Music
Press
Dark Synergy has won a $10,000 Grant from Arts SA Australia to record a debut album Dark Synergy - I, and hold an album launch at the RiAus, Adelaide in June 2012. - DS News
Band : Dark Synergy
Album title : You Are The Killer
Label : Own release
Distributor : /
Release date : June 2009
Release : Demo-EP
Based in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia, Dark Synergy is a recording project between guitarist/ songwriter Col Brown, and singer Nellie Mokbel.
Born in Liverpool (UK), Brown was raised in Sydney. Having been previously impressed by such artists as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, Black Sabbath, and David Bowie, it was a chance meeting with Eric Clapton after a Sydney concert that inspired him to finally pick up and teach himself the guitar at the age of 20. Meantime, he still pursued his studies in Mining Engineering, and after having graduated with honors started to concentrate on music completely. Writing and refining his music for several years now, Brown developed a unique style of songwriting and production, and has enough material to fill 3 decently filled CDs with demo recordings. He was able to perform quite regularly with Adelaide based covers band The Scam (who've gotten plenty of promotion on the Triple M radio network and opened for Appetite For Destruction (a Guns 'N' Roses tribute show) to a packed capacity house at Adelaide's The Venue.
Growing up in Sydney, Nellie Mokbel has had a passion for music from her very earliest age, which led her to join the school choir and participate in solo church performances at age 12. Obviously, she chose music studies in high school, where she was instantly picked to front the high school band. Soon after, she perfected her vocal skills through professional vocal training, and pursued an interest in song writing, which has resulted in two demos recorded in 2000 and 2003. Among her influences, Mikbel cites the likes of Natalie Imbruglia, Justin Hawkins, Gwen Stefani, Dale Bozzio, and Tarja Turunen. In 2007 she was invited by Brown for an audition for lead singer. Impressed by her vocal capacities and her genuine passion for his music, the only natural choice for Brown was to make Mokbel his lead singer.
Named after a song Brown wrote in 2006, the band's music is described (in the promo package's info sheet) as, “Dark Synergy expands the limits of Rock by blending both Metal and Heavy Rock as well as Goth and sci-fi influences into a unique style, described by Col as “Cyber-Goth”...”. What we hear is two semi-acoustic songs (“You Are The Killer” and “Altered State”) in which the electric guitar certainly has a style of its own, soundwise. Third song “No Illusions” is heavy through-out, and perhaps shows the “sci-fi” influences in the soaring guitar solo play best. Throughout àll songs Bokbel's vocals remain delicate yet passionate and soulful. Definitely the “icing on the cake”, as the saying goes!
Recorded with drummer Simone White (formerly of Michael Franti, now with Disposable Heroes Of Hip Hoprisy) and bassist Stuart J. Spaas (plays on both fretless and standard instruments), the material on the 3-track demo was carefully arranged, played and produced, and since its release in June 2009 brought forth reactions from fans and media both nationally and internationally. For instance, the title track was in rotation on radarradio.com.au's Top 50 for 4 months, and won Ugly Phil's unsigned band competition (competition works on the amount of fans calling in) on Triple M FM on December 2nd, 2009. Both the title track and “No Illusions” have been played on Internet radio stations in the US, and the latter was included on the American Gothic compilation CD The Funeral Vol. 4.
In the meantime, the two are working slowly towards a full-length release...well, they've posted 2 new songs at myspace.com/darksynergy (where you can also find this demo's tracks, as well as the “Dark Synergy” demo), and are actually working towards the late November release of new single Frozen In Time at the moment. Hope they think of us, and this time (hahah, keep laughin'!) nót a year after the facts! In other words, I'm really intrigued as to where this project is goin'. Brown mentions he's also working on getting the “band” out there for its first gigs, so all of you out there in Sydney, keep your eyes open!
88/100
- Concreteweb.be
Band : Dark Synergy
Album title : You Are The Killer
Label : Own release
Distributor : /
Release date : June 2009
Release : Demo-EP
Based in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia, Dark Synergy is a recording project between guitarist/ songwriter Col Brown, and singer Nellie Mokbel.
Born in Liverpool (UK), Brown was raised in Sydney. Having been previously impressed by such artists as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, Black Sabbath, and David Bowie, it was a chance meeting with Eric Clapton after a Sydney concert that inspired him to finally pick up and teach himself the guitar at the age of 20. Meantime, he still pursued his studies in Mining Engineering, and after having graduated with honors started to concentrate on music completely. Writing and refining his music for several years now, Brown developed a unique style of songwriting and production, and has enough material to fill 3 decently filled CDs with demo recordings. He was able to perform quite regularly with Adelaide based covers band The Scam (who've gotten plenty of promotion on the Triple M radio network and opened for Appetite For Destruction (a Guns 'N' Roses tribute show) to a packed capacity house at Adelaide's The Venue.
Growing up in Sydney, Nellie Mokbel has had a passion for music from her very earliest age, which led her to join the school choir and participate in solo church performances at age 12. Obviously, she chose music studies in high school, where she was instantly picked to front the high school band. Soon after, she perfected her vocal skills through professional vocal training, and pursued an interest in song writing, which has resulted in two demos recorded in 2000 and 2003. Among her influences, Mikbel cites the likes of Natalie Imbruglia, Justin Hawkins, Gwen Stefani, Dale Bozzio, and Tarja Turunen. In 2007 she was invited by Brown for an audition for lead singer. Impressed by her vocal capacities and her genuine passion for his music, the only natural choice for Brown was to make Mokbel his lead singer.
Named after a song Brown wrote in 2006, the band's music is described (in the promo package's info sheet) as, “Dark Synergy expands the limits of Rock by blending both Metal and Heavy Rock as well as Goth and sci-fi influences into a unique style, described by Col as “Cyber-Goth”...”. What we hear is two semi-acoustic songs (“You Are The Killer” and “Altered State”) in which the electric guitar certainly has a style of its own, soundwise. Third song “No Illusions” is heavy through-out, and perhaps shows the “sci-fi” influences in the soaring guitar solo play best. Throughout àll songs Bokbel's vocals remain delicate yet passionate and soulful. Definitely the “icing on the cake”, as the saying goes!
Recorded with drummer Simone White (formerly of Michael Franti, now with Disposable Heroes Of Hip Hoprisy) and bassist Stuart J. Spaas (plays on both fretless and standard instruments), the material on the 3-track demo was carefully arranged, played and produced, and since its release in June 2009 brought forth reactions from fans and media both nationally and internationally. For instance, the title track was in rotation on radarradio.com.au's Top 50 for 4 months, and won Ugly Phil's unsigned band competition (competition works on the amount of fans calling in) on Triple M FM on December 2nd, 2009. Both the title track and “No Illusions” have been played on Internet radio stations in the US, and the latter was included on the American Gothic compilation CD The Funeral Vol. 4.
In the meantime, the two are working slowly towards a full-length release...well, they've posted 2 new songs at myspace.com/darksynergy (where you can also find this demo's tracks, as well as the “Dark Synergy” demo), and are actually working towards the late November release of new single Frozen In Time at the moment. Hope they think of us, and this time (hahah, keep laughin'!) nót a year after the facts! In other words, I'm really intrigued as to where this project is goin'. Brown mentions he's also working on getting the “band” out there for its first gigs, so all of you out there in Sydney, keep your eyes open!
88/100
- Concreteweb.be
A nice little EP and a good insight into Dark Synergy. Strong songs and well performed with great vocals. This will be getting airplay for sure. - Overloaded Radio Wales
Dark Synergy make waves on the goth scene
Dark Synergy was formed in April 2007 by guitarist/songwriter/producer Col Brown with female vocalist, Nellie Mokbel. Dark Synergy expands the limits of rock by blending both metal and heavy rock as well as goth and sc-fi influences into a unique style, described by Col as “Cyber-Goth”. Nellie’s passionate, yet delicate and soulful voice is the icing on the cake. Col’s trademark heavy metal riffs, minimalist lyrics, and searing lead guitar solos complete the musical package.
The Dark Synergy EP titled You Are The Killer, released independently June 2009 features Simone White (ex Michael Franti – Disposable Heroes Of Hip Hoprisy) on drums, as well as Stuart J. Spaans on fretless and standard electric bass. You Are The Killer is carefully produced, arranged and timed and has won over both, national and international fans.
The title track from the EP, You Are The Killer was in rotation on radarradio.com.au, it made the Australia Top 50 for 4 months and in won Ugly Phil’s unsigned band competition on Triple M FM Australia. Both the tracks You Are The Killer and No Illusions have been played on internet radio stations in the USA, and No Illusions was included on the USA Gothic compilation CD The Funeral Vol 4.
With a rapidly growing fan base in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, Dark Synergy is looking to record their highly anticipated debut album.
Posted on Wednesday, 8 September 2010 in News | No Comments »
Tagged as Col Brown, Dark Synergy, Dark Synergy Records, Nellie Mokbel, Simone White, Stuart J. Spaans
- Clink Music Magazine
CD Reviews
Written by Gaz E
Wednesday, 15 September 2010 05:30
It's funny how certain things draw you to certain bands. This three track release from Australian band Dark Synergy, with its PR boasts of 'cyber-goth' and Scooby-Doo bats on the cover, painted a picture in my mind that I had seen many times before.
Then I saw that drums on the EP were provided by Simone White who has previously worked with Michael Franti. Franti's former outfit Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy's debut album, 1992's 'Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury', was a pretty important record to me at the start of that troubled decade so it was White's involvement in that recording that guaranteed my involvement in this one, rather than passing it on to another reviewer (even though I am partial to a little bat action and Scoobert).
Guitarist, songwriter and producer Col Brown (I'm guessing that he's a Colin rather than a Colonel) was born in Liverpool before relocating to Sydney, Australia. Kudos has to be given to the fella for breaking out of the tribute band rut that he found himself in and fashioning the, seriously, interesting sounds of Dark Synergy. As amazing as it seems, behind that cover art, with its B-movie logo and full moon, are three tracks of haunting subtlety that surprised the hell out of me.
Colonel Brown's collaboration with vocalist Nellie Mokbel is something of a masterstroke. No OTT vocal warblings from this young lady, instead she lays haunting sheets of melody over the Colonel's capable guitar work. From the calm, affecting acoustic guitar on opener, and title track, 'You Are The Killer' to the more metallic chug of 'No Illusions', Mokbel's purposefully understated vocal performance perfectly matches the tone of the songs where, I fear, a different vocal approach would have rendered these songs unlistenable. Her ability to sing with the song rather than sour it with demonstrations of her range set her apart from other female vocalists.
A moody set of tunes that are surprising, subtle and just a little bit sexy. Worth checking out.
- Uber Rock UK
‘I greatly appreciated receiving the copy of your CD and have now played it several times. I think that the heavy metal sound it radiates is splendid!’ - Professor Marie Bashir (Governor of New South Wales)
CD Reviews
Written by Gaz E
Wednesday, 15 September 2010 05:30
It's funny how certain things draw you to certain bands. This three track release from Australian band Dark Synergy, with its PR boasts of 'cyber-goth' and Scooby-Doo bats on the cover, painted a picture in my mind that I had seen many times before.
Then I saw that drums on the EP were provided by Simone White who has previously worked with Michael Franti. Franti's former outfit Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy's debut album, 1992's 'Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury', was a pretty important record to me at the start of that troubled decade so it was White's involvement in that recording that guaranteed my involvement in this one, rather than passing it on to another reviewer (even though I am partial to a little bat action and Scoobert).
Guitarist, songwriter and producer Col Brown (I'm guessing that he's a Colin rather than a Colonel) was born in Liverpool before relocating to Sydney, Australia. Kudos has to be given to the fella for breaking out of the tribute band rut that he found himself in and fashioning the, seriously, interesting sounds of Dark Synergy. As amazing as it seems, behind that cover art, with its B-movie logo and full moon, are three tracks of haunting subtlety that surprised the hell out of me.
Colonel Brown's collaboration with vocalist Nellie Mokbel is something of a masterstroke. No OTT vocal warblings from this young lady, instead she lays haunting sheets of melody over the Colonel's capable guitar work. From the calm, affecting acoustic guitar on opener, and title track, 'You Are The Killer' to the more metallic chug of 'No Illusions', Mokbel's purposefully understated vocal performance perfectly matches the tone of the songs where, I fear, a different vocal approach would have rendered these songs unlistenable. Her ability to sing with the song rather than sour it with demonstrations of her range set her apart from other female vocalists.
A moody set of tunes that are surprising, subtle and just a little bit sexy. Worth checking out.
- Uber Rock UK
DS - "You Are The Killer" won Ugly Phil's unsigned band comp on Triple M FM Radio Australia 2/12/2009. - DSR
"You Are The Killer" was in rotation on Radarradio.com.au Top 50 for 4 months between Nov 2009 and Mar 2010. - DSR
Col!! I'm addicted to 'Dark Synergy'. I love it. It's great. I love your voice, it's very unique. It has this amazing quality that just sooths. love it. lol. I sound crazy. - Karel
Col. I love you and your music! You are very talented and you write great songs! Totally a win in the sound department. I loooove Dark Synergy.. - Melissa
Hi, Someday you'll be first in the australian charts - believe me!! you just need to make a few tweaks and heavily promote it.... your music is very very promising!
Please let me know if cd or download is available to buy.
thank you for the music
- Steve
Dark Synergy - NO ILLUSIONS has been selected by LA based 272 Records for their gothic compilation CD The Funeral Vol 4 to be released in July 2009! - DS Myspace
DARK SYNERGY - ''You Are The Killer' was featured on maximumthreshold.net internet radio on Sat 29/11/08 .
DARK SYNERGY - NO ILLUSIONS was also selected for airplay on MaximumThreshold.net radio in 08 - DS Myspace
Indie Life Radio has selected Dark Synergy for airplay in 2009! - DS Myspace
DARK SYNERGY has been selected for the WJFN Showcase on 10 and 24 May 09 9-10 EST. Tune in at www.wjfn997.com - DS Myspace
IndieTalent.ca has selected Dark Synergy - "You Are The Killer" for airplay in 2009! - DS Myspace
Dark Synergy - "You Are The Killer" has been selected for daily play on Radio Fly 1 at www.radiofly1.com - DS Myspace
Discography
'DARK SYNERGY' - "You Are The Killer" EP (Release date June 09 on Dark Synergy Records (DSR))
THE FUNERAL VOL 4 - 09 featuring DS - NO ILLUSIONS
Photos
Bio
Dark Synergy was formed in April 2007 by guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer Col Brown. During 2007 Col invited a vocalist Nellie Mokbel, to participate in an audition for a singer. Col was very impressed by her vocals and genuine passion for his music. Nellie brings with her a unique vocal styling to suit Col’s genre.
The band name came from the song ‘Dark Synergy’ written by Col in 2006. Dark Synergy expands the limits of Rock by blending folk acoustic, rock, heavy rock, punk, and metal as well as sci-fi and goth influences into it’s own unique style. Col’s haunting acoustic guitar, trademark heavy metal riffs, dark left of centre, sci-fi/goth minimalist lyrics, cool vox, and searing lead guitar solos are the essence of Dark Synergy.
The Dark Synergy EP titled “You Are The Killer”, released independently June 2009 on the then Dark Synergy Records (DSR) features Simone White (ex Michael Franti – Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy) on drums, as well as Stuart J. Spaans on fretless and standard electric bass. ”You Are The Killer” is carefully produced, arranged and timed and has won over both, national and international fans, through NumberOneMusic (www.numberonemusic.com/darksynergy) and Myspace (www.myspace.com/darksynergy), as well as Facebook (www.facebook.com/thedarksynergy).
The title track from the EP, “You Are The Killer” rotated on Radarradio.com.au, Australia Top 50 for 4 months and won Ugly Phil’s unsigned band competition 2 December 2009 on Triple M FM Australia. Both the tracks “You Are The Killer” and “No Illusions” have been played on internet radio stations in the USA, and “No Illusions” was included on the USA Gothic compilation CD “The Funeral Vol 4”. In March 2011, Col signed a distribution deal with Blue Pie Records, Australia.
Col Brown
Col Brown was born in Liverpool, England and grew up in Sydney, Australia. Col began playing guitar at age 20 after being highly influenced by such artists as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, and especially Eric Clapton. Col met Eric after a concert in Sydney in 1990 and was so inspired that he began teaching himself guitar. After completing a degree in Mining Engineering and graduating with Honours, Col turned his full attention to the Music.
Col has been writing and refining his music for the best part of a decade. Further, highly influenced by Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie, Col developed a unique style of songwriting and production, as well as a sizeable repertoire of original material in produced demo format.
Having demonstrated the innate talent to teach himself guitar and vocals, Col enjoyed some opportunities to play lead guitar and perform locally as a member of the Cover Band The Scam, in Adelaide, South Australia in 1994. At that time, The Scam received radio promotion on the Triple M radio network and opened for Appetite For Destruction (Guns N’ Roses Tribute Show) to a packed to capacity house at The Venue in Adelaide. Col hopes to repeat this with a debut Dark Synergy album launch at the RiAus, Adelaide in 2012.
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