Wednesday, March 27, 2024

DARKO - "Greyscale"

 




This UK band blends the punk of the 90s with the punk of today. The vocals range from forceful shouts that navigate the songs with hooky ease, to growls and actual singing. This brings a more Boy Sets Fire mood to the songs. Some technical riffs weave around the impassioned singing. 'Aggro" feels like it racing down the middle of the road is like if AI was asked to write a hardcore song from the late 90s. Sure they are skilled musicians, but hit or miss when it comes to actually writing songs. 

"Aux II" has winding rock riffs thrown against growled vocals that are more metal than hardcore. The little melodic guitar passage works well, but the album might be too overproduced for its good, I would have mixed it more like a Coalesce album. Perhaps that is part of my problem with it is that it is too upbeat. Things could be darker and angry for sure. The lyrics seem like they are inspired by people arguing about politics on Facebook, 

"Lowest Hanging Fruit' sounds like a faster more tech metal version of Boy Sets Fire. I prefer Boy Sets Fire to what these guys are doing as it feels darker due to the rawer more honest expression, where it feels like these guys are just trying too hard. They might be more convincing doing something more metal like say Finch. That said they are skilled at what they do, it's well executed, and they pulled off what they were looking to do in terms of overall sound so I will give this album an 8. It is being dropped on Lockjaw Records on May 17th. 



pst148

No comments:

Post a Comment