Dark and brooding, extremely reminiscent of Bauhaus (and I'm NOT just saying that because it mentions the similarity in the press release!!! If Autumn doesn't consistently bring to mind the powerful, deep, over-the-top vocals of Peter Murphy...), Portland, Oregon's Ghost Parade shine on Dying Breed, an ambitious 13-track post-punk/goth album.

Even though every track has this fabulously dark element to it, the four-piece still manage to switch things up regularly throughout the record. For instance, we get some theatrical pieces in the form of the opener "Drift" with the very dramatic vocals atop minimal music and the similar "Poem", which is just that - spoken verse over light, atmospheric noise. Another ethereal composition is the sole instrumental, "The Tempest", and though beautiful, is lacking, as it is devoid of Autumn's vocals, which, truth be told, really make the album. Then, there are songs that are a complete 180 from the aforementioned examples, like the raucous, punk-influenced "Fixed" (THE highlight of the album); as well as the more upbeat (but always dark) "Killing Sara"; "Strangler" with its stomping drums and quicker tempo; and the wonderful title track, "Dying Breed". So, really, Ghost Parade don't limit themselves to merely one sound, tone, or tempo.

Upon seeing the title "Love Song", it's hard not to conjure up thoughts of the mighty Damned, those seminal punk/goth legends who wrote a song with the same moniker, yet this number is nothing like that band's classic. Rather, Ghost Parade offer up an airy acoustic ballad with (what else?) dark lyrical matter, including the line "Take my hand, let's die together," an enticing plea to spend all eternity together, making one wonder: isn't dying for each other the ultimate declaration of love? As Bauhaus sang, "The passion of lovers is for death"...

In any case, the album ends with two remixes. The first, the listless "Stripped Mix" of "Fixed" sounds like it is falling apart or wilting, and is not as impressive as the previous 11 tracks, while the "Extended Mix" of "Love Song" is every bit as good as the original version. Overall, this is a fine album for fans of dark, mysterious-sounding music.

www.ghostparade.com