Darker My Love/ Alive As You Are

Darker My Love
Alive As You Are
(Dangerbird Records)

It almost feels like a new chapter for Darker My Love. Following the critical success of their second album (the imaginatively titled ‘2’) drummer Andy Granelli left the band due to exhauston. Now, with a new man behind the drumkit (Dan Allaire), the Los Angeles five-piece have buckled down and come up with ‘Alive As You Are’. As the title suggests it's a change of direction, but crucially it’s also a confident and convincing one.
With the trippy textures of their past work now gone, the songwriting quality of Darker My Love comes through a lot more and to great effect. There is also a distinctly laid back, almost casual feel to their performance that puts you at instant ease.
The contrast in styles also makes for a highlight; ‘Rain Party’ is a soothing Americana waltz whilst ‘18th Street Shuffle’ has an irresistibly bluesy garage rock swagger. ‘Maple Day Getaway’ is a bustling tune with some magnificent country twangs here and there, while ‘Trail The Line’ would, if there was any fairness in the world, be their FM radio hit.
The psychedelic glories of the past may have taken a backseat but, by stripping things right down to their core, they've brought out a new sound which is perfect for hazy summer afternoons.