Psychedelic rock
"Alive As You Are" is the third album by LA psychedelic rockers Darker My Love. Tim Presley (guitar and vocals) and Rob Barbato (bass and vocals) are the main players in the band, being responsible for most of the songwriting and imagery. At one point the pair joined the British phenomenon known as The Fall and featured prominently on their 2007 album "Reformation Post TLC". Joining Presley and Barbato are Jared Everett (guitar), Will Canzoneri (organ/clavinet) and Dan Allaire (drums). "Alive As you Are" will be released hot on the trail of their June live UK dates, on August 17th.
'Backseat' starts off with a gentle rocking that becomes more infectious as the track goes on. The vocals fit perfectly over the rhythmic guitar and harmonies. This is followed by 'Split Minute' which has a more up to date, Indie bent on the psychedelic formula and is more of a laid back affair. The early influences become more apparent and specific references to trailblazers of the past are more obvious as the tracks progress. '18th Street Shuffle' is more of an up tempo, heavier sound; the driving backing complimenting the Sgt Peppers John Lennon vocals. The mid season Beatles' 'New America' acoustic track is complete with the Paul McCartney vocals.
'Rain Party' follows, again with slow acoustic guitar and gentle vocals and harmonies. The very clean sounding 'Maple Day Getaway' has a country feel and late 60s vocals, chord structures. It's a very clean and gentle track. 'Trail The Line' is a return to the modern take on the free love area, complete with what sounds like steel pedal guitars sliding away in the background; this track alone typifies the album.
'June Bloom' could have been penned by John Lennon himself; well the music at least. A 21st century take on Ray Davies follows with 'Dream Author'; heavier drums and overall heavier backing than the previous track; a nice diversion.
The Beatles return with 'A Lovely Game' before the album wraps up with the quiet 'Cry On Me Women', again complete with the quirky steel pedal guitar. The twanging guitar interludes, chord structures and vocals could have been a Sgt Peppers lost track.
The Doors, CSN&Y, The Beatles, The Kinks, Velvet Underground and even the occasional Bob Dylan and Little Feat overtones are all there; the album definitely has its soul firmly in the 1960s and 70s. The specific references to older styles and specific musicians can't be helped and it does distract the listener. The album is fresh and a gentle psychedelic journey back to the times when California was dreaming.