Unsung pioneers of goth and glam rock: Specimen

Specimen is a British band formed in the early 1980s, known for their role in the development of the goth and glam rock scenes. In fact, they are perhaps the leading example of how interchangeable glam and goth can be. It's no surprise, really. Psychedelic rock itself had a role in spawning goth culture; "goth" as a musical term originated with The Doors performing in a dimly lit wine cellar, which was described as "the perfect room to honor the Gothic rock of the Doors."

Specimen was formed in Bristol in 1980 by vocalist Olli Wisdom (who died in 2021), guitarist Jon Klein, bassist Kevin Mills, and keyboardist Jonny Slut (real name Jonny Melton). The band soon relocated to London, where they became closely associated with the Batcave, a legendary nightclub that became the epicenter of the goth subculture. This move may not have placed them among the hypothetical "Big Four" of the goth scene (The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and Bauhaus), but they had some influence.

As suggested, their music blends elements of glam rock, rock 'n' roll punk, and goth, characterized by dramatic, theatrical performances and a distinctive visual style. As is common to goth music, Specimen's sound often includes heavy guitar riffs, synthesizers, and dark, atmospheric vocals, though typically don't come across as exaggeratedly goth. That doesn't mean they were "goth lite," as they were still somewhere at the core of shaping the musical and visual aesthetics of the goth scene.

Specimen released several notable singles in the 1980s, including "Returning from a Journey" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." Their most famous track is perhaps "Beauty of Poison" (alternately spelled "Beauty of Poisin") , which became a goth anthem.

Influence and legacy

Though not a household name, Specimen's influence on the goth and glam scenes is significant, and people have heard of them. If you listen to goth music on Pandora or Amazon Music, it's a band that will probably pop up here and there. They helped shape the aesthetic and musical direction of goth rock in their own unique way, blending flamboyant fashion with dark, moody music. The Batcave club they were associated with became a key venue for emerging goth bands and the goth scene in general.

Specimen disbanded in the mid-1980s but reformed in the late 1990s. They have continued to perform and release music sporadically since then. In 2013, they released a new album, "Wake the Dead." After Specimen, Olli Wisdom became involved in the psytrance scene, performing under the name Space Tribe. Jon Klein has worked with various other bands and artists, including Siouxsie and the Banshees. Current members include Jon Klein (guitar, vocals), Johann Bley (keyboards), Kev Mills (bass, backing vocals), and Chris Bell (drums).

A band worth redisovering

While Specimen might not qualify as young anymore, their influence is undeniable, and their tunes are naturalistic-sounding (as opposed to having the "forced" feel that so many self-aware, genre-clutching bands have). Bauhaus and other goth bands that trace their roots back further than Specimen also share in this legacy, yet Specimen's unique style and contribution make them well worth exploring. Their music could even have some appeal outside of the goth genre if people stumble upon it.

There's some proof that such artists could enjoy increased mainstream success. Artists like Tim Burton and Danny Elfman have shown that goth elements can enjoy mainstream success, proving that the goth genre's unique style and aesthetic have a broad appeal. There's no good reason to not give this band a shot, frankly. Check them out!