Convergence XIIBy John Dean Alfone While the Gothic/Industrial scene is often categorized as black vinyl and leather-clad outlaws, what is commonly forgotten about this subculture is that its members are primarily upper class, white, educated, employed, and technologically savvy individuals. Performing at one of the first post-Katrina conventions — a Goth convention — England’s Attrition shared their “dark electronica” or “darkwave” vision during this year’s Convergence XII extravaganza. Melding Laurie Reade’s operatic soprano voice with Martin Bowes’ apocalyptic whispering against synthesized classical orchestrations, the band appears to be charting new musical territory as Bowes celebrated Attrition’s 25th Anniversary. While Bowes is noted for remixing songs of his contemporaries, one must nonetheless wonder why this act has not been able to find crossover appeal outside of this scene. Perhaps mirroring the romanticism of its frequently misunderstood audience, Attrition is so far beyond the curve that it might be years before the mainstream catches up.
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