And now for something completely different as Plunder The
Tombs turns its hand to book reviewing.
In Encyclopedia Gothica, what Canadian Goth journalist and
poet, Liisa Ladouceur has given us is quite simply delightful. This is not
really a book about music as such, and nor thankfully, is it another risible
tome about “how to be a Goth”. (Actually, at some point in time, I might get
around to starting up a Hall of Shame for those kind of books.)
What we have here is really a vocabulary of the scene, which
easily could have been a terribly dry read, but is actually written with
refreshing humour and a light-hearted tone that doesn’t try to take itself with
Poe-faced seriousness.
The Encyclopedia covers important individuals, bands,
festivals, hairstyles, zines, nightclubs, a whole horde of miscellania, and
perhaps most usefully the odd terms used in Goth scenes around the world. Even
sleepy old Perth
got a look-in with the inclusion of POGS (Post Office Goths), although it’s
less clear if Ladouceur realises this was a mainly derogatory term used by older
Goths to refer to the mostly clueless youngsters who used to gather in Forrest
Chase. It’s also somewhat redundant with the POGS having been driven forth some
years back from their traditional ground by aggressive hip-hop crews and are
now usually to be found loitering by Wesley Church on the corner of William and
Hay Streets. Nevertheless, it’s always nice to be included. But I digress.
Perth has a long and undistinguished history of knocking down it's
historical buildings.The General Post Office was an exception however.
Little wonder it became a magnet for under-aged Goths. It effectively won by default.
Little wonder it became a magnet for under-aged Goths. It effectively won by default.
On the whole though , I think the real strength of this
beautifully presented volume lies in it’s exploration of terms that
differentiate the various strands of the Gothic subculture, whether it be “Trad
Goths”, “Mall Goths” “Fairy Goths” or “Cyber Goths”.
It is however, at its weakest when discussing the subculture
at its musical level, with band coverage being a little bit hit and miss, and giving Cybergoth far
more of a pass and legitimacy than I would ever have credited it. It does get much love though for introducing me to the brilliant Fever Ray (seriously, I own every album The Knife released - how on earth did this one fly under my radar for so long?).
In the end though, it doesn’t matter – that Mick Mercer chap
has already published at least five books detailing bands and Encyclopedia
Gothica is both essential, informative, and above all, fun.
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