It might not be very punk to be into goth anymore, but there were a lot of Misfits fans at those early Cure and Bauhaus shows, so there is a precedent. Odor of Pears, from Columbia, MO, mixes the best of the electronic 80's pop (New Order, Joy Division) with Diana Blackwell's Debbie Harry/Siouxsie Sioux vocals.
The band's debut CD, "Mortal," is one of the most solid goth/electronic releases in years, with deep, complex songs, and smart poetic lyrics. From the seductive opener "In Orbit" to the stark, retrospective finale "Deathbed," this album manages to be dark without being mopey and emotional without resorting to cliches.
Music is only half of the story with this band, however, as their live shows contain a heavy dose of jaw-dropping performance art. Be sure to check them out the next time they come through K.C. - you won't be disappointed. -- Andrew Miller
© Odor of Pears 2004, Rev: 02/10/04