"The Essence" is a Dark Wave - / gothic rock band from Rotterdam, Holland. The group led by singer Hans Diener (guitar, vocals) - consisting of Mark (keyboards), Josh (bass) and George (drums) - is often as close musical relative of The Cure considered to find the songs they like to cover at her concerts.
Emerging from the vibrant Dutch post-punk scene of the mid-1980s, The Essence's debut album "Purity" stands as a significant work in the gothic rock genre. This 12" LP vinyl album, released in 1985 on Midnight Music, captured the essence of the era's melancholic and atmospheric sounds while pushing boundaries with their unique musical explorations.
Historical Context
The mid-1980s marked a period of creative ferment in European music, with artists drawing inspiration from new wave, post-punk, and gothic rock. This era saw a proliferation of bands experimenting with electronic instrumentation, introspective lyrics, and a darker aesthetic. The Essence emerged in this context, contributing to the rich tapestry of Dutch gothic rock.
Musical Exploration
"Purity" showcased The Essence's ability to blend ethereal soundscapes with driving rhythms, creating a sonic experience that was both haunting and danceable. The album delved into themes of love, loss, and introspection, with lyrics often shrouded in poetic ambiguity. The band's use of synthesizers, drum machines, and guitars created a sound that was both atmospheric and dynamic.
Music Genre
The Essence firmly established themselves within the gothic rock genre, characterized by its melancholic atmosphere, introspective lyrics, and a combination of electronic and rock elements. "Purity" exemplified the hallmarks of this genre, with its minor key melodies, reverb-drenched vocals, and a sense of romanticism tinged with sorrow.
Controversies
While "Purity" was well-received by critics and fans alike for its musicality and artistic vision, some minor controversy arose surrounding the album's lyrical content. Certain tracks were interpreted as having occult or morbid undertones, leading to debates about the band's intentions and the potential influence of their music.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by David Ros and Nick Ralph, who were known for their work with other emerging bands in the gothic rock scene. It was recorded at Alaska Studios, a small but well-equipped studio in Hilversum, Netherlands. The studio's intimate setting and technical capabilities allowed The Essence to capture the raw energy and emotional depth of their music.
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Music Genre: Dark Wave, Gothuc Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "THE ESSENCE - Purity Midnight Music" was produced by: Nick Ralph, David Ros , A Twelve O'Clock Production This album was recorded in Alaska Album cover design: Blue in the Afternoon Album cover photography: Cliff Ash |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Midnight Music CHIME 00.11 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1985 Great Britain |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE ESSENCE - Purity Midnight Music |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "THE ESSENCE - Purity Midnight Music" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "THE ESSENCE - Purity Midnight Music" is:
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
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