Formed in Santa Barbara in 1988, This Ascension became a cornerstone of the American ethereal wave and darkwave scenes. Led by vocalist Dru Allen, the band initially drew heavy inspiration from the 4AD roster (Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance) and UK post-punk (The Cure, The Chameleons).
Their early releases on Tess Records established a signature sound: operatic, soaring vocals paired with chorus-heavy bass and shimmering guitar textures. Over their four-album arc, they transitioned from the indie-pop leanings of 'Tears in Rain' to the sophisticated, world-music-influenced textures of 'Sever', produced by John Rivers. Their cultural position is defined by their bridge between the 80s gothic rock tradition and the 90s ethereal movement, sharing stages with iconic acts like Clan of Xymox and Pixies. Critically, they are regarded as one of the most technically proficient bands of the genre, particularly noted for Allen's vocal range and the band's ability to incorporate diverse instrumentation without losing their dark, atmospheric core.
Shares darkwave, dream pop (subgenres); reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares darkwave, dream pop, post-punk (subgenres); reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares darkwave, dream pop (subgenres); ethereal, soprano, breathy (vocal style)
Shares reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style); darkwave, dream pop, post-punk (subgenres)
Shares reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style); mysterious, haunting, wistful (moods)
Shares reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style); darkwave, dream pop, post-punk (subgenres)
Shares darkwave, dream pop, post-punk (subgenres); haunting, mysterious, melancholic (moods)
Shares darkwave, dream pop (subgenres); reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style); darkwave, dream pop (subgenres)
Shares reverb_heavy, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style); darkwave, dream pop (subgenres)
Shares post-punk, soprano, darkwave, dream pop (subgenre)
Shares soprano, darkwave, dream pop, cathedral (vocal style)
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