propaganda :
Boston's Weekly Dig: May 1 - May 8, 2002
Reverie : Let's Have a Black Celebration - by Shaula Clark
(re: Reverie, dj addambombb)
Ah, the joys of being a club slut- a clubbing enthusiast, that is- on the local goth circuit. For the diehard devotees, it's all about slipping into your best black finery and fearsome footwear for a night of mindless, euphoric writhing and stomping on the dance floor. Yes, being a club slut is great for an adrenaline rush. But to have a meaningful conversation without being completely drowned out by the speakers, or to be able to appreciate the finer aesthetics of the music, well, consider it an exercise in futility- unless you're at Reverie.
Reverie is a self-described goth lounge night, normally held every other Sunday at T.T. the Bear's. The dress code is "goth casual", with emphasis placed on the casual. Sure, the bar is swarming with a sea of black, and gathered around the little tables, illuminated by flickering votive candles are people sporting leather pants, t-shirts featuring bands with German names, and flowing skirts (worn by as many gothbois as girls). Yet, the occasional khaki-clad soul strolls in- and it's okay!
As a general rule, it's hard to imagine using the words "unpretentious" and "goth night" in the same sentence, but Reverie transcends all stereotypes, as the night isn't about cliques or showing off plumage. It creates a community- a haven- for free expression, with a soundtrack that alternates between setting a mood for conversation and breaking into the foreground to become the focus of the audience's attention.
Generally, Reverie's entertainment consists of rotating sets from resident DJs Jordan and Shannon, plus the occasional guest DJ as well. The guests hail from a wide variety of backgrounds, from the total novice and enthusiast to the seasoned professional. Past events have involved guests such as Manray resident Spikey Bobby (a.k.a. ctl.alt.del), and DJ Azrael from Sin:thesis in Northampton, MA. Not surprisingly, the music is predominantly gothic, industrial, and trance, "from old-school 80s goth rock and new wave to darkwave, neoclassical, synth pop and electro-industrial." The sets maintain the energy of the club, but with greater variety and personality. "While there is a wide range of music featured, there is a focus on... more atmospheric music less suited for a dance club," the Reverie website (http://www.reverie.fsck.com) explains. DJs exercise their creativity, sometimes throwing The Pogues or snippets from the Nightmare Before Christmas into the mix of Xmal Deutschland, Stromkern, and Delirium. In February, DJ Addam's set consisted of what he termed "beat poetry," an impromptu selection of songs that form an emerging theme, a la refrigerator magnet poetry. "The 'poems' were composed by blending coincidental elements of the sounds, titles, and lyrics of the songs with selections intuitively made in real time," Addam declared, later coming up with an appropriate title for each set; including "Synthetic Ballads of the Hopeless Romantics".
Occasionally, Reverie hosts special performances or events. Past live acts include an eclectic mix of acoustic music, ranging from sets by local bands Scissorkiss and Amber Spyglass to medieval lute playing or belly dancing. In January, Reverie celebrated its one-year anniversary with a live performance by Incus, followed by a "goth/cyber" fashion show. On May 5, Reverie will play host to German electronic act Scorpion Bowl, who appeared nearly one year ago for a unique display of performance art. Reminiscent of a darker Blue Man Group, the duo of Hans Felten-Achtung and Otto Von PanDelay donned mysterious chefs' costumes for their set and managed to include the preparation of a chocolate mousse for the audience to sample while they sampled Massive Attack and Underworld onstage, blending their ingredients and musical selection (for pictures, visit Reverie's website). "Any[one] can play music; this is not always that interesting... when people come to see it, or come to hear you play, it is important for us to do something to them," Felten-Achtung insists. Scorpion Bowl will be returning to promote their latest albums, Dead Weight and Coma.
Vendors and artists also share Reverie's space each week. In previous gatherings, visitors have been able to peruse the Atrocities clothing line, Cranium Moss crafts, and jewelry by Sunspot Designs; local photographers and artisans get the opportunity to showcase their work as well.
While people are free to soak in the ambience, Reverie is far from a passive experience. An assortment of comics, graphic novels, 'zines, novels, and board games is strewn about the bar, begging to played with or flipped through. Reverie's communal store of literature is ever-expanding; Harvard Square comic shop Million Year Picnic has donated several issues, but there are many additions from private collections as well. Reverie's success relies on altruism, as all the staff members (the DJs, sound crew, and lighting technicians) are volunteers, thereby allowing entrance without a cover charge. Donations, however, are gladly accepted. The DJ crossover and support from fellow local promoters prove Reverie's existence as the product of a community.
By definition, the word 'reverie' generally refers to a flight of fancy lacking basis in reality. While Reverie may have begun that way, inspired individuals have breathed life into their conception, establishing a space for musing and expression. Poet Shel Silverstein's Invitation aptly captures the spirit of Reverie: "If you are a dreamer, come in... for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. / Come in! / Come in!"
So, pull up a chair; put your mind in an upright, active position, and enjoy the experience.
