Gothic Americana is a genre of music characterized by a fusion of alternative rock and classic country/folk. The genre shares thematic connections with the Southern Gothic genre of literature, and indeed the parameters of what makes something Gothic Americana appears to have more in common with literary genres than traditional musical ones. Songs often examine poverty, criminal behavior, religious imagery, death, ghosts, family, lost love, alcohol, murder, the devil, and betrayal. It may be helpful, in describing the common sound of Gothic Americana, to propose metaphorical hybrids: John Steinbeck meets Lou Reed. Woody Guthrie's life story as written by Bret Easton Ellis. Johnny Cash with long hair and tattoos. Trent Reznor in cowboy boots.