place here. Dead Can Dance combines classical, world, and darkwave elements to create music that sounds like it’s being sung in an abandoned cathedral by an ancient priestess. It’s haunting, surreal, and often cinematic. Listening to them feels like getting lost in a supernatural forest where time stands still.
A Few Notes for Newcomers π¦
If you’re just getting started, don’t feel like you need to know everything all at once. Focus on a few bands and let yourself fall in love with their music. Don’t worry about memorizing discographies or knowing every band member’s birthday. Seriously — your eyeliner doesn’t have to be perfect and your fishnets don’t need to be ripped just right to belong here.
The only real requirement to be goth (or any version of it, including the ethereal side) is to love the music. That’s it. You could be wearing cowboy boots and denim and if you’re vibing with Cocteau Twins, you still absolutely belong in this space. No gatekeeping, just vibes.
✨ Feel free to comment your own recommendations! I’d love to discover more bands and help fellow goths find their sound. Welcome to the ethereal. π―️
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