Description
https://rateyourmusic.com/list/redflags/rym-ultimate-box-set-ethereal-wave/
Ethereal wave is characterized by reverberating guitars, otherworldly atmospheres, and haunting vocals (usually female). Early pioneers include Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, and This Mortal Coil.
Ethereal Wave is a kind of "time capsule" genre. It had its heyday in the 1980s and '90s, leaving few bands creating music in the genre today.
There's a lot of overlap between Ethereal and both Darkwave and Dream Pop. With that in mind, I've stuck closely to the ethereal with bands that bridge ethereal, darkwave, and dream pop. Also, I've opted to not go chronologically on this one because there isn't significant development over time (production aside). Instead, I've chosen to create "waves" of sound, alternating the lighter, more melancholy songs with more "upbeat" (for this genre) songs.