Darkside’s Impeccable Timing in “Nothing”
Hell Suite: A Reflection of Current Realities
“We’re living in hell,” sings Nicolás Jaar on the hauntingly titled “Hell Suite (Part 1).” His serene baritone floats over a narcotic waltz, emerging from a chaotic blend of organ and frenetic drumming. This moment of unsettling tranquility, two-thirds into Nothing, Darkside’s compelling third album, captures the fleeting instant between silencing your alarm and confronting the grim news alerts that have accumulated overnight.
A Band in Tune with the Collective Mood
Darkside seems to possess an uncanny ability to resonate with the prevailing cultural atmosphere, reappearing every few years to articulate what many of us instinctively feel. Their music embodies darkness and sensuality, vibrant and surreal like a rainbow glistening on an oil slick. When they debuted with Psychic in 2013, the duo of Jaar and multi-instrumentalist Dave Harrington introduced an exhilarating cosmic sound, infusing the era’s detached synthesizer music with a more vital, sinister edge. In retrospect, the album appears prophetic, its disorienting euphoria aligning perfectly with the disillusionment of the post-Occupy period.
Spiral: Navigating Isolation
Darkside’s second album, Spiral, released in 2021, coincided with the easing of COVID lockdowns. It presented a woolier, yet equally eerie interpretation of their slow-burn style, mirroring the delicate optimism of a public yearning for a semblance of normalcy. While it shifted from Neon-lit exuberance to a more rustic sound, it stayed true to the parameters they had established, with a black-hole kick drum that consumed every element in its vicinity. The songs, albeit brighter and more jam-oriented, retained an undercurrent of nausea, teetering on the brink of a bad-trip panic.
A New Era: Embracing Pop and Texture
Now, four years later, Darkside has evolved into a trio with drummer Tlacael Esparza, returning with a timely and inspired transformation. In a world where fear looms large and incessant noise fills our lives, Nothing shifts towards a more pop-oriented sound while maintaining its warped essence. The album’s overt disgust with contemporary times is palpable, as Jaar’s unsettling falsetto in “Hell Suite (Part 2)” encapsulates the harsh reality: “Look at the window, it’s hell out there.”
The Creation of Nothing
In 2022, the trio began developing new material in a rented storefront in Los Angeles, employing an improvisational approach they called the Nothing Jam. “It’s a thought experiment for playing music,” Harrington explained in a recent interview. This concept of “nothing” became their guiding principle, liberating them from traditional structures, genres, and the expectations of their past work. While the core elements of Darkside remain—Harrington’s guitar wizardry and Jaar’s techno influences—their sonic palette has broadened significantly.
Exploring New Musical Landscapes
The album opener, “SLAU,” retains the slow, deliberate pace characteristic of Darkside but draws inspiration from King Tubby instead of Can. The embrace of cosmic American music is evident, with tracks like “Are You Tired? (Keep On Singing)” erupting into ecstatic, Grateful Dead-like jams. Additionally, the rollicking clavinet in “S.N.C.,” referencing “Superstition,” injects a funkier vibe into their nocturnal rhythms. Furthermore, the texture of the album has become more pronounced, partly due to Jaar’s production expertise. The glitchy, cascading samples in tracks like “SLAU” and “Graucha Marx” reflect Esparza’s innovative Sensory Percussion technology, which turns drumheads into powerful samplers.
Conclusion
With Nothing, Darkside not only reaffirms their place in contemporary music but also reflects the tumultuous times we find ourselves in. Their ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound showcases their artistry and relevance in an ever-changing musical landscape. As they navigate the complexities of modern existence, Darkside invites listeners to confront the chaos and find beauty amidst the darkness.
FAQs
What is the theme of Darkside’s album “Nothing”?
The theme of “Nothing” revolves around confronting the harsh realities of contemporary life, using music as a medium to explore feelings of despair and disillusionment.
Who are the members of Darkside?
Darkside consists of Nicolás Jaar, Dave Harrington, and drummer Tlacael Esparza, who joined the duo for their latest album.
How does “Nothing” compare to Darkside’s previous albums?
“Nothing” marks a shift towards a more pop-oriented sound while retaining the band’s signature dark and sensuous style, distinguishing it from their earlier works like “Psychic” and “Spiral.”
What musical influences are present in “Nothing”?
The album incorporates a variety of influences, including elements of cosmic American music, funk, and electronic textures, showcasing a broader sonic palette compared to previous releases.
What is the Nothing Jam?
The Nothing Jam is an improvisational method developed by Darkside during the creation of their album, allowing them to explore musical ideas without the constraints of traditional song structures.
