One of the perks of doing music journalism is discovering new music and finding these sometimes underappreciated bands you wouldn't come across very easily. This is how South England's DARKO came to blast through my stereo. This progressive punk band, consisting of Tom West (vocals), Rob Piper (guitar/vocals), Chris Brown (guitar/vocals), Karl Sursham (bass/vocals), and Andy Borg (drums), has returned to close the book on their trilogy of conceptually linked EPs with Canvas. And what a closure they gave us.
This EP is by far the band's most dynamic work to date and a personal favorite of mine. Who doesn't want some death-metal growls mixed in with their hardcore? Add some outstanding vocals? I'm falling headfirst into every single note played and verse spoken. This is a very personal EP that feeds you these serious topics in a way that is easy to digest. Each song gives you a reason to look deeper behind the melodic-hardcore sound and listen to the message.
Grey Havens
Okay, I admit how much of a sucker I am when it comes to instrumental intros to albums, EPs, etc. Especially when it comes to the final breath of a trilogy, if your first song sucks, then that'll ruin the rest of a release no matter how good the songs on their own are. And I couldn't have imagined a better opening to Canvas than "Grey Havens." Goosebumps rise as soon as the choir-like vocals kick in more than halfway through. Giving a sense of hope to an otherwise slow beginning. The first feeling I got from this song could only be put as melancholic hope. This is a beautiful translation of how this entire EP made me feel every time I listened to it.
Dared to Dream
What stood out to me the most, listening to this track, is how beautiful the guitar solo was. I am at the mercy of a song when the vocals don't overtake the attention of amazing riffs. This track is a highlight of the talent the guitarists hold.
Canvas
A title track is what everyone will be thinking of when they hear an album/EP, so it has to be strong, or else the crowd will lose interest in the release. I believe DARKO can rest easy with this title track.
I can not stress enough how great it is to have a title track hold a mirror to the music industry. Making music has become a cash grab in many ways, to the point that it loses the appeal it once had. To both artists and the listeners. There is a glorified view of becoming a musician and making music, but it is hardly the truth. Artists have to be willing to put in a lot of sweat, tears, and, importantly, money. It is refreshing to see a band that still holds on despite how much sacrifice it takes in this industry.
Show them it's not a waste of time making the sacrifice
Override!
"Override!" is the top track for me on Canvas. Partly because of the subject matter it discusses and how much emotion is brought to the forefront. I am the audience this "apology" is intended for. I grew up in the Bible Belt, not as a gay youth (at least not in the usual way), but as a trans youth. I personally never held the hateful views that the community around me preached, but I lost many friends to the preprogrammed hate that was instilled in us so young. I don't hold hate for those kids because they were simply doing what they had been taught.
Your youth is not you, just a beta test with sketchy views
I think back on that point in my life a lot when I hear this song, and despite it being a hard time, this song gives me the hope to look past that anger. I have to point out how good a move it was to format this song in personal story form. As humans, we may listen to music with our ears first, but our hearts are where the message is carried to. And when we hear a personal story or message, our hearts pour out empathy. This entire song is a masterpiece to me and to the youth who needed to hear that nothing is wrong with them. I can only thank the guys in DARKO for bringing this song into existence, despite it making me cry every time.
Hectic (A Father's Lament)
This track is by far the heaviest-sounding on Canvas. My face stayed in "stank-face mode" throughout, and I will never complain about that. The title of this song describes just what it sounds like. It is hectic, angry, and a perfect showcase for Tom West's signature harder sound.
Goodbye, Bastards
At the beginning of this review, I described this EP as melancholic hope. This is where that hope comes in the strongest.
We'll forever be the ones who made the bastards turn and run
This track is a perfect example of going big or going home from the beginning to the end. It is like any good rally cry. Gifting hope and inspiration to keep on fighting in an ever-ending battle.
AUX III
The worst part of this song is that it is bringing an end to the trilogy of EPs. I do have to commend these guys for making a track that closes out this world they have built with such a positive note. It is the death rattle of a war you had to fight. A final battle that must be won.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a member of the punk community, and someone entering the music industry, I completely adore what DARKO is doing and how they are doing it. More than ever, we need voices calling out modern problems, not just in the punk scene. Whether that is the misogyny that is so prevalent still, homophobia, or the ever-evolving enemy called capitalism. I love seeing this band use their platform to stand up to these problems that deserve to be eradicated from our community and industry forever. Make sure to give the right people a platform and listen to DARKO's newest EP release, Canvas, and check out their previous work.
Upcoming Shows:
Jul 18/19th - KNRD Fest, DE
20th—PRAGUE CROSS CLUB
22nd—Graz
24th—Milan, CIQ
25th - ITALY
26th—DLB, IT
27th—DRUNK IN PUBLIC, Morevalle
Aug 5/8th - Punk Rock Holiday, SL
Oct 27th—Supporting A Wilhelm Scream, Bridgend. TBC
Nov 15th—Daltons, Brighton, UK
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