Psychedelic electronic duo Darkside returned after an extended hiatus back in 2021 with the release of “Spiral”, and since then, Dave Harrington and Nicolas Jaar have not only remained active, but expanded the group to a trio. With the addition of drummer Tlacael Esparza, Darkside are prepping the release of their third album, “Nothing”, which suggests an even groovier new direction for the band. The first two singles released thus far, “Graucha Max” and “S.N.C” both of which we named Essential Tracks to hear, showcase more influence from the funkier end of Can’s pioneering krautrock as well as early ‘80s mutant. Nothing is the third album from Darkside nine transmissions of negative space, telepathic seance, and spectral improvisation.
The group fill in the open spaces in their music with dirtier, nastier grooves, playing up the more physical aspects of their music rather than follow a more ethereal muse. Moments like highlight “Graucha Max” showcase Darkside at their most manic, where something like “American References” turn up the heat, pushing its humid grooves to where you can almost the beads of sweat trickle down the back of your neck. There remain sinister underpinnings to Darkside’s songs, but their method of navigation winds through much more hedonistic trails.
Release date February 28th released on MatadorRecords
The Fat Angel Sings 