Them Are Us Too

Them Are Us Too was a seminal duo in the 2010s darkwave and dream pop revival, consisting of Kennedy Ashlyn and Cash Askew. Forming in 2012 at UC Santa Cruz, they quickly became a cornerstone of the Dais Records roster.

Their sound identity is defined by a sophisticated blend of Cocteau Twins-esque etherealism and the rhythmic urgency of early Clan of Xymox. Ashlyn’s vocal range, often compared to Elizabeth Fraser, provides a melodic focal point that is both technically impressive and emotionally vulnerable. Askew’s guitar work utilized heavy modulation and delay to create vast, atmospheric soundscapes that functioned as a second voice. The duo's career was tragically cut short by Askew's death in the 2016 Ghost Ship warehouse fire. This event fundamentally altered the band's legacy, leading to the posthumous release of 'Amends', an album completed by Ashlyn and a community of peers including Joshua Eustis. Critically, they are regarded as a bridge between 80s gothic traditions and the modern 'dark pop' movement, influencing a wave of artists who prioritize high-fidelity production within melancholic genres. Their work remains a vital touchstone for the Bay Area underground scene and the broader global darkwave community.