Cataphiles

Reviews

Cataphiles Shadow Self LP

Deathrockers CATAPHILES from Bremen, Germany recently released the Shadow Self LP, and it’s pure bliss for those of us who enjoy exploring the darkness. Masc/femme dual vocals is the first thing you’ll notice about CATAPHILES, and in this context they provide a sonic balance as well as an emotional unity. Lyrics provide both strong social criticisms and humor with a dark perspective, while sonically, it feeds upon familiar ’80s goth. Occasional pop harmonies emerge from minor key compositions, while momentum seems to build as the album progresses. The ten songs on Shadow Self are individually strong enough to stand on their own, but as a collection, they make for an incredible listening experience. If you like TEMPLE, NOX NOVACULA, or CIERŃ you’ll want to checkout CATAPHILES.

Cataphiles Cataphiles LP

A very dark cloud was above Bremen when goth punks CATAPHILES wrote their debut self-titled LP—a quick listen to it is all it takes to prove that punk with goth leanings is still alive and well. The same energy and melancholy can be found on records by the CURE and CHRISTIAN DEATH, who are obvious references but fitting ones. A punkier edge to deathrock and goth did no harm to their sound and elevated it into new sonic spaces, as did the dual male/female vocals and usage of keyboards for gloomier purposes. CATAPHILES will surely stand out in the goth punk scene.