Tag: Dark Wave

Depeche Mode in Dior’s “Secret Garden III” Ad

Dior and Depeche Mode (obviously not an indie/up-and-coming band) recently launched their “Secret Garden III – Versailles” video campaign.

Relatively recently, Versailles has been the backdrop of more playfully soundtracked visuals (e.g. Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris).

The use of “Strangelove” by Depeche Mode in the Dior ad is in tune with the elegance of Versailles while giving it a dark feel. In addition, the use of an ’80s classic track melds perfectly with the 80s montage music video feel of the “film” and the cuts of the dresses.

Heard Through: Oyster

DOLLS: The New Kylie Minogue

The UK has recently launched its response to Australia’s Kylie Minogue – DOLLS.

DOLLS is the electropo project of aptly (stage)named Nikki Awesome. Her voice sounds almost exactly like Kylie Minogue. In fact, “Now Now” sounds like a sped up version of “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” mixed with a dark wave bass beat in the background.

She even channels a little bit of Madonna in her outrageous outfits and makeup.

[SF:] Breakdown Valentine

If CHVRCHES, Blondie, and The Sounds had a threesome band baby, it would be San Francisco’s Breakdown Valentine.

This electropop / electro rock duo brings dark wave influences to dream pop and adds in sultry vocals.

“Lullaby” has more of a Blondie and The Sounds 80s feel while “There Will Be Blood” sounds like a slowed down CHVRCHES track with an American accent.

If you’re in San Francisco, check them out tonight at PopScene at the Rickshaw Stop!

“Lullaby”

“There Will Be Blood”

Not gonna lie – I love this track because of its CHVRCHES synths and because There Will Be Blood is one of my favorite movies.