there is nothing conceptually better than rock 'n' roll...

as is kind of apparent in the way i sporadically update (seriously, 8 month breaks?), i'm really lazy. this prolly should've gone up sooner, but in any case, here's a review i wrote of a darker my love show i went to (um, kind of fairly) recently.



On August 7, Darker My Love wrapped up a Los Angeles residency at the legendary Troubador in celebration of their sophomore release, '2' (out now on Dangerbird records!).

Tim Presley's veiled vocals blended in smoothly with the psych-influenced guitar that emanated from him and rhythm guitarst Jared Everett. Their shoegaze-twinged sounds traveled effortlessly through buzzing vintage amplifiers, creating an unparalleled array of blissfully alternative fuzzy jams, while Will Canzoneri fleshed out their choicely harmonious tones with an thought-provoking flair on the organ and clavinet. Drummer Andy Granelli (of the Distillers fame) and bassist Rob Barbato (doubling up on vocal duties) kept the rhythm steady with resolutely undulating beats. While mostly a showcase of soon-to-be classic tracks from their latest release, the evening wasn't without a splash of old favorites from their 2006 self-titled debut album. Even with a fledgling discography, their performance seemed to float onward throughout the night as the crowd was enveloped in a wall of sound that carried through the walls to keep hipster hips swaying and indie heads bobbing.

In a surprisingly open-handed gesture, Darker My Love and Dangerbird Records decided to offer all concert-goers a copy of '2,' serving only to further cement their fan base's unwavering support. After having just experienced the surging swell of billowy dream pop tunes in one of the permanent fixtures of LA's vibrant musical past, it can only be assumed that everyone in attendance was poised and ready for a listen of the album on the drive home. It's easy to immediately be swept into a world of whimsical neo-psychedelic fun upon the first listen; the ease in which the album flows from start to finish is a true testament to the band's future as musical troubadours of their own right.

be sure to come check 'em out when they play amoeba hollywood on october 2nd. wooo!