This act creates great electronic instrumentals. Their music is very full and well textured with a lot happening in it. Since these are instrumental tracks relying simply on the music without vocals, the music needs to be good to hold your interest. And the music is superb. It mixes a lot of different genres within it such as EBM, techno, trance, tribal, ambient, experimental, etc.
This is pure electronic music created with programming, sampling and synths. There is a lot of variety throughout this release with each and every track sounding different. Some stand out more than others, but everything is good here.
There is a mixture of structured music and experimental music to be found here. I do find the structured music to be a little easier to listen to and enjoy. But the experimental music is interesting in its own way as well.
If you enjoy varied electronic music without any vocals, this CD is for you.
Feature in Cascade Weekly
Cascade Weekly - February 7th, 2002
Featured Artist of the Gorge by Mike Cortner
For about two years, electronics based trio, Dead Poets Society, has been performing their style of electro-goth music in the Gorge and around the Northwest, and have built up a dedicated following. All residents of The Dalles, members Wa, Tim Gibson, and Raven Nightshado are musically working towards promoting the gaining of knowledge as a worthwhile pastime and to change the face of electronic music through their live performances and studio recordings.
Their debut album, The Electric Haze, is described as having created an emotional experience through the use of instrumental textures and moods. With the release of their second album, DEPROGRAMMING, the dead poets re-explore some of the avenues already trad upon in the virtual city of the electric haze, while also providing some new experiences as well.
With influences randing from hard dance to goth, Dead Poets Society’s music presents a unique mix of moods and rhythms ranging from tribal to a darker, at times almost “pink floydish”, tonal groove. As well as performing their own original arrangements at live shows, they also knock out some cool versions of popular new-wave covers such as Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love”, and Gary Numan’s “Cars”.
As primary programmer, percussionist, and songwriter for the group, Wa is a driving force behind the music. Playing percussion since age 9 and highly influenced by jazz, Wa performed in the University of Oregon Marching band and in The Dalles Theatre Company. In 1992, he was selected to the Columbia River Gorge McDonald’s All Star Jazz Group, performing clinics at selected venues as a way for students to gain exposure to jazz.
Guitarist and bassist for the band, Tim Gibson has played for years and has been involved in many musical projects including work with The Dalles Theatre Company as both performer and make-up artist. His theatrical credits include productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Stop The World I Want To Get Off. Tim also plays piano, sax, trumpet, trombone, and is involved in keyboards and programming.
Raven is keyboardist, vocalist and lyricist for the band and is involved in programming as well. Also an artist, she works with Wa in the creation of the bands album and poster art. Self taught in music and art, she recalls always having drawn and as a kid being particularly fond of doing collage. She now enjoys drawing on the computer through various art programs that are available. As for Raven’s artistic inspiration, “I’m all about books.” she says. “Everything that I read comes out in my music and my art.”
Currently the band is promoting their new album with live shows in addition to getting radio support over the internet and airplay through programs like Area 54 and on KMCQ 104.5 FM. They recently played the Portside Pub in The Dalles, but plan on performing more all-ages shows.
In the band’s pursuit to promote knowledge through music, WA notes that they are trying to open up opportunities for other all-ages groups, and for people to see art. “I don’t think of us as a bar band- that we’re selling alcohol. We’re actually artists selling different visions of life, and if we can rock your butt off at the same time, well that’s great!!”
The Dalles Chronicle reviews Deprogramming
The Dalles Chronicle
“Dead Poets Society’s newest shows growth” by Rodger Nichols
Dead Poet Society’s second CD shows a band expanding their art, with the assurance that comes from popular acceptance of their first release, “The Electric Haze”.
One fan said of the first album, “I love to listen to it when I’m training. The music is slow and builds up a harmony between the body and the soul. I think we can all use some more of that…”
With DEPROGRAMMING, the band has done just that, and added excellent vocals to their electronic/goth mix.
This is sophisticated, post-modern music that samples from a rich menu of influences. There are subtle themes from the Middle East, the samisen music of Japan, European techno-pop, hints of echoing Enya choruses, and orchestral instrumentation. In addition, the group has sampled sound effects from sirens and squealing tires to jet engines warming up.
The brooding, ominous cello sounds at the beginning of “Strung Out” are perfectly suited to the opening credits of a sophisticated horror film, while the pounding drums that open “Massacre” are simply superb.
Repeated listenings reward the listener, revealing intriguing juxtapositions, complex layers and deft subtleties.
With DEPROGRAMMING, Dead Poets Society have moved into another level of expertise. We hope that future efforts will include more experimentation with vocals, given the intriguing lyrics presented here.
The Global Muse reviews The Electric Haze
The Global Muse - November 25th, 2001
by Carla Archuletta
Count Dead Poets Society as one of the few modern and innovative bands in the sub-cultural underground of the disenfranchised that is defining Electronic Goth. Pop culture is a roomful of mirrors, which means that there are infinite possibilities for unflattering angles. Not here! The Electric Haze is a celebration of the soul, infused with powerful rhythm, ambient techno improvisation and infectious industrial groove. This recording tells a story of its own. Three musicians, Wa’s driving beats, Tim Gibson’s chord-and-melody interplay, and Raven Nightshado’s keyboards and vocals, come together to create an original voice which transcends musical boundaries. A highly recommended musical experience with seamless vision, spirited interplay and dynamic complexity.
- Carla Archuletta