At the onset, MORTIFERA's live bellydancing performance at MIDNIGHT's 5th Anniversary Party was a wonderful macabre ballet that grows richer only in the fertile grounds of one's imagination. Actually it was rather an arcane dance of dirge--a mystical celebration--more than a Danse Macabre itself, as one could easily and prematurely expect. Midnight's circle of 200+ revelers provided a heartening environment for the 5 sinuous swirlers of the sensual parts of the human form.
Although I have seen better bellydancers in authentic, albeit traditional, settings.... the brilliance of Mortifera is the "gothification" of the dance with its darkly emotive musical accompaniment and styles of dress and adornments. Strangely enough this method might have actually added to the sensuality of the dance, with mystery exposed... and bellies too. It is this amalgam that separates Mortifera (although not a band) from the rest of goth-industrial-fueled performers. As an aside, in this fascinating micro-age of fast-changing technology and pan-globalization, where practicality anything and everything can be absorbed, reflected and regurgitated into wonderfully new creations, haven't we had enough of the same old guitar, bass, vocals, drum machine line-up that is frustratingly prevalent in this scene.... in any scene for that matter??? In this regard alone, Mortifera (again, although not a band) sets itself apart.
I would have much preferred it if they were accompanied by more rhythmically driving sounds such as VAS' ancient near-eastish sonic offerings or dead can dance's renaissance-inspired tracks such as Saltarello. In fact, it would have been one hell of a performance had Mortifera a trio of musicians, say with a cello, doumbek and atmospheric synthesizers... Perhaps in the future.
As usual, the setlist is refreshingly engaging--thanks to DJs Phae and Liebchen, and guest DJ Dujour--and tonight's favourite spins: Dominion by Sisters of Mercy and Ministry's Stigmata, and many others, that I can not recall now (yes, I don't just sit there and take notes ;-)~ ... So, once again, Midnight had done quite a good job in organizing this event though I'm not sure if Midnight had managed to break its record this year of about 250-something Halloweeners. It sure felt like it!
Connect! www.mortifera.us; www.dcmidnight.com.
~~~free music. freeelectrons.~~~
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