The word 'gothic' has taken a battering in recent years.
Once a European tribe, then an artistic movement the word has become shorthand for self-indulgent teens moping to Robert Smith records. Yet once - sometime in the 80s we reckon - goth was a vibrant, forward thinking scene.
Albeit one which needed a Valium to get through the day. New York newcomers MINKS hark back to the dark beauty of the early goth era, with their debut single 'Funeral Song' coming wrapped in flecks of grey ash.
Released with minimal fanfare, their death march drums were backed with guitars which shattered on sight. Signed to cult label Captured Tracks, MINKS returned with the follow up seven inch 'Ophelia'.
Already immortalised by Shakespeare, 'Ophelia' is given a mournful tribute by the mysterious Americans. MINKS have completed work on their debut album, with 'By The Hedge' set to soundtrack those January chills.
Taken from the new album, ClashMusic can offer fans a free preview. 'Cemetary Rain' - deliberate mis-spelling - proves that MINKS are capable of evolving beyond their gothic confines to become something uniquely affecting.
Listen to it now... Download it HERE.