The Dark Lights
London, England, United Kingdom | SELF
Music
Press
The Dark Lights, a four piece band have a less poppy feel than Black Cherry. All hooks and riffs, driven by a powerhouse of a drummer, this was music that refused to be ignored and demanded to be accepted for what it was, a strong and sustained wall of sound which was appreciated by a now packed venue.There is a darkness within this music, punchy, verging on anthemic, edgy, intriguing and compelling and constructed within a sustained performance; a tight unit with a common purpose. - The LP Project
The Dark Lights, a four piece band have a less poppy feel than Black Cherry. All hooks and riffs, driven by a powerhouse of a drummer, this was music that refused to be ignored and demanded to be accepted for what it was, a strong and sustained wall of sound which was appreciated by a now packed venue.There is a darkness within this music, punchy, verging on anthemic, edgy, intriguing and compelling and constructed within a sustained performance; a tight unit with a common purpose. - The LP Project
“Electronic music is boring” - an all too common phrase we hear nowadays, but every once in a while you hear a band that innovates a genre to create something akin to a masterpiece. Sounds pretentious? Hell yes. Am I exaggerating? Hell no. The Dark Lights truly embrace the concept of innovation with their new wave dance floor-esque electronica mixed with indie rock, creating something that could be the highlight of the local rock scene or nightclub.
Upon first listen of ‘The Eye’ I was pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail on this track; from the spaghetti armed drums to the quirky bass drops (reminiscent of old school techno pieces). The production on these songs deserves a mention too, they are very well crafted and put together. There’s a nice mixture between mechanic and organic in these tracks, which although all clock in at a reasonably quick time, deliver a punchy and lasting impact on the listener.
The first 30 seconds of “Taking Thought” remind me of a song that could be on the Hannah Med H soundtrack, with its fairly minimalist sounds and textures followed by a nice, bouncy break that resembles a newer Friendly Fires track. After listening to their entire E.P on soundcloud, I had to wipe my footprints off the ceiling because I was dancing so much (yes, that is my extent of blog humour HURHUR). The best thing about their E.P? It’s streaming on soundcloud FOR FREE! Oh yes, for free.
I find that the songs leave me wanting to hear more and more and more and more and more (you get the point), so at this point I’m pretty much throwing money at them to come and play a show in Cardiff. In a live context these songs would be the ultimate night out soundtrack, you could dance your night away or maybe have a little head bang whilst having cider spilled on you from the indie techno fans bouncing next to you, all night long. I love this band, and the fact they’re all DIY is nothing but another perk to their musical endeavour.
Tune into BRFM this Saturday to hear the Dark Lights special plus much more. - IWTHYB
I CAME ACROSS THE DARK LIGHTS AFTER DOING AN INTERVIEW FOR RACHEL HO AT UK INDIE TOURING BACK IN MAY. She happened to be in a band that I picked out of a number of acts that are affiliated with UKIT and we now look forward to seeing their first live show for quite some time.
-HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE BAND NAME?
Our original singer cam up with it back in Adelaide. Hopefully it reflects the sound we have.
-IT WOULD BE GOOD TO NOW MORE ABOUT HOW YOU FORMED AND HOW YOU STAYED TOGETHER EVEN THOUGH HALF THE BAND WERE IN AUSTRALIA AND THE OTHER IN LONDON?
The nature of doing it across 2 countries has meant needing to be flexible with the line up. Saying that, whoever has been in the band has always been living in the same place at the same time. The band started back in Adelaide in 2009 as a 4 piece, and then 3 of us moved to London (Matt, Alan & myself) and then 2 Londoners (Paul & Paul) joined. This was the line up we had for the EP. Now the line up has changed again, so there are only Matt & I left, and we've had Tristan from Birmingham and Francisco from Lisbon. We are all based in London and plan to stay that way for the forseable future. On the one hand its great to keep the same members in a band, but changes can keep things fresh and it’s the nature of playing music when its so hard to generate income from it. Plus it gives an international flavour :)
-WHAT WAS IT LIKE RECORDING YOUR SONGS THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY FROM EACH OTHER? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS TO OTHER BANDS THAT WANT TO FORM, BUT CANT BE TOGETHER IN PERSON?
The nature of recording these days is you don't have to be in the same place or country to get things done. We recorded all the guitars and programming and guitars back in Adelaide when we were living there and once in London the Pauls added their vocal and drum parts. Then we sent everything back to our American friend John DeMichele based in Adelaide to get it mixed and mastered and corresponded via email to get the final tweaks done. Whilst it is a great experience to lock yourselves down into a studio for several weeks (or months if you have the budget) to record a release, its an expensive exercise that isn't that flexible. If you can do as much as you can yourselves, then being in different countries or working on a project a different times aren't barriers to getting the job done.
-WHO WRITES THE LYRICS AND IS THERE A GENERAL FEEL/THEME RUNNING THROUGH THEM? HAS THIS BEEN INFLUENCED BY ANY BANDS OR INSPIRATIONS?
The lyrics have been shared by several members. The lyrics off the EP were predominantly written by our old drummer Paul, and were inspired by the phonetics the singer Paul came up with when writing the melodies and the general feel of the music. Our new singer Tristan has a slightly different process and writes lyrics and melodies in conjunction with each other. I think he writes based on his own personal experiences… but I could be making that up!
-ARE THERE ANY DATES IN YOUR UP AND COMING OCTOBER TOUR THAT YOUR ARE MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AND WHY?
Looking forward to them all! But we haven't played Birmingham before, and that's Tristan's home town so should be a good one!
-IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING OR DO ONE THING BETTER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Earn more money from music to make it sustainable, rather than running at a loss.
-WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE?
Keeping it simple - write good songs, have a great live performance and play good shows, build a strong fan base.
-WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE NEW ARTISTS? (COULD BE RELATED TO ENOW TOPICS)
Are you aware of any organisations that can offer help and support?
Check out UK Indie Touring which I run. There are loads of interviews and articles on there about different people and organisations helping emerging and indie artists.
How to get gigs
Here are my tips:
Make sure you have a good online presence & presentation - ie good recording, professional photos and a decent bio. Look at your online presence (ie website, Facebook etc) and ask yourself "Would someone want to book this?"
Do your research - after a while you get to know the good venues and promoters - and the bad ones! (I won't name and shame;).
Go out to gigs yourself and get to know other bands with a similar vibe.
I'm a big advocate of bands working together to put own their owns shows too. Its more work, but more rewarding.
If you can, tour outside your area and gig swap with local bands so you can cross promote.
Be great at what you do and promote your shows as hard as you can to get people to come. Then venues/promoters will want to rebook you and the word will get out.
Here's some more tips that I've got on the UK Indie Touring blog
-NAME SOME UP AND COMING BANDS THAT YOU RECOMMEND PEOPLE CHECK OUT?
Christa Vi - Christa is a good friend of ours who has an awesome voice and writes great folk / electronica tunes.
Coroner for the Police - - Future Sound Share
The Dark Lights: "The Eye" (The Boy Who Saw Through Walls) - download | stream | web
My first thought was "oh, Muse." when I heard this track - it certainly would fit in with the "Supermassive Black Hole" era of the Brits. But these Brits are different. The London quintet just recently released their debut EP, The Boy Who Saw Through Walls, on June 4th. It's all pretty dancey and fun. Listen if you like Bloc Party, Friendly Fires, Muse, etc. Hopefully we'll hear more from them soon and they'll make it over to the states for some gigs. - Kyle Dean Rutherford
The Dark Lights: "The Eye" (The Boy Who Saw Through Walls) - download | stream | web
My first thought was "oh, Muse." when I heard this track - it certainly would fit in with the "Supermassive Black Hole" era of the Brits. But these Brits are different. The London quintet just recently released their debut EP, The Boy Who Saw Through Walls, on June 4th. It's all pretty dancey and fun. Listen if you like Bloc Party, Friendly Fires, Muse, etc. Hopefully we'll hear more from them soon and they'll make it over to the states for some gigs. - Kyle Dean Rutherford
http://issuu.com/musicreview/docs/mru_magazineaug/25 - Music Review Unsigned (Print Version)
The Dark Lights :::
The Boy That Saw Through Walls
‘The Boy That Saw Through Walls’ is the latest EP from London-based Australian band The Dark Lights. The Dark Lights are an indie electronica band that merges elements from rock, pop, indie and electronica.
The first track on the EP is ‘The Eye’. The song begins with an early Arctic Monkeys style guitar riff before the dynamic dramatically changes with the introduction of vocals. The song’s heavily layered production is bright and uplifting. They are definitely a band on the ‘poppier’ side of indie.
‘Makers’ is the second track. The hypnotic opening motif acts as the thread that keeps it all together. Some really nice harmonies are delivered in the chorus.
‘Taking Thought’ is an interesting track that opens with an electronic drum pattern which is set off by an interrupting guitar riff. The guitar riffs in this one are really well worked and compliment the tune really well. The chorus vocals are very catchy.
‘I Keep Counting’is a short track but again one that is packed full of attractive melodies. This one disappointingly and unexpectedly ends before the song is fully explored.
Overall I think The Dark Lights have plenty strings to their bow. They have great melodies, sounds and lyrics which all combine to make even greater songs. - Music Review Unsigned
Opening with The Eye a delightful introduction to the dark synthetic rock that is The Dark Lights. Three minutes in which to divest your inhibitions and slide in to the smoky atmosphere. Scintillating beats spread like tentacles sucking the accepting listener inwards.
Makers takes the EP in to a more glass shattering space, as the dulcet vocal lies against a high ceiling of synth that resonates throughout despite the throbbing bass which grabs hold of and thunders around the ears with disturbing pleasure. This I like very much and wish the two and a half minutes were longer.
Wandering off to Taking Thought a track with an off-beat Synth and Mini-Organ, how could you not become involved in the inventive reggae beats that open the track, I wish they flowed for longer. Hot got exotic as the chorus says ‘Find a Pot of Gold’.
All too quickly we find the last track I Keep Counting and all of a sudden shirts are pressed and we find Dark Lights hitting the one I fear they will release as a single. Not the best, but the one that will resonate with most tympanic membranes. A decent sound, but not the heart and soul. - Indie Bands Blog
With their debut music video having been released in February of this year, indie band The Dark Lights are set to bring their fresh blend of English and Australian influences onto the UK music scene with a bang.
We spoke to bass player Rachel Ho to get some more info on what to expect from the band.
Why should the readers check out The Dark Lights?
Clearly because we look good on stage. Particularly our singer. Ha! Actually any readers that like music that’s interesting with emotive vocals and a driving beat should check it out.
Which artists/bands influence your music the most?
We all have different tastes but this is a cross-section: Arcade Fire. Bloc Party. Friendly Fires. Broken Social Scene. The Presets. Clock Opera. Battles.
How would you say you differentiate from other bands in indie genre?
Always a tricky question. I guess the fact that we have English and Aussies in the band bring different perspectives – there a subtle yet noticeable differences in the two scenes. We have very intricate and effected guitar parts, and quite soulful emotional vocals. And we like to play with lots of percussion like cowbells, shakers, sleigh bells etc. Does that make us different or one of the crowd?
What track would you recommend we listen to?
For the more dance oriented: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/the-eye-the-dark-lights
For the more indie guitar band orientated: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/i-keep-counting-the-dark-lights
Download away!
How much were you involved in the concept of your debut music video?
We gave writer/director Ben Fredericks pretty much complete control of the concept; it is his interpretation of the lyrics. Although we had some say at the editing end of things, we wanted to let him have creative control to see the project through. He’s done several short films (check out www.benfredericks.com), but this is his first music video so its been a great learning curve for him.
You’ve released a vinyl edition of ‘X Ray Spectable 1‘, do you believe vinyl is going to make a comeback this year?
It’s already back. What we hope is that translucent green vinyl is making a come back. Check it out: http://thedarklightsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/x-ray-spectacle-1-vinyl-download
What can we expect from the band this year?
We had a massive year last year, covering a lot of the UK, laying down some foundations. This year we want to focus on less pub gigs and aim for festies (fingers crossed). And take some time off to write a batch of new songs. After all, it’s all about the songs! - Love Music; Love Life
With their debut music video having been released in February of this year, indie band The Dark Lights are set to bring their fresh blend of English and Australian influences onto the UK music scene with a bang.
We spoke to bass player Rachel Ho to get some more info on what to expect from the band.
Why should the readers check out The Dark Lights?
Clearly because we look good on stage. Particularly our singer. Ha! Actually any readers that like music that’s interesting with emotive vocals and a driving beat should check it out.
Which artists/bands influence your music the most?
We all have different tastes but this is a cross-section: Arcade Fire. Bloc Party. Friendly Fires. Broken Social Scene. The Presets. Clock Opera. Battles.
How would you say you differentiate from other bands in indie genre?
Always a tricky question. I guess the fact that we have English and Aussies in the band bring different perspectives – there a subtle yet noticeable differences in the two scenes. We have very intricate and effected guitar parts, and quite soulful emotional vocals. And we like to play with lots of percussion like cowbells, shakers, sleigh bells etc. Does that make us different or one of the crowd?
What track would you recommend we listen to?
For the more dance oriented: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/the-eye-the-dark-lights
For the more indie guitar band orientated: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/i-keep-counting-the-dark-lights
Download away!
How much were you involved in the concept of your debut music video?
We gave writer/director Ben Fredericks pretty much complete control of the concept; it is his interpretation of the lyrics. Although we had some say at the editing end of things, we wanted to let him have creative control to see the project through. He’s done several short films (check out www.benfredericks.com), but this is his first music video so its been a great learning curve for him.
You’ve released a vinyl edition of ‘X Ray Spectable 1‘, do you believe vinyl is going to make a comeback this year?
It’s already back. What we hope is that translucent green vinyl is making a come back. Check it out: http://thedarklightsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/x-ray-spectacle-1-vinyl-download
What can we expect from the band this year?
We had a massive year last year, covering a lot of the UK, laying down some foundations. This year we want to focus on less pub gigs and aim for festies (fingers crossed). And take some time off to write a batch of new songs. After all, it’s all about the songs! - Love Music; Love Life
With their debut music video having been released in February of this year, indie band The Dark Lights are set to bring their fresh blend of English and Australian influences onto the UK music scene with a bang.
We spoke to bass player Rachel Ho to get some more info on what to expect from the band.
Why should the readers check out The Dark Lights?
Clearly because we look good on stage. Particularly our singer. Ha! Actually any readers that like music that’s interesting with emotive vocals and a driving beat should check it out.
Which artists/bands influence your music the most?
We all have different tastes but this is a cross-section: Arcade Fire. Bloc Party. Friendly Fires. Broken Social Scene. The Presets. Clock Opera. Battles.
How would you say you differentiate from other bands in indie genre?
Always a tricky question. I guess the fact that we have English and Aussies in the band bring different perspectives – there a subtle yet noticeable differences in the two scenes. We have very intricate and effected guitar parts, and quite soulful emotional vocals. And we like to play with lots of percussion like cowbells, shakers, sleigh bells etc. Does that make us different or one of the crowd?
What track would you recommend we listen to?
For the more dance oriented: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/the-eye-the-dark-lights
For the more indie guitar band orientated: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/i-keep-counting-the-dark-lights
Download away!
How much were you involved in the concept of your debut music video?
We gave writer/director Ben Fredericks pretty much complete control of the concept; it is his interpretation of the lyrics. Although we had some say at the editing end of things, we wanted to let him have creative control to see the project through. He’s done several short films (check out www.benfredericks.com), but this is his first music video so its been a great learning curve for him.
You’ve released a vinyl edition of ‘X Ray Spectable 1‘, do you believe vinyl is going to make a comeback this year?
It’s already back. What we hope is that translucent green vinyl is making a come back. Check it out: http://thedarklightsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/x-ray-spectacle-1-vinyl-download
What can we expect from the band this year?
We had a massive year last year, covering a lot of the UK, laying down some foundations. This year we want to focus on less pub gigs and aim for festies (fingers crossed). And take some time off to write a batch of new songs. After all, it’s all about the songs! - Love Music; Love Life
With their debut music video having been released in February of this year, indie band The Dark Lights are set to bring their fresh blend of English and Australian influences onto the UK music scene with a bang.
We spoke to bass player Rachel Ho to get some more info on what to expect from the band.
Why should the readers check out The Dark Lights?
Clearly because we look good on stage. Particularly our singer. Ha! Actually any readers that like music that’s interesting with emotive vocals and a driving beat should check it out.
Which artists/bands influence your music the most?
We all have different tastes but this is a cross-section: Arcade Fire. Bloc Party. Friendly Fires. Broken Social Scene. The Presets. Clock Opera. Battles.
How would you say you differentiate from other bands in indie genre?
Always a tricky question. I guess the fact that we have English and Aussies in the band bring different perspectives – there a subtle yet noticeable differences in the two scenes. We have very intricate and effected guitar parts, and quite soulful emotional vocals. And we like to play with lots of percussion like cowbells, shakers, sleigh bells etc. Does that make us different or one of the crowd?
What track would you recommend we listen to?
For the more dance oriented: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/the-eye-the-dark-lights
For the more indie guitar band orientated: http://soundcloud.com/thedarklights/i-keep-counting-the-dark-lights
Download away!
How much were you involved in the concept of your debut music video?
We gave writer/director Ben Fredericks pretty much complete control of the concept; it is his interpretation of the lyrics. Although we had some say at the editing end of things, we wanted to let him have creative control to see the project through. He’s done several short films (check out www.benfredericks.com), but this is his first music video so its been a great learning curve for him.
You’ve released a vinyl edition of ‘X Ray Spectable 1‘, do you believe vinyl is going to make a comeback this year?
It’s already back. What we hope is that translucent green vinyl is making a come back. Check it out: http://thedarklightsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/x-ray-spectacle-1-vinyl-download
What can we expect from the band this year?
We had a massive year last year, covering a lot of the UK, laying down some foundations. This year we want to focus on less pub gigs and aim for festies (fingers crossed). And take some time off to write a batch of new songs. After all, it’s all about the songs! - Love Music; Love Life
That was a long title wasn’t it. You are officially a Mate of Backpack Sounds (MOBS? No…) for reading on past it. The Dark Lights are also our mates, for the following reasons:
Reason 1 – They’ve demonstrated the grace and sense to send us their brand-bloody-new EP a couple weeks before the release date.
Reason 2 – They are the spirit of this site animated; music loving/making Aussies battling it out in Old London Town.
Reason 3 – They make music we like.
So, they have put some of that music down on tape, in the form of EP The Boy Who Saw Through Walls. The Dark Lights will be dropping a fun set on you – four tracks whizzing by at a blistering pace, moulding indie guitar duels, dance beats and lovely wailing vocals into a tiny package of goodness. You’ll be able to get your hands, ears, eyes on a digital copy yourself June 4. In the meantime, check out the video for the first single, The Eye, below.
Keep an eye on their website for news on how where to download. And watch out for upcoming shows over at your favourite gig guide…
Your thoughts? Let us know in the comments, Twitter, Facebook or HERE. - Backpack Sounds
We sent our very own Ellie Witt along to catch up with former band of the week ‘The Dark Lights’ to find out more about their influences and the differences between the English and Australian music scenes.
You guys are a band across two countries, England and Australia. How do you feel this has influenced your music?
We’ve always been influenced by UK music so that is integral to the sound, but I think the Australian influence perhaps adds an edge to it. Also there a subtle cultural difference in the 2 countries, so the way we go about things is influenced by that – a mix of the Aussie battler and the polite English.
Is there a big difference between the English and Australian music scene? …Which one do you prefer!!?
In Australia, indie bands almost always get paid and there is less reliance of promoters (middle men) to put on the smaller type shows. Who wouldn’t prefer that? However, UK is a much bigger scene with more access to opportunities and closer ties to Europe and the US. Plus you can cover lots more people in a much less time, which makes touring easier. So it’s a tie. We’re fence sitters.
What’s the rationale behind the name of the EP?
Our drummer is a designer so he came up with the concept, which I think relates to our 7”, which was “Xray Spectacle 1”. There was originally meant to be a number 2, but we decided to go straight to the EP. I could be making this up, but maybe it has something to do with all the lyrics being quite introspective and seeing through people? That sounds poetic right?
There seems to be a range of very different influences in your music – can you name one which is the most prominent?
That’s a hard one. A few big influences are Bloc Party, Arcade Fire & Friendly Fires. Plus The Presets have been quite an influence on the more dancey tracks. There is also a Chaz and Dave influence, but I personally hope that doesn’t show through.
Are you listening to any great new bands at the moment which we need to check out?
There are some great up and coming bands around the UK who we’ve come across in our travels. I have to mention the 2 artists that have the same representation as us – Christa Vi and Vetoes, both very talented in their own right. Plus a few bands that we played with on our tour last year that stood out were The Physics House Band from Brighton, The Colours from Blackpool and Free Control from Leicester. The great thing about all of the above mentioned is not only are they amazing musicians, but awesome people too.
If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed to have any 3 things, what would they be!?
The things I would like to take require power – my Mac for the internet and to write tunes, my bass and iPod. I’m a geek.
As an independent artist what’s the biggest challenge you face, and how do you try to overcome it?
The biggest challenge is having the funds to achieve your goals. The way we get around it is being very DIY and using the skills we have in the band to get a lot of things done. Plus we collaborate with like minded bands wherever possible, as its better not to work in silos – and a lot more fun that way! - Right Chord Music
We sent our very own Ellie Witt along to catch up with former band of the week ‘The Dark Lights’ to find out more about their influences and the differences between the English and Australian music scenes.
You guys are a band across two countries, England and Australia. How do you feel this has influenced your music?
We’ve always been influenced by UK music so that is integral to the sound, but I think the Australian influence perhaps adds an edge to it. Also there a subtle cultural difference in the 2 countries, so the way we go about things is influenced by that – a mix of the Aussie battler and the polite English.
Is there a big difference between the English and Australian music scene? …Which one do you prefer!!?
In Australia, indie bands almost always get paid and there is less reliance of promoters (middle men) to put on the smaller type shows. Who wouldn’t prefer that? However, UK is a much bigger scene with more access to opportunities and closer ties to Europe and the US. Plus you can cover lots more people in a much less time, which makes touring easier. So it’s a tie. We’re fence sitters.
What’s the rationale behind the name of the EP?
Our drummer is a designer so he came up with the concept, which I think relates to our 7”, which was “Xray Spectacle 1”. There was originally meant to be a number 2, but we decided to go straight to the EP. I could be making this up, but maybe it has something to do with all the lyrics being quite introspective and seeing through people? That sounds poetic right?
There seems to be a range of very different influences in your music – can you name one which is the most prominent?
That’s a hard one. A few big influences are Bloc Party, Arcade Fire & Friendly Fires. Plus The Presets have been quite an influence on the more dancey tracks. There is also a Chaz and Dave influence, but I personally hope that doesn’t show through.
Are you listening to any great new bands at the moment which we need to check out?
There are some great up and coming bands around the UK who we’ve come across in our travels. I have to mention the 2 artists that have the same representation as us – Christa Vi and Vetoes, both very talented in their own right. Plus a few bands that we played with on our tour last year that stood out were The Physics House Band from Brighton, The Colours from Blackpool and Free Control from Leicester. The great thing about all of the above mentioned is not only are they amazing musicians, but awesome people too.
If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed to have any 3 things, what would they be!?
The things I would like to take require power – my Mac for the internet and to write tunes, my bass and iPod. I’m a geek.
As an independent artist what’s the biggest challenge you face, and how do you try to overcome it?
The biggest challenge is having the funds to achieve your goals. The way we get around it is being very DIY and using the skills we have in the band to get a lot of things done. Plus we collaborate with like minded bands wherever possible, as its better not to work in silos – and a lot more fun that way! - Right Chord Music
The dual single, Xray Specs Uno, sprints with the contained energy of Bloc Party while remitting certain outlandish character traits and inserting their own, astringent vocal melodies. Never veering too far off the indie rock road, the band makes due with the pop sound, expressing more unconventional urges without losing a mainstream audience. Dingus - DINGUS
The Dark Lights fuse indie with electronica to stunning effect, combining epic indie delivery with layered soundscapes of beats and synths. They are our band of the week.
This London-based Australian band of five are set to release their debut EP, The Boy Who Saw Through Walls digitally on the 4th of June. This is music to soundtrack a break-up. Never has a band name been better suited to perfectly capture this journey from dark despair to light at the end of the tunnel.
The EP kicks off with ‘The Eye’, a darkly voyeuristic slice of synth pop, before ‘Makers’ with it’s defiant refrain “You’re not my God” The journey continues with ‘Taking Thought’ a more reflective vocal “To find a pot of gold” ending with ‘I Keep Counting’ “I take back my own devices.”
This is a band who aren’t afraid to experiment with instrumentation credits including ‘yells’, ‘weird effects’ and the intriguing ‘magic show’. This all combines to produce diverse and engaging layers which unravel throughout each song always interesting, entertaining and engaging.
Having been recorded by the band across two continents and mixed by Adelaide-based American John DeMichele, The Boy Who Saw Through Walls mirrors the merging of the two cultures, with guitar melodies drifting between the more classic and the more experimental while vocals remain passionate and energised throughout, set against a back drop of synths and rhythmic drumming.
Having completed an extensive UK tour in late 2011, and pre-selling out their 7 inch single launch in their home base of London, The Dark Lights are planning another UK tour in September this year and Australian tour in 2013, we suggest you make a date to see them. - Right Chord Music
Indietector sagt: "Der englisch-australische Fünfer THE DARK LIGHTS verfügt wohl über einen Plattenschrank vollgepackt mit guter Musik und bietet als Ergebnis seiner musikalischen Gehversuche die Essenz ihrer eigenen Hörgewohnheiten. "The eye" ist ein atmosphärisch dichtes Stück tanzbarer Electro-Post-Punk, das sicher zum Besten gehört, was diese Gangart im Moment zu bieten hat."
Translation:
Indietector says. "The Anglo-Australian quintet THE DARK LIGHTS has well over a plate rack packed with good music and, as a result of his musical attempts, the essence of their own listening habits," The Eye "is a densely atmospheric piece of danceable electro-post-punk, which ensures the best part of what has to offer these pace at the moment. " - Indietector
Our latest Video of the Week comes from a great indie electro band called The Dark Lights. ART NOT APATHY HEALTH WARNING: This song is addictive, very, very addictive.
The Dark Lights, a London based Australian band known for their dynamic indie electronica, have released their first single “The Eye” for free download, taken from their debut vinyl entitled “Xray Spectacle 1“. “The Eye”, with its open-ended lyrics, has inspired an accompanying video set to live long in the memory of those who view it.
The film, a first for Camden based director Ben Fredericks, was shot on a tight budget over the course of just one day and one evening around the Broadway Market area of Hackney. The result is a taut and atmospheric piece, demonstrating Frederick’s appreciation of David Lynch and, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers about the position the film’s lead character finds herself in.
Both Ben, and the members of The Dark Lights, would love to hear people’s interpretations; leave a comment on You Tube or Twitter. Tag #whatistheeye
www.thedarklightsonline.com
www.benfredericks.com
“Brilliant but baffling, Ben Fredericks’ new short film to promote the five-piece’s track The Eye is full of intrigue – and that’s exactly the point.”
Enfield Independent
“The eye sees and follows you in everything you do, and once you open the box, everything flashes right in front of you. Cool storyline to go with an impressive new song.”
Have U Heard? - Art Against Apathy
Currently based in London, but originally from Adelaide in Australia – Matt Ho (Guitars / Synth / Vocals), Alan Grillo (Guitar / Synth) and Rachel Ho (Bass) The Dark Lights – met up with Paul Andrews (Vocals / Mini organ) and Paul Hayward (Drums) on relocation as so here sits the synthetic rock band.
The Dark Lights
The Dark Lights
I am often presented with a plethora of images to choose from and I far too often spend an age trying to match an image with the sound, but I thought I would take studio shirts on this one as it sums up the superb effects of The Dark Lights. I somehow am sent to musty cupboards as the band extracts the value.
This is a driving synth which blocks the synapses to entrap the ears and it works superbly. To get the best effect plunge the ears in water and engage, delightful and entrancing. There is a tamper akin to a plugged pipe which snaffles the brain. As the hearing returns so the music bounces and engages. Dulcet vocal resounds against shooting stars of electronics, whilst the bass rumbles like the Finsbury Tube as it emerges to sunlight.
I will wander off to a great friend from Serbia – Svetlana – and her family who I will always recall for a trip in to the Kent countryside whilst her father sought an ale with at least a drop of alcohol. He, as a farmer was entranced as we drove across the countryside, first to Biggin Hill, were he was wide-eyed at the Spitfire and Hurricane (now gone) recalling his own exploits in the Second World War, subsequently to the tractors at work in the field. His eyes stunned by the Massey Fergusons, as he still drove around his farm in far smaller vehicles. Then we alighted upon a pub and at that point his cheerful disposition changed to one of consternation as Kents finest hops didn’t meet the mark – ‘Is water?’ - he pondered and so we stooped up the layers, and eventually came to Barley Wine to which he responded – OK.
You may wonder what the Dickens any of that has to do with The Dark Lights, but take a moment to listen and you will find the answer.
Better than OK
- Indie Bands Blog
The very wonderful The Dark Lights have a new video out which requires your attention! Check it out at http://youtu.be/10unG-y7uxY. The band say: “As the meaning of the video is so obscure, we are trying to encourage people to give feedback about what it is about so: 1. Leave a comment and/or like it on the You Tube page. Hashtag #whatistheeye 2.Tweet about on your twitter using the hash tag #whatistheeye 3.Facebook post it and tag each other in the post. And use the hashtag #whatistheeye Email to all you friends etc and ask them to do the above”. So what are you waiting for? I guarantee you’ll be watching it all the way through more than once to try and figure it out. I just love the acting in this and the whole spooky vibe of the video - but wish I’d kept up my lip-reading classes... - APRA/AMCOS
The Dark Lights, the Australian band based in London known for their dynamic indie electronica, have released their first single “The Eye” for free download, taken from their debut vinyl entitled "Xray Spectacle 1".
“The Eye”, with its open-ended lyrics, has inspired an accompanying video set to live long in the memory of those who view it.
The film, a first for Camden based director Ben Fredericks, was shot on a tight budget over the course of just one day and one evening around the Broadway Market area of Hackney.
The result is a taut and atmospheric piece, demonstrating Frederick’s appreciation of David Lynch and, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers about the position the film’s lead character finds herself in.
Both Ben, and the members of The Dark Lights, would love to hear people’s interpretations; leave a comment on You Tube or Twitter. Tag #whatistheeye - Alt Sounds
Ben Fredericks, director of Tottenham band The Dark Lights’ debut music video, is not giving away any clues.
Brilliant but baffling, his new short film to promote the five-piece’s track The Eye is full of intrigue – and that’s exactly the point.
“Nothing should make sense!“ says the Camden-based film-maker. “People want resolution, they want me to tell them what’s in the box and why it goes in that order but essentially that bit is for them to decide.“
The video, launched on Friday, opens with heavy breathing and a shot of a ornate wooden box being placed in a cupboard. The camera then zooms menacingly into an anxious looking young woman, her back up against a door, before the song begins.
Having worked on a previous project with the band’s bass player Rachel Ho, Ben was given a choice of songs to shoot, quickly selecting the pounding electronica cut The Eye from their latest, two track album X Ray Spectacle 1.
“It’s a really catchy track,“ says the 29-year-old, “it’s really interesting. The lyrics are really open giving me a bit of freedom to make the sort of films I make.
“The lyrics hinted at certain things without describing exactly what.“
After the intriguing opening, the film follows, from the shadows, the woman in question as she scurries scared down the east London streets where it was shot.
Is she being chased or secretly stalked as she rushes into the Off Broadway bar to meet her companion?
After some unheard discussion and some hesitation (there are no subtitles to help us) the pair climb a high rise apartment block – both being watched now.
Inside, the girl takes the mysterious box from the cupboard and gets changed. The watchman ascending now (seen with a switch to his or her point-of-view), the video reaches a explosive climax that explains next to nothing about what has proceded it.
It comes as little surprise to learn that Ben is a David Lynch fan.
“In the back of my mind was Mulholland Drive,“ he reveals, “which basically was the first film that I’d seen, which made me realise that film narrative didn’t have to make sense.
“I come more from a fine art background, looking at ideas rather than resolving a story. It’s a surreal narrative not necessarily about what’s happening, it’s more about the emotions and a sense of doom.“
Filmed on a tight budget over the course of just one day and one evening around the Broadway Market area of Hackney, the result is an intriguing piece that demands repeat viewings. Taut and atmospheric, its intentions are no more clear six or seven replays later.
“What’s it all about? That’s the kind of question I get about a lot of my films!“ admits Ben. “They have these elements in them where they’re just unresolved questions. In a sense even for me.
“That doesn’t make it any easier does it? Still no explanation!“
The Eye video is available to view online at www.thedarklightsonline.com. For more information on Ben’s work visit www.benfredericks.co.uk
View on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10unG-y7uxY - Enfield Independent
Ben Fredericks, director of Tottenham band The Dark Lights’ debut music video, is not giving away any clues.
Brilliant but baffling, his new short film to promote the five-piece’s track The Eye is full of intrigue – and that’s exactly the point.
“Nothing should make sense!“ says the Camden-based film-maker. “People want resolution, they want me to tell them what’s in the box and why it goes in that order but essentially that bit is for them to decide.“
The video, launched on Friday, opens with heavy breathing and a shot of a ornate wooden box being placed in a cupboard. The camera then zooms menacingly into an anxious looking young woman, her back up against a door, before the song begins.
Having worked on a previous project with the band’s bass player Rachel Ho, Ben was given a choice of songs to shoot, quickly selecting the pounding electronica cut The Eye from their latest, two track album X Ray Spectacle 1.
“It’s a really catchy track,“ says the 29-year-old, “it’s really interesting. The lyrics are really open giving me a bit of freedom to make the sort of films I make.
“The lyrics hinted at certain things without describing exactly what.“
After the intriguing opening, the film follows, from the shadows, the woman in question as she scurries scared down the east London streets where it was shot.
Is she being chased or secretly stalked as she rushes into the Off Broadway bar to meet her companion?
After some unheard discussion and some hesitation (there are no subtitles to help us) the pair climb a high rise apartment block – both being watched now.
Inside, the girl takes the mysterious box from the cupboard and gets changed. The watchman ascending now (seen with a switch to his or her point-of-view), the video reaches a explosive climax that explains next to nothing about what has proceded it.
It comes as little surprise to learn that Ben is a David Lynch fan.
“In the back of my mind was Mulholland Drive,“ he reveals, “which basically was the first film that I’d seen, which made me realise that film narrative didn’t have to make sense.
“I come more from a fine art background, looking at ideas rather than resolving a story. It’s a surreal narrative not necessarily about what’s happening, it’s more about the emotions and a sense of doom.“
Filmed on a tight budget over the course of just one day and one evening around the Broadway Market area of Hackney, the result is an intriguing piece that demands repeat viewings. Taut and atmospheric, its intentions are no more clear six or seven replays later.
“What’s it all about? That’s the kind of question I get about a lot of my films!“ admits Ben. “They have these elements in them where they’re just unresolved questions. In a sense even for me.
“That doesn’t make it any easier does it? Still no explanation!“
The Eye video is available to view online at www.thedarklightsonline.com. For more information on Ben’s work visit www.benfredericks.co.uk
View on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10unG-y7uxY - Enfield Independent
This is the new video from The Dark Lights called "The Eye". An uptempo guitar thrashing indie electronica sound with sharp and tuneful vocals. The eye sees and follows you in everything you do, and once you open the box, everything flashes right in front of you. Cool storyline to go with an impressive new song. - Have U Heard?
Adelaide band The Dark Lights will be launching their debut music video The Eye on Friday the 10th of February at Heroes Bar. Accompanying the launch The Dark Lights will perform live along side Vetoes, Free Control and Chaplin.
£4 presale from We Got Tickets
(£6 on the door)
Written and directed by Ben Fredericks -www.benfredericks.com
Producer – George Garnish
DOP – Alfred Thirolle
Assistant to DOP – Thor
Lead Lady – Charlotte Mack
Lead Man – Itoya Osagiede
Stylist – Abigail Sutton
Hair & Make Up – Tina Pachta - Heaps Good
Congratulations to London’s The Dark Lights – our first ever ‘Gig of the Week’…
That’s right dear readers, the team at Backpack Sounds is putting considerable resources into finding you the single most-epic-est Oz music night each week in London or beyond.
This week we’ve set the tone by cheating somewhat, selecting a band that is in fact 40% East London – but what could be more in the spirit of things than an anglo-aussie disco love-in…and the remaining 3 of the 5 band members do indeed hail from the motherland.
The band has been London-based since 2010 and in the few songs we have playing at BS HQ we are hearing some of the best bits from both locations – an updated dark indie-electro sound that is unmistakably British, united with a penchant for pop that would be at home at, well…at home.
So go see them – Sunday January 22nd at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Road, London. They are there in support of the showcase for new ‘indie-pop opera’ Redundancy the Musical, which itself looks interesting. Tickets are £8 on the door or go ahead and buy them now for a little less…HERE
If you happen to catch this show, why not let us know what you think in the comments, on Twitter, Facebook or directly here. And same goes if you see something coming up that we should be previewing. Don’t be shy, team. - Backpack Sounds
We were instantly hooked by the opening electric guitar riff and falsetto vocals of this two-song EP from The Dark Lights. Formed when Australians Matt Ho, Rachel Ho and Alan Grillo moved to London in 2010 and joined forces with East Enders Paul Andrews and Paul Hayward, the band fuses a dystopian techno vibe with dance pop. The results are bracing and fun!
Pick up a copy of X-ray Spectacle 1 on translucent green vinyl for £5 from their webstore and get a free download. Their website lists upcoming gigs in the U.K. - fanatic.fm
Did you catch Absolute Radio's Sunday Night Music Club last week?
We put forward 5 fresh new tracks for our weekly radio play comp. And boy were they gooduns!
First up was Balloon by Echo and the Empress - a delicious slice of experimental folk pop. Then came "I Keep Counting" by The Dark Lights, invigorating indie rock with a synth edge. Our third track was "Shine Like Gold" by Daniel Gouk - a heart rending classic from this Irish singer songwriter. "When the Sun Sets" by Mouth of Ghosts was next, a super spaced out epic with some very impressive vocals. Our final offering was a high-impact heartfelt rock tune by CampX "The Killing Kind".
The track that got pick of the week was The Dark Lights! Congrats to them! - The Unsigned Band Review
Did you catch Absolute Radio's Sunday Night Music Club last week?
We put forward 5 fresh new tracks for our weekly radio play comp. And boy were they gooduns!
First up was Balloon by Echo and the Empress - a delicious slice of experimental folk pop. Then came "I Keep Counting" by The Dark Lights, invigorating indie rock with a synth edge. Our third track was "Shine Like Gold" by Daniel Gouk - a heart rending classic from this Irish singer songwriter. "When the Sun Sets" by Mouth of Ghosts was next, a super spaced out epic with some very impressive vocals. Our final offering was a high-impact heartfelt rock tune by CampX "The Killing Kind".
The track that got pick of the week was The Dark Lights! Congrats to them! - The Unsigned Band Review
The Dark Lights fickered to life as a home studio experiment by technically minded Aussies Matt Ho, Rach Ho and Alan Grillo. A 2010 relocation to London found them their perfect foil in East End boys Paul Andrews and Paul Hayward, who bought soul, energy and cockney cheek to the mix. Starting out at a brooding place inhabited by the likes of Interpol, The Dark Lights pick up some beats and pop hooks akin to New Order, before weaving their way through the dancefloor with the energy of The Presets, taking in the best bits of the 80’s, 90’s & now along the way. The result is a fusion that is innovative, danceable and far from comparison. Their electric live performances wrap Rach’s layered soundscapes around Paul A’s heartfelt vocals with the experimental melodies of guitarists Matt and Alan, and Paul H’s tight drums driving the pace.
The Dark Lights are doing a UK tour in late 2011 in support of their debut 7” single release “X-ray Spectacle 1?. Rachel Ho (bass) kindly used one of their band breaks to answer my questions on the following interview.
The Creative Post: What are your main musical influences: people/bands/artists you look at?
The Dark Lights (Rachel): Friendly Fires, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Interpol, Broken Social Scene, Hot Chip, Clock Opera.
T.C.P.: What is your biggest achievement as a band and why?
T.D.L. (Rachel): I would say our single launch in London last week. It all came together. It’s the first vinyl any of us has done before. We sold out the show in pre sales the morning of the gig. It felt like we were hitting our straps in the live show. All in all, the night felt like all our hard work in the past 12 months had paid off. Plus it was a very fun night indeed!
T.C.P.: Tell us a funny story around any of your gigs?
T.D.L. (Rachel): When we played in Scotland one of the guys that saw us play took us to see his friend at a ‘Show Girls’ bar after the gig. It was a strip club. It was a pretty funny experience.
T.C.P.: What can we expect when we see you playing live?
T.D.L. (Rachel): Moody. Soulful. Crazy. Fun. Paul A, our singer, lets it rip out the front, backed by Matt & Alan doing crazy things on guitars and synths. Hopefully all held together by Paul H on drums and myself on bass. And now we have gone a little overboard with percussion. You can never have too much.
T.C.P.: What is next in your tour and what other future projects you have?
T.D.L. (Rachel): Manchester this weekend, then Coventry & Leicester in a few weeks, then back in London just before Christmas and Brighton in the new year. We plan to release another single sometime next year too and hopefully get on some festivals.
T.C.P.: Do you feel nervous before playing? What relaxing techniques you use to prepare yourself?
T.D.L. (Rachel Ho): Generally not. Practice is the best technique!
T.C.P.: Who would you dream to play with (dead or alive!)?
T.D.L. (Rachel): For me personally it would be Bloc Party. Everyone in the band would have a different dream artist to play with. I think as a band we would all agree on Arcade Fire.
T.C.P.: What sort of things/events/people inspire you?
T.D.L. (Rachel): As a collective we like beer, bicycles, tattoos, rustling paper sounds, bush jumping, conspiracy theories and cheap musical toys. Inspirational. - THE CREATIVE POST
The Dark Lights fickered to life as a home studio experiment by technically minded Aussies Matt Ho, Rach Ho and Alan Grillo. A 2010 relocation to London found them their perfect foil in East End boys Paul Andrews and Paul Hayward, who bought soul, energy and cockney cheek to the mix. Starting out at a brooding place inhabited by the likes of Interpol, The Dark Lights pick up some beats and pop hooks akin to New Order, before weaving their way through the dancefloor with the energy of The Presets, taking in the best bits of the 80’s, 90’s & now along the way. The result is a fusion that is innovative, danceable and far from comparison. Their electric live performances wrap Rach’s layered soundscapes around Paul A’s heartfelt vocals with the experimental melodies of guitarists Matt and Alan, and Paul H’s tight drums driving the pace.
The Dark Lights are doing a UK tour in late 2011 in support of their debut 7” single release “X-ray Spectacle 1?. Rachel Ho (bass) kindly used one of their band breaks to answer my questions on the following interview.
The Creative Post: What are your main musical influences: people/bands/artists you look at?
The Dark Lights (Rachel): Friendly Fires, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Interpol, Broken Social Scene, Hot Chip, Clock Opera.
T.C.P.: What is your biggest achievement as a band and why?
T.D.L. (Rachel): I would say our single launch in London last week. It all came together. It’s the first vinyl any of us has done before. We sold out the show in pre sales the morning of the gig. It felt like we were hitting our straps in the live show. All in all, the night felt like all our hard work in the past 12 months had paid off. Plus it was a very fun night indeed!
T.C.P.: Tell us a funny story around any of your gigs?
T.D.L. (Rachel): When we played in Scotland one of the guys that saw us play took us to see his friend at a ‘Show Girls’ bar after the gig. It was a strip club. It was a pretty funny experience.
T.C.P.: What can we expect when we see you playing live?
T.D.L. (Rachel): Moody. Soulful. Crazy. Fun. Paul A, our singer, lets it rip out the front, backed by Matt & Alan doing crazy things on guitars and synths. Hopefully all held together by Paul H on drums and myself on bass. And now we have gone a little overboard with percussion. You can never have too much.
T.C.P.: What is next in your tour and what other future projects you have?
T.D.L. (Rachel): Manchester this weekend, then Coventry & Leicester in a few weeks, then back in London just before Christmas and Brighton in the new year. We plan to release another single sometime next year too and hopefully get on some festivals.
T.C.P.: Do you feel nervous before playing? What relaxing techniques you use to prepare yourself?
T.D.L. (Rachel Ho): Generally not. Practice is the best technique!
T.C.P.: Who would you dream to play with (dead or alive!)?
T.D.L. (Rachel): For me personally it would be Bloc Party. Everyone in the band would have a different dream artist to play with. I think as a band we would all agree on Arcade Fire.
T.C.P.: What sort of things/events/people inspire you?
T.D.L. (Rachel): As a collective we like beer, bicycles, tattoos, rustling paper sounds, bush jumping, conspiracy theories and cheap musical toys. Inspirational. - THE CREATIVE POST
You've a new single coming out - for those who haven't heard it - what does it sound like and what's it about?
It’s called ‘The Eye’ and it’s about the shallowness of popular culture and how messed up things can get. It sounds dark and dancey, with great melodic vocals and harmonies. We’re shooting a music video soon which hopefully should catch the vibe visually
Who are your influences?
Friendly Fires, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Interpol, Broken Social Scene, Hot Chip, Clock Opera.
We also like percussion, beer, bicycles, tattoos, rustling paper sounds and cheap musical toys. They definitely influence us.
What’s your current favourite song you like to perform live and why?
I love playing the whole set, but we have a song called Makers that is very dynamic and we can be quite free with depending on the vibe of the night which is a great one to play.
Tell me about your fans, what are they like?
We seem to have fans from all over. Lately we’ve had a number of hits and facebook fans from Italy. People at our shows are all very good looking. Paul our drummer, is all about the look, so that is important. ;)
Do you have any bizarre fan moments you can share?
If we told you we’d have to kill you ;)
Is there a musician who inspired you to become a musician?
That is a hard one as I’ve loved music since I was a little kid. I think my dad has had a big influence as he started playing in bands when he was quite young and is still playing (all be it brass bands). He always told me that if I was a real musician I would do it no matter what.
What’s the story behind the name and why did you chose it?
The Dark Lights sums up what our band is – in music and personality. We are a band of glorious contrasts with pop sensibilities, brooding yet upbeat, angular yet soulful. Dancable and engaging, though provoking. Fun but serious.
How did you all meet?
Matt, Al and I started things rolling in Adelaide a few years ago as a song writing experiment. We’ve all been playing in bands for many many years doing stuff around Australia, and decided to take it this project over to the UK. Matt and I met singer Paul in Adelaide about 6 years ago and kept in touch ever since. He was in a band with drummer Paul for many years, which had just broken up when we moved over here last year. So we decided to join forces and found that we have an amazing chemistry and we’ve kept things rolling ever since.
What inspires your music is it: love, anger, art, life or something else?
All of the above. Plus fun, friendship, people and community.
How do you write your songs… does it start from sound or an emotion? What is the story behind your sound?
We like to experiment with sounds, emotions and rhythms. When it comes to lyrics, Paul our singer is all about phonetics and how the melody should sound and feel before putting any words in. Everyone gets involved in the song writing process. Originally it was very much that songs written in the home studio then brought to the jam room, but these days we have swapped that around and are jamming a lot more before committing anything to a recording.
What do you think about the state of music at the moment?
It is an interesting time as the internet and mp3s has completely changed how people consume music. It’s a great time to be DIY and for us it means we can do pretty much what we want DIY until someone offers us something we can’t do ourselves.
What have you learnt most about being a musician?
It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock n roll so play because you love it. Also I’m addicted to it.
When you were starting out what kind of job did you have to do to make ends meet in realising your dream?
Everyone is still working to make ends meet – we’re not making the big bucks yet! ;) I work in for a disability arts organisation called Shape. I’ve been with disabled people for about 10 years and its something I love doing. In the band we also have a sale exec, a coffee roaster, an IT guy and a graphic artist. All these skills can be put towards the running of the band too, so it’s great!
Can you tell me some background information about yourself – what’s your hometown like that you grew up in?
I’m from Adelaide, Australia originally. It’s quite a bit smaller than London (about 1million people) and is very green and has beaches close by. Sounds lovely hey? It is nice for sure, but quite conservative and a much slower pace. But there is great wine from the region!
Why did you decide to locate to Tottenham? Is there any connection between the town and your music? Does it affect your sound?
Originally it was because I have family who live here. But now I’ve bought my own apartment in Tottenham so I’m committed! It’s not the most glamorous place in the world but I like and I love its diversity. I don’t think it affects our sound directly, but the fact that we can aff - Haringay Independent / Enfield Independent
Aussie/London indie popsters The Dark Lights are currently touring the UK in support of their debut 7? X-Ray Spectacle 1, and have posted both tracks of the release for streaming and download:
Posted by Admin, November 2nd, 2011 - In Forty
Heaps Good takes 5 with London-band-via-Adelaide – The Dark Lights.
Using the accurate description of ‘From opposite ends of the earth … a band of glorious contrasts with pop sensibilities, brooding yet upbeat, angular yet soulful’ (listen here), The Dark Lights are a very well produced mix of many different sounds that make them ultimately very likeable from the first listen.
We talk to band member Rachel Ho about their Adelaidian/cockney mix, the pros-cons of the UK music scene and dream venues in the lead up to their single launch.
You guys seem like a new band, how did you form and find english bandmates?
Matt, Al and I started things rolling in Adelaide a few years ago as a song writing experiment. We’ve all been playing in bands for many many years doing stuff around Australia, and decided to take it this project over to the UK. Matt and I met singer Paul in Adelaide about 6 years ago and kept in touch ever since. He was in a band with drummer Paul for many years, which had just broken up when we moved over here last year. So we decided to join forces and found that we have an amazing chemistry and we’ve kept things rolling ever since.
Does the mix of countrymen and locals in your band influence your musical sound? Do you find yourself having cups of tea at rehearsals?
Well both Pauls are pure cockney geezers so there is a continuous stand up show when we’re not playing tunes. They both have definitely influenced the sound a lot, including introducing lots of toys and percussion, making things more organic and a lot more fun. But us Aussies have introduced drinking beer at rehearsals. No time for this tea stuff ;)
How do you see opportunities in the music industry over here on a smaller and larger scale?
There is so much more stuff happening over here and historically more of a culture that you can make a career in music, a lot more realistically than Australia (although that has changed with less dominance of major labels). But there is also a lot more crap and a bigger variance in standards when it comes to bands and music industry people. You have to sift your way through the crap to find the gold. The other thing is the much larger population in a small area which makes touring easier. You can cover 10+ decent size cities in the distance that it takes to get from Adelaide to Melbourne.
What are your favourite places to play and see music yourself?
Recently saw Metronomy at Royal Albert Hall. That place is amazing, would be a dream to play there. Also like the Roundhouse in Camden – great acoustics and view to the stage. Our favourite place to play so far is The Good Ship in Kilburn. John the owner is a massive supporter of the music scene and we’ve always have a great time there. And we recently played in Glasgow and Edinburgh which was awesome fun – great people, PAs and sound guys.
What do you love about this city?
I love the diversity and that you can be yourself and no one cares. Plus the amount of culture and history and the fact that anyone who has had any sort of creative ‘success’ will have been to London at some point. There so much to keep you stimulated you could never get bored or run out of ideas. Oh and I love riding my bike around and taking it all in, even if the roads are a bit shite.
The Dark Lights are launching their single X-ray Spectacle 1
4 November at The Drop, London.
175 Stoke Newington High St, (below The Three Crowns), London N16 0LH
Tickets: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/131637
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedarklights - Heaps Good
The Dark Lights are an up and coming Aussie/London indie band and doing UK tour in support of their debut 7" single X-Ray Spectacle 1, featuring “The Eye” and “I Keep Counting”.
Tour Details: http://www.thedarklightsonline.com/Tour2011-1.pdf
Single Stream and Free Download: http://thedarklightsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarklights
- Subba-Cultcha
The Dark Lights are an up and coming Aussie/London indie band and doing UK tour in support of their debut 7" single X-Ray Spectacle 1, featuring “The Eye” and “I Keep Counting”.
Tour Details: http://www.thedarklightsonline.com/Tour2011-1.pdf
Single Stream and Free Download: http://thedarklightsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarklights
- Subba-Cultcha
THE BASICS
Name : Matthew Ho
Band : The Dark Lights
Job In Band : Guitar, Backing Vox, Cutting Hair
Website Address : www.thedarklightsonline.com
HOME
Hometown: Adelaide, but currently based in Tottenham, London
Hometown is best known for: Wine (Adelaide) and Riots (Tottenham)
Best venue in your hometown: The Good Ship in Kilburn, London
THE BAND
How long has the band been going? This project has been going for about 3 years, but has really kicked into gear in the last 12 months
Many lineup changes along the way? When we relocated to London we acquired the skills and good looks of two local English gentlemen, Mr Paul Hayward on drums and Mr Paul Andrews on vocals
How would you describe your sound to the average person on the street? The Dark Lights are a band of glorious contrasts with pop sensibilities, brooding yet upbeat, angular yet soulful. Dancable and engaging.
What's your most recent release? Tell us a little about it... We are on the verge of releasing a 7 inch Single Titled “Xray Spectacle 1”. It has been recorded in bedrooms and rehearsal studios both in London and Adelaide by Rachel Ho and Alan Grillo and was mixed by John De Michele in Adelaide.
Got a favourite track that you have released so far? The Eye is my favourite on this release. Paul’s vocals are awesome and I love the space and dynamics in the arrangement, and I love playing this song live.
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? When I was a teenager I started mucking around with the guitar, learning covers and recording 2 chord songs with my cassette recorder. On leaving school I met Rachel and we both had been bedroom rockstars and urged each other on to write songs and eventually form a band.
What was your first band name, and what style did you play? Our first band was called Hone. It was a free for all! A fusion of rock, metal, pop and funk... a case of a lot of enthusiasm and not keeping to any particular style. We still managed to establish a following though and it was a good starting point.
Most prized music related item you own? Probably my guitars, an old Rickenbacker 330 and a Fender Jaguar.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is... getting to hang out with my bandmates.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is... the loading process.
When you're not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? Roasting or making coffee, another passion of mine and my day job.
ON THE STAGE / ROAD
Best rider item you've ever received without requesting it? Getting offered Jebediah’s fridge full of beer after supporting them in Adelaide.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? Many tour memories but World Bar in Sydney and The Arthouse in Melbourne were both great. I am very much looking forward to our next tour throughout the UK. Some of the venues have great reputations... Night and Day in Manchester, Nice n Sleazy in Glasgow, The Kasbah in Coventry and The Hope in Brighton.
Most memorable show you've played? and why? In recent times, our first London headline show at The Good Ship in Kilburn. It was horrible weather and at 9pm it was very quiet. By the time we played it was packed and the room was buzzing.
Worst 'guilty pleasure' artist / song you've come across on a bandmates iPod? I’ll find out on tour... They all like a wide variety of music so there is bound to be some poor choices in there.
Who in your group has the worst “bad habit” on tour, and what is it? I’ll pick on the English boys and say it would have to be one of the Paul’s. Paul H quite vain, so constantly has to look good. Paul A loves picking up random useless cheap musical toys that he wants us to incorporate into the sound of the band ;)
RIGHT NOW
Where are you? London Town, recovering from the riots. Starting the UK tour in Bournemouth in a week or so.
What's the last song you listened to? Genesis by Justice.
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Strange Negotiations – David Bazan
Tell us a band we should all go and listen to right now? Clock Opera from Scotland. Awesome.
IF ONLY...
If you could pick any one album to cover from start to finish, what would it be and why? Medulla – Bjork. The challenge of it really... An album done by vocal only, would be an interesting project.
If you could pick any one band / artist to cover one of your albums from start to finish, what would it be, and why? Soulwax. They have a way of making music the most danceable it can be.
If you could pick one band to re-unite so you could play a one-off show with, who would it be, and why? Nirvana... Would be awesome.
One big tour, you can take two currently active bands to support you, who would you choose, and why? The Touch from Adelaide and Vetoes from London. Both play awesome tunes and are lovely lads to boot. Plus they are pretty much as attractive as us, so it would look good (which wou - Bombshellzine
Adelaide ex-pats The Dark Lights flickered to life as a home studio experiment by technically minded Aussies Matt Ho, Rach Ho and Alan Grillo. A 2010 relocation to London found them their perfect foil in East End boys Paul Andrews and Paul Hayward, who bought soul, energy and cockney cheek to the mix.
Starting out at a brooding place inhabited by the likes of Interpol, The Dark Lights pick up some beats and pop hooks akin to New Order, before weaving their way through the dancefloor with the energy of The Presets, taking in the best bits of the '80s, '90s & now along the way. The result is a fusion that is innovative, danceable and far from comparison.
Their electric live performances wrap Rach’s layered soundscapes around Paul A’s heartfelt vocals with the experimental melodies of guitarists Matt and Alan, and Paul H’s tight drums driving the pace.
The Dark Lights are doing a UK tour in late 2011 in support of their debut 7” single release.
Glasgow
7th October
Nice n Sleazy
Edinburgh
8th October
Wee Red Bar
London
4th November
The Drop Club
Manchester
19th November
Night and Day
Coventry
9th December
Kasbah Nightclub
Leicester
10th December
Firebug
London
16th December
The Good Ship
Brighton
21st January 2012
The Hope - Music SA
ADELAIDE band The Dark Lights are currently making their mark on the London music scene.
They moved to the UK last year and are having a blast as they support their debut seven inch single X-Ray Spectacle 1, featuring The Eye and I Keep Counting.
Last weekend they played at the Musicosity Festival in Bournemouth, UK which was headlined by 90s band Reef. Benjamin Francis Leftwich played the following night.
Native Adelaidians Matt and Rachel Ho and Alan Grillo relocated to London in 2010 where they teamed up with East End boys Paul Andrews and Paul Hayward who bought some cockney cheek to the laid-back Aussie style.
If you can't make it to the UK, you can always check out the band at www.thedarklightsonline.com - The Advertiser / Adelaide Now
In other news – The Dark Lights sent me their new EP - X-Ray Spectacle 1. Don’t ask me what the one means…….remember I’m NOT the GO!Compare man. Anyway have a listen to these tracks before my coke infused ramblings begin.
The Eye – of the tiger. The syntheses accumulate a drum beat and combine to create a hypnosis consisting of vocal madness. This….if you know what ‘this’ means……continues throughout the track; it’s path delegates similiar readings, much like watching the nyah cat on repeat in High Definition on YouTube.
I Keep Counting – sheep. My arm started kicking in with the beat; it was as hypnotising as Peter Crouch’s life, consiting of dance moves and tragedy. Then all of a sudden this voice entered from the distance, it reminded me of the good times when pre-drinking was a ritual and dancing naked was a prodigy. Yes! I’ve had too much coffee tonight……anyway you would probably hear these vocals in France; they’re that culturally diverse and modern, tre fantastique. What can I say about the rest of the band? well! get ready kids – indie is modern again……with the sound of music. - Independent Music News
In other news – The Dark Lights sent me their new EP - X-Ray Spectacle 1. Don’t ask me what the one means…….remember I’m NOT the GO!Compare man. Anyway have a listen to these tracks before my coke infused ramblings begin.
The Eye – of the tiger. The syntheses accumulate a drum beat and combine to create a hypnosis consisting of vocal madness. This….if you know what ‘this’ means……continues throughout the track; it’s path delegates similiar readings, much like watching the nyah cat on repeat in High Definition on YouTube.
I Keep Counting – sheep. My arm started kicking in with the beat; it was as hypnotising as Peter Crouch’s life, consiting of dance moves and tragedy. Then all of a sudden this voice entered from the distance, it reminded me of the good times when pre-drinking was a ritual and dancing naked was a prodigy. Yes! I’ve had too much coffee tonight……anyway you would probably hear these vocals in France; they’re that culturally diverse and modern, tre fantastique. What can I say about the rest of the band? well! get ready kids – indie is modern again……with the sound of music. - Independent Music News
I caught up with the Aus’ members of the indie band the Dark Lights last week; Rachel Ho, Allan Grillo and Matthew Ho. They are about to start touring the UK to support their Debut 7’ single “X-Ray Spectacle 1” featuring “The Eye” and “I Keep Counting”. They suggested we meet in a pub in Soho called The Lyric – which is apt as they just happen write really fabulous lyrics - and great tunes all round. The Dark Lights started life in Adelaide and moved to London in April 2010 - and lost their singer in the process. But they found a replacement with British singer Paul Andrews and added drummer Paul Hayward after both Paul’s had coincidently just left their previous bands. So with this serendipitous re-formation, the Dark Lights went about performing in indie venues around London and in a very short amount of time, have gained a dedicated following. They told me that the secret is to make every gig count – not just doing gigs for the sake of it. Their style is kind of electronica/pop/rock and the songs are technical enough to appeal to those who appreciate good musicianship whilst being really accessible to people like me who just love a driving beat and a cool lyric. Actually, they kind of remind me a bit of Talking Heads – so you know you’ll love them too. For tour info got to: www.thedarklightsonline.com - APRA/AMCOS
From opposite ends of the earth; The Dark Lights are a band of glorious contrasts with pop sensibilities, brooding yet upbeat, angular yet soulful. Starting out at a brooding place inhabited by the likes of Interpol, The Dark Lights pick up some beats and pop hooks akin to New Order. - Musicosity Magazine
UK X-ray Spectacle tour - T minus 2 days...
This week my blog has defiantly been centred around music, but it's all so exciting. My good friends The Dark Lights are kicking off their UK X-ray Spectacle tour starting in Bournemouth this weekend (more on this tomorrow) at Musicosity in support of their debut 7" single release. If you haven't seen these guys live, what have you been doing? come join us at Musicosity! - www.boberika.com
UK X-ray Spectacle tour - T minus 2 days...
This week my blog has defiantly been centred around music, but it's all so exciting. My good friends The Dark Lights are kicking off their UK X-ray Spectacle tour starting in Bournemouth this weekend (more on this tomorrow) at Musicosity in support of their debut 7" single release. If you haven't seen these guys live, what have you been doing? come join us at Musicosity! - www.boberika.com
The Dark Lights are a 5 piece band who are about to release their Debut 7" Single "The Eye"/"I Keep Counting". The music is very upbeat, energetic with strong guitar and drum playing. You can easily fit this piece of music into your current playlist. And the vocal and melodies work nicely with the music. Looks like alot of thought and time has taken into the production as the quality is sharp, neat, and on point. The Dark Lights will be going on tour, starting from Bournemouth on 3rd September 2011 and all the way through to next year. - Have You Heard?
A few weekends ago I did a photoshoot with indie electronic band The Dark Lights, at there rehersal studio. What a lovely bunch of edgy musicians... - www.boberika.com
As shameful as it is to admit, when I learnt that Sumi's first EP was extremely pop-punk I initially turned my nose up at their second because I'm a music snob. However, I subsequently chucked on 'Next Year's Passing Trend' and discovered an amazing example of young music at its best.
Opening single Get Whatcha Give really made me sit up and listen. Although they are relatively inexperienced you can hear how much time and effort has gone into this song. It has a very well-trodden layout that Killing Heidi used so very much in their few minutes of fame (and, luckily for us all, Get Watcha Give is so much better). It has to be my favourite on the EP just because it is quite different from what is around at the moment. The disc has an air of heaviness about it - something that you might expect from a band on its second EP. Take the constant bass undertone in Masochist: it's a relatively loud piece of work, not something I would generally listen to in the background. They seem to have a close resemblance in style to many alternative bands at the moment: think early Shihad or even a young Placebo. Yet with the heavy guitar and extremely individual voice of Dan Gaskin there's no mistaking them for anyone else.
Sumi seem to be a band that is going places and not just because that's where the public is taking them: it's because that's where they want to be. If I were you I'd jump on and grab a copy of 'Next Year's Passing Trend'. It surprised me; I hope it will surprise you too. - dB Magazine - Adelaide
Adelaide rock quartet EdisonMusic caused a wave of excitement in the local scene when they formed in late 2000. Their heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies and passion for performing live resulted in two very fine records, the debut EP 'Blueprint Yesterday' (2002) and the mouth-watering melodic rock of 2003's 'Last Years Journal.' Not only were they a pleasure to listen to but live they had a genuinely down-to-earth presence that set them apart from most other bands. When news of their untimely demise came about it left puzzled fans asking "why?" I caught up with singer/guitarist Matt Ho to discuss the reasons behind their breakup.
"The short answer is that Josh [Arcus, guitar] is moving to Canada and we felt we had reached the pinnacle of Edison from a personal and relational level," he begins. "We've had a few line-up changes over the years and really felt that this line-up was complete. With the news of Josh leaving we did assess whether to keep on going or not and looked at the time and commitment involved. Out of respect for Josh we thought it was a good place to finish. We've seen other bands that have kept going on and sometimes you think they should've finished when they were going well. We didn't want to dwindle out and finish on a low, we wanted to finish on a high. It has been hard but it will be good to have some closure for everyone, including ourselves. "
Both Ho and bassist Rachel Warburton felt that the lineup was completed when Arcus and drummer Suresh Meyer joined the band. "Before Josh and Suresh joined the band we never had the same level of commitment relationship-wise, both musically and in how we've grown together. The reasons why we were doing it, everyone was really unified in it. Anyone in a band will tell you it takes a good six months before you really know the chemistry of the group because it takes a while for everyone to get to know each other. It's kind of like being in a marriage because you spend so much time with each other. After six months we knew it was solid and if Josh wasn't going I see no other reason why we would stop."
'Last Years Journal' really captured their unique sound and showed just how capable they were of producing quality music. "We all wrote that CD together and it was pretty new to us as well when we recorded it, so that freshness was really there. We still enjoy playing the songs - it's not like we've played the songs for three years and are over them. I guess we really wanted to give it a good shot and take another step up doing a lot more touring which we did. I guess we feel like we've achieved what we wanted to. We're still really happy with 'Last Years Journal' and to go out on that release, we feel like it does justice to what we've done over the years."
During the last year they have gone back to playing the smaller and more intimate venues where they first started. "It was definitely good to concentrate on playing good quality shows and putting everything into them. After that we saw a need to play more grass roots shows again. At the start of this year we played a lot of smaller venues and that was heaps fun playing at places like the Austral, Jade Monkey and the Crown & Anchor. That was really cool. It brought back a lot of memories from playing those shows when we started playing in other bands."
Looking back on the closing chapter of EdisonMusic, Ho reflects on the friendships and memories that have made it a memorable journey. "I guess [the most important thing has been] the people we've met and the friendships we've made. The band has been a real vehicle for that. I look at my friendship group now and pretty much everyone is someone I've met through music. That's probably a standout as far as achievements go. We've been really lucky and blessed to have the opportunities we've been given. I guess we've always strived for excellence and tried to reach a high standard. But it's been pretty cool to meet friends and we've always tried to be approachable on another level with people."
- dB Magazine - Adelaide
Adelaide rock quartet EdisonMusic caused a wave of excitement in the local scene when they formed in late 2000. Their heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies and passion for performing live resulted in two very fine records, the debut EP 'Blueprint Yesterday' (2002) and the mouth-watering melodic rock of 2003's 'Last Years Journal.' Not only were they a pleasure to listen to but live they had a genuinely down-to-earth presence that set them apart from most other bands. When news of their untimely demise came about it left puzzled fans asking "why?" I caught up with singer/guitarist Matt Ho to discuss the reasons behind their breakup.
"The short answer is that Josh [Arcus, guitar] is moving to Canada and we felt we had reached the pinnacle of Edison from a personal and relational level," he begins. "We've had a few line-up changes over the years and really felt that this line-up was complete. With the news of Josh leaving we did assess whether to keep on going or not and looked at the time and commitment involved. Out of respect for Josh we thought it was a good place to finish. We've seen other bands that have kept going on and sometimes you think they should've finished when they were going well. We didn't want to dwindle out and finish on a low, we wanted to finish on a high. It has been hard but it will be good to have some closure for everyone, including ourselves. "
Both Ho and bassist Rachel Warburton felt that the lineup was completed when Arcus and drummer Suresh Meyer joined the band. "Before Josh and Suresh joined the band we never had the same level of commitment relationship-wise, both musically and in how we've grown together. The reasons why we were doing it, everyone was really unified in it. Anyone in a band will tell you it takes a good six months before you really know the chemistry of the group because it takes a while for everyone to get to know each other. It's kind of like being in a marriage because you spend so much time with each other. After six months we knew it was solid and if Josh wasn't going I see no other reason why we would stop."
'Last Years Journal' really captured their unique sound and showed just how capable they were of producing quality music. "We all wrote that CD together and it was pretty new to us as well when we recorded it, so that freshness was really there. We still enjoy playing the songs - it's not like we've played the songs for three years and are over them. I guess we really wanted to give it a good shot and take another step up doing a lot more touring which we did. I guess we feel like we've achieved what we wanted to. We're still really happy with 'Last Years Journal' and to go out on that release, we feel like it does justice to what we've done over the years."
During the last year they have gone back to playing the smaller and more intimate venues where they first started. "It was definitely good to concentrate on playing good quality shows and putting everything into them. After that we saw a need to play more grass roots shows again. At the start of this year we played a lot of smaller venues and that was heaps fun playing at places like the Austral, Jade Monkey and the Crown & Anchor. That was really cool. It brought back a lot of memories from playing those shows when we started playing in other bands."
Looking back on the closing chapter of EdisonMusic, Ho reflects on the friendships and memories that have made it a memorable journey. "I guess [the most important thing has been] the people we've met and the friendships we've made. The band has been a real vehicle for that. I look at my friendship group now and pretty much everyone is someone I've met through music. That's probably a standout as far as achievements go. We've been really lucky and blessed to have the opportunities we've been given. I guess we've always strived for excellence and tried to reach a high standard. But it's been pretty cool to meet friends and we've always tried to be approachable on another level with people."
- dB Magazine - Adelaide
I said it before and I'll say it again: it's always nice to see a decent sized crowd turn out to a Sunday evening show. Particularly when we have such an incredible collection of bands on the one bill. I still expected there to be a lot more people, but then it gave fans the chance to have a really good dance around to all bands, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Hell, we should all rejoice in the fact Adelaide was included in the tour at all - I heard the Perth kids missed out in the end.
I couldn't help but feel proud of local favourites Edison Music, who really held their own against the onslaught of such kick-ass international bands. It's such a shame that they're not going to be around anymore. If you haven't got off your couch long enough to see them live, you better get along to the Enigma Bar for their final show. However, I'm officially adding Gyroscope to my list of bands that I love even more every time I see them. Despite some problems with microphones they played an awesome set, even playing a couple of new songs.
After waiting so many, many years for Saves The Day to visit, I was more excited about seeing them than anybody else of the evening. But to be honest, I was a little disappointed. They played well, but felt their choice of songs could've been better. They played a few older songs like At Your Funeral, Cars & Calories and All I'm Losing Is Me - and since their older stuff is much better than the new, this was what I was hanging out for. But the band mostly played songs from their latest album, 'In Reverie'. Still, they played really well and had obviously visited some souvenir stores for some tacky Australian t-shirts.
The Get Up Kids, on the other hand, absolutely blew me away. Their set was a perfect mix of old and new, opening with Man Of Conviction before pleasing the crowd with older songs such as Holiday and I'm A Loner Dottie, A Real Rebel. If I could go back in time, I would find a way to record their live version of Is There A Way Out because it was the best thing I have ever listened to. Ever. But their whole performance was amazing, and their encore was fantastic as they covered Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, before really getting the crowd going with their cover of The Cure's Close To Me and ending with 10 Minutes To Nowhere, complete with giant disco balls descending from the ceiling. An awesome show! - dB Magazine - Adelaide
dB Magazine, Enigma Bar, Adelaide 27/8/2003:
Edison blow me away each and every time I see them play and this time was no exception. Their live show has grown a lot in the past year or so, and vocalist and guitarist Matt Ho gets more and more intense as the shows go by. Edison played all the favourite tracks from their ‘Blueprint Yesterday’ EP, songs that have developed so much that they almost sound different. They also previewed some of the tracks from their upcoming debut album ‘Last Year’s Journal’, including the absolutely stunning Through My Eyes which showcases Rachel Warburton and Josh Arcus’ vocal talents. This was by far the best show I have ever seen Edison play and they definitely gave the headlining band a run for their money. - dB Magazine - Adelaide
dB Magazine, Enigma Bar, Adelaide 27/8/2003:
Edison blow me away each and every time I see them play and this time was no exception. Their live show has grown a lot in the past year or so, and vocalist and guitarist Matt Ho gets more and more intense as the shows go by. Edison played all the favourite tracks from their ‘Blueprint Yesterday’ EP, songs that have developed so much that they almost sound different. They also previewed some of the tracks from their upcoming debut album ‘Last Year’s Journal’, including the absolutely stunning Through My Eyes which showcases Rachel Warburton and Josh Arcus’ vocal talents. This was by far the best show I have ever seen Edison play and they definitely gave the headlining band a run for their money. - dB Magazine - Adelaide
Unlike your typical farewell show, Newtonheath are not breaking up or moving to the Eastern states. Instead, Matt Ho and Rachel Warburton, previously the core of Edison Music, are about to go traveling for a year. Bassist Warburton explains, "We are really looking forward to our farewell show; it'll probably be our last acoustic show, at least in Australia. Well, we might do the odd acoustic show when we get back here, but it definitely won't be our focus anymore: we'll be trying to focus on our rock sound again"
Edison ended in 2004, primarily due to guitarist Josh Arcus moving to Canada. Since then Warburton has spent many hours jamming with other friends, as well as helping out with bass duties in local post-punk band Sumi. "Playing in Sumi has been fun, it's rockier and simpler. I guess it's influenced me in how I approach things. The guys in Sumi are quite a bit younger and less experienced, and I guess I'm a bit more anal in how I go about things. So I hope that I've helped them be a bit more professional and I think they've helped me to just chill out a bit more. With Edison I had to worry about the business side of things, with Sumi I just turn up and enjoy playing and that's all I have to do which is really refreshing. I really like all those guys, so it's been great."
So what is the difference between Edison and Newtonheath? Well, for starters there is an electronic sound in Newtonheath that was never evident in Edison. "The electronic drum thing happened pretty much through necessity: we wanted to finish a demo before we went off travelling. If we could have had a drummer we would have, but just because of lack of time we decided to go with programmed drums. Our aim is for it to be a rock thing with electronic elements: we aren't becoming some kind of electronic band. It's also because we've bought a laptop so we now have the chance to be able to pursue electronic sounds, where in the past we didn't have the means to be able to do it."
However, fans of the old Edison emo rock sound need not fear. "We are aware that a lot of people are interested in us because of Edison and we don't want to alienate them. It's part of our writing history and our sound, but we also want to be different enough from our past gear that people aren't just wondering 'why didn't you just stay as Edison?' That's hard to do, but that's what we're trying to achieve."
Another major difference of Newtonheath is the fluid nature of the band. "The concept we had, especially once we knew we would be traveling, was to have a project that we knew we could add other people to and so it would evolve and change as we go. We have set ideas of what we want but amidst that we want to keep it fresh by adding new musos along the way, so we don't know necessarily how it's going to turn out. Especially before we record the album it's a bit less defined."
Presently, Newtonheath have two shows planned for the UK and one for New York. "We have my brother [Danny Warburton] drumming for us in the UK, but hopefully we'll also sort something out for the New York show too. We'll definitely be able to do an acoustic show, but that's not really who we are. We'd much prefer to do a rock show and so would the venue, but presently we're playing on the day we arrive and we'd really need to rehearse with our drumming contact in the US."
Another significant reason for the travels is to connect with Josh Arcus. "We hope to tour while we are there and connect with other bands, perhaps even record. But we are also going to help Josh out with his project The Basics Collective, and we'd love to do a bit of songwriting with him too." - dB Magazine - Adelaide
It's been three years since, having just released their debut album and making definite strides towards breakout success, local emo favourites Edison Music called it a day. 2007 has seen the long-awaited return of singer/guitarist Matthew Ho and bassist Rachel Warburton with their new project. Newtonheath has developed from humble, acoustic beginnings into full-blown, rock band proceedings. Now, Newtonheath are set to eclipse Edison's success and, indeed, to capitalise on it: "Yeah, definitely," Warburton says, who agrees that Newtonheath is a direct progression from their previous work. "This would kind of be like if Edison went on a break for a few years, and perhaps got a couple of different members."
And, it would seem, spent some time in Canada. Ho and Warburton wrote much of Newtonheath's debut album, 'Come Together And Unite', cooped up in an apartment in Calgary during an extensive overseas jaunt.
"There's lots of mixtures of ups and downs," Warburton continues. "You think it's quite similar to Adelaide, but it's a very corporate, oil and gas town. Lots of money, not a lot of culture - cowboy culture. Everyone comes there to earn money, so that creates a certain vibe."
"The way we wrote it was really different to how we've done it in the past, cause before it's always been in the jam room. [This time there was] a lot more focus on vocals and lyrics, and really sitting down and nutting them totally out. Just cause we had the time, I guess; you know, you're sitting and there's not much to do and it's snowing outside, you've got hours and hours to spend, whereas before it was like, OK, quick, we've gotta get it, we're recording in two months."
"You go overseas and, you know, you miss your friends heaps and no one knows who you are and you kind of come out of your shell a bit more," singer Ho elaborates. "I realised it doesn't just solve all your problems because you go away. You're still you. I think sometimes people go away, they hope to feel like 'this is what it's about,' - but I was just as confused. But, hey I'm in London, and what a wicked city...you're walking through New York, and you're just, like, oh this is new..."
The careful, considered approach to songwriting has resulted in the most impressive achievement of the duo's career. 'Come Together And Unite' is both uplifting and introspective, full of soaring rock anthems and moments of reflection, buoyed by a sound far more developed than the Edison days.
"What we were aiming to do when we were writing it," Ho explains, "was to write something that was really easy to access, for the listener. Still kind of interesting musically, but not too indulgent. I think something with a lot of space as well, cause a lot of the time when you've got two guitars in the band, you can fill up all the little holes. So, I guess I wasn't afraid this time to have guitars playing the same riff. Try and keep things a bit more spacious, and simplified. I've noticed a lot of times that it can be really effective to do really stripped back stuff, and not layer it up. I've always been into the layering thing, so [the album is] a bit of a different approach than that."
Recruiting Sumi's Daniel Gaskin on guitar and drummer Shaun Reilly, the complete Newtonheath is now back in full force in a scene that is definitely ready for their return.
"Eleven [years] this year, number eleven," Warburton laughs of her and Ho's ongoing presence in Adelaide rock. "It was nearly two years off from playing - I filled in for a few bands in between, but it was good to get refreshed, not get jaded. You see bands, people who have been doing it that whole time, and they're now starting to really feel it. It's not always easy, there's a lot of sacrifices you have to make, so it was good to have that time away."
"I think it's been great actually, because we feel pretty excited, and we don't feel too burnt out by it," Ho agrees. "In that time, the scene has slightly changed a bit, and coming into it, you feel like you're starting over again."
- dB Magazine - Adelaide
It's been three years since, having just released their debut album and making definite strides towards breakout success, local emo favourites Edison Music called it a day. 2007 has seen the long-awaited return of singer/guitarist Matthew Ho and bassist Rachel Warburton with their new project. Newtonheath has developed from humble, acoustic beginnings into full-blown, rock band proceedings. Now, Newtonheath are set to eclipse Edison's success and, indeed, to capitalise on it: "Yeah, definitely," Warburton says, who agrees that Newtonheath is a direct progression from their previous work. "This would kind of be like if Edison went on a break for a few years, and perhaps got a couple of different members."
And, it would seem, spent some time in Canada. Ho and Warburton wrote much of Newtonheath's debut album, 'Come Together And Unite', cooped up in an apartment in Calgary during an extensive overseas jaunt.
"There's lots of mixtures of ups and downs," Warburton continues. "You think it's quite similar to Adelaide, but it's a very corporate, oil and gas town. Lots of money, not a lot of culture - cowboy culture. Everyone comes there to earn money, so that creates a certain vibe."
"The way we wrote it was really different to how we've done it in the past, cause before it's always been in the jam room. [This time there was] a lot more focus on vocals and lyrics, and really sitting down and nutting them totally out. Just cause we had the time, I guess; you know, you're sitting and there's not much to do and it's snowing outside, you've got hours and hours to spend, whereas before it was like, OK, quick, we've gotta get it, we're recording in two months."
"You go overseas and, you know, you miss your friends heaps and no one knows who you are and you kind of come out of your shell a bit more," singer Ho elaborates. "I realised it doesn't just solve all your problems because you go away. You're still you. I think sometimes people go away, they hope to feel like 'this is what it's about,' - but I was just as confused. But, hey I'm in London, and what a wicked city...you're walking through New York, and you're just, like, oh this is new..."
The careful, considered approach to songwriting has resulted in the most impressive achievement of the duo's career. 'Come Together And Unite' is both uplifting and introspective, full of soaring rock anthems and moments of reflection, buoyed by a sound far more developed than the Edison days.
"What we were aiming to do when we were writing it," Ho explains, "was to write something that was really easy to access, for the listener. Still kind of interesting musically, but not too indulgent. I think something with a lot of space as well, cause a lot of the time when you've got two guitars in the band, you can fill up all the little holes. So, I guess I wasn't afraid this time to have guitars playing the same riff. Try and keep things a bit more spacious, and simplified. I've noticed a lot of times that it can be really effective to do really stripped back stuff, and not layer it up. I've always been into the layering thing, so [the album is] a bit of a different approach than that."
Recruiting Sumi's Daniel Gaskin on guitar and drummer Shaun Reilly, the complete Newtonheath is now back in full force in a scene that is definitely ready for their return.
"Eleven [years] this year, number eleven," Warburton laughs of her and Ho's ongoing presence in Adelaide rock. "It was nearly two years off from playing - I filled in for a few bands in between, but it was good to get refreshed, not get jaded. You see bands, people who have been doing it that whole time, and they're now starting to really feel it. It's not always easy, there's a lot of sacrifices you have to make, so it was good to have that time away."
"I think it's been great actually, because we feel pretty excited, and we don't feel too burnt out by it," Ho agrees. "In that time, the scene has slightly changed a bit, and coming into it, you feel like you're starting over again."
- dB Magazine - Adelaide
With such a pile of new releases piling up you'd better have something special or you are just going to get lost at the bottom - Edison Music have that something special. Their debut long player is a nice collection of soft rock with just enough pop to get your foot tapping. It's the sort of well written music and insightful lyrics that make you feel like they are singing just about you.
This is probably one of those few albums that you can listen to from start to finish and not have a favourite track, but for me, the building intensity of Through My Eyes and the gentle sway of the title track some became favourites.
Easy to listen to and hard not to love. - Rip IT Up
NEWTONHEATH (****) myspace ::
I've just gotten accustomed to the blinding lights but now the blasting sound is starting to give me a headache. Fuck, what am I fifty now? Did I ever notice this junk when I was drunk? did it give me superpowers? or is it just really REALLY loud tonight!? Yup, it's no denying those subs are freaking monstrous out there, pounding that bass directly into my microwaved innards and I swear one of my kidneys is going to burst before too long but thankfully this third band tonight does exceptionally well to defuse this ticking bomb. Newtonheath; yeah fucked if I know what's up with the name either, but for all the trainspotters out there you may recognise two of the band members from a previous band called Edison back almost a decade ago (I may also recognise their lead singer Matthew Ho as a nervous stick insect who used to go to my shithole of a highschool back in the day; but that's beside's the point). Newtonheath. Righteous, steely eyed, resolute, by the book and by the sword with a missionary fervour; they're the sounds of Sparta's "Threes", U2's "Boy" and Bloc Party's "Silent Alarm" as fronted by what appears to be the asian equivalent of Thom Yorke minus the googly eyes (and we may argue the insane falsetto as well); flailing about the stage with all the spastic freneticism of a shredding emo band (especially the guitarist Daniel Gaskin who nearly puts his head through a wall), yet delivering song after song built with an effortless soaring prog metal guitar more reminiscent of a high end car commercial. Driven, menacing, all too po-faced serious and psychotic; yet still ever so relaxing.. aaaaah! - Spoz's rant
NEWTONHEATH (****) myspace ::
I've just gotten accustomed to the blinding lights but now the blasting sound is starting to give me a headache. Fuck, what am I fifty now? Did I ever notice this junk when I was drunk? did it give me superpowers? or is it just really REALLY loud tonight!? Yup, it's no denying those subs are freaking monstrous out there, pounding that bass directly into my microwaved innards and I swear one of my kidneys is going to burst before too long but thankfully this third band tonight does exceptionally well to defuse this ticking bomb. Newtonheath; yeah fucked if I know what's up with the name either, but for all the trainspotters out there you may recognise two of the band members from a previous band called Edison back almost a decade ago (I may also recognise their lead singer Matthew Ho as a nervous stick insect who used to go to my shithole of a highschool back in the day; but that's beside's the point). Newtonheath. Righteous, steely eyed, resolute, by the book and by the sword with a missionary fervour; they're the sounds of Sparta's "Threes", U2's "Boy" and Bloc Party's "Silent Alarm" as fronted by what appears to be the asian equivalent of Thom Yorke minus the googly eyes (and we may argue the insane falsetto as well); flailing about the stage with all the spastic freneticism of a shredding emo band (especially the guitarist Daniel Gaskin who nearly puts his head through a wall), yet delivering song after song built with an effortless soaring prog metal guitar more reminiscent of a high end car commercial. Driven, menacing, all too po-faced serious and psychotic; yet still ever so relaxing.. aaaaah! - Spoz's rant
After more than five years together, Adelaide (South Australia) based rock outfit Sumi decided to take an extended break earlier in the years, with their second E.P. Constellations looking more than likely to be the final release from the modestly successful group. But while the break-up of Sumi is somewhat of a disappointment for those in the know (Especially given their potential), it’s not all bad news as all of the members have since moved forward onto other equally impressive new projects.
One of the first to emerge with something new is singer/songwriter/guitarist Alan Grillo, who alongside guitarist John De Michele (Who is also the bassist for City Riots), bassist Mark Beckett and drummer Liam McClory (Both from Fivestar) have formed Cuthero, with City Of Murders their debut release. Comprising of four tracks, Cuthero’s debut is hardly what you would call a lengthy effort. But what it lacks in quantity, it well and truly makes up for in absolute quality.
At just over a minute and a half in length, Movielines (Like Stealing Candy From A Baby) is more like an introduction piece to the E.P., with a huge Jesu like wall of sound emerging from the guitars, while the vocals performance is a hypnotic mantra (Comprising of five words) that is both catchy and mesmerising in its stunning simplicity. A little livelier and rockier sounding, Familiar takes the wall of noise principal of the former track while adding some clever twists and turns in the riff structures, while the chorus is again memorable and anthem like, while the title track City Of Murders marks another change of direction, with the guitars sounding a little more direct and less layered, with the heavily harmonised vocals taking a little more of the spotlight feature wise. Finishing up the E.P. is (Art Imitating Life Imitating) Idiocy Imitating Art, which again is a little more streamlined in the instrumentation department, but no less impressive with a chorus that is literally begging for some radio play.
Although barely less than a year old, Cuthero’s debut E.P. sounds like the work of a seasoned band who has more than managed to find a sound that is found through countless gigs and rehearsals. Mark my words when I say Cuthero is a huge band in the making. - Metal Forge
Matt Ho and Rachel Warburton's first effort since the demise of local act Edison Music has been a while in the making, but it's definitely been worth the wait: Newtonheath's debut album is a far-more developed and consistent affair than Edison's 'Last Year's Journal', and the hard work the band have put into developing these songs shines through every track to make 'Come Together And Unite' one of the best local releases of 2007.
It's got less of an emo influence than Ho and Warburton's previous work, and that certainly doesn't harm proceedings, as they manage to combine honest performances with a rock-and-roll energy that the band aren't ashamed to exploit. The opening, title track stomps away as a rollicking rock song, while Fixation rides Bloc Party-esque offbeat high-hats and uncomplicated, reverberating guitar work to carry an effective simplicity.
What's most impressive are the vocal melodies; while they could, at times, appear awkward amongst Edison's oeuvre, here they're carefully constructed and matched lyrically. Every song carries a brilliant hook, and Ho's insistence on stripping back the guitars to the bare essentials works wonderfully on tracks like Nothing To Compare and Where Are We Now, the latter layering up nicely for its chorus. For me, the highlights are tender The Covering, which fleshes out in wide, warm spaces that hint towards early Jimmy Eat World, and closer Cultivate, which develops from acoustic openings to some of the most vital rock moments of the disc. It could have benefited from some crunchier, more dynamic production, but 'Come Together And Unite' is mature, enjoyable and, best of all, very, very good.
- dB Magazine - Adelaide
Matt Ho and Rachel Warburton's first effort since the demise of local act Edison Music has been a while in the making, but it's definitely been worth the wait: Newtonheath's debut album is a far-more developed and consistent affair than Edison's 'Last Year's Journal', and the hard work the band have put into developing these songs shines through every track to make 'Come Together And Unite' one of the best local releases of 2007.
It's got less of an emo influence than Ho and Warburton's previous work, and that certainly doesn't harm proceedings, as they manage to combine honest performances with a rock-and-roll energy that the band aren't ashamed to exploit. The opening, title track stomps away as a rollicking rock song, while Fixation rides Bloc Party-esque offbeat high-hats and uncomplicated, reverberating guitar work to carry an effective simplicity.
What's most impressive are the vocal melodies; while they could, at times, appear awkward amongst Edison's oeuvre, here they're carefully constructed and matched lyrically. Every song carries a brilliant hook, and Ho's insistence on stripping back the guitars to the bare essentials works wonderfully on tracks like Nothing To Compare and Where Are We Now, the latter layering up nicely for its chorus. For me, the highlights are tender The Covering, which fleshes out in wide, warm spaces that hint towards early Jimmy Eat World, and closer Cultivate, which develops from acoustic openings to some of the most vital rock moments of the disc. It could have benefited from some crunchier, more dynamic production, but 'Come Together And Unite' is mature, enjoyable and, best of all, very, very good.
- dB Magazine - Adelaide
THE DARK LIGHTS (***) myspace ::
Our second act may be celebrating their debut tonight but they're far from newbies. Three of the band members (Daniel Gaskin on leads, Matthew Ho on guitars and Rachel Ho on the electronics) you may recognise from the prog metal band Newtonheath, active on the Adelaide scene till late last year. Two of those (Matthew and Rachel Ho) you may recognise from the band Edison, active from 2000-2004. And if we're really trainspotting: we could perhaps mention that both me and Matthew Ho went to the same highschool back in the early 90s (except it really doesn't bear mentioning as it was an utterly shit highschool to go to). Either way, considering every band they've been in has been nothing short of exceptional, I was eager as all fuck to see what they were cooking up with this one (especially after they name-dropped "Interpol" as one of their influences and we all know I'm a sucker for that shit). And thankfully, despite being a little dizzy and disoriented on a live stage tonight they sure as shit didn't disappoint. The Dark Lights. In essence they're brooding post-punk meets electro with a dash of button-down emo, only with added oldskool depth and none of that gimmicky glowstick wank (despite the fact they also list "The Presets" as a reference). In a live setup sans drummer they instantly remind me of former Adelaide band Circle Clan (and quite favourably at that), which I realise means absolutely nothing to most of you, so instead picture Pitchshifter, Stabbing Westward, New Order and Depeche Mode with perhaps a dash of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington in the way that Daniel Gaskin tears into his vocals (but only if I was REALLY looking to twist the knife in). They also remind me of a swampier version of The Killgirls (which again they compare quite favourably). What especially appeals to me most however, is in all the little details that distinguish them from just any old b-grade electro "buzz-band". The percussion and programming that Rachel Ho hammers on her combination laptop and knob tweakers, especially in the opener, more resembles a spastic space invaders melt-down than just a simple four on the floor. Sure its hardly an Aphex Twin in complexity, but there's still more than enough articulate menace here to make up for an absence of a drummer. Both Alan Grillo and Matthew Ho provide the guitar shred that alternates between a Tom Morello start/stop delivery and something much more textured you'd get from a Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs or a Daniel Kessler from Interpol. Whilst Dan on leads lurches about with his mic stand like a howler monkey to really sell the emotional urgency. And as much as their lack in stage lighting is making me smash my camera about in frustration trying to capture it all, it still suits the mood perfectly (pun intended). For what they lack in cohesion tonight (as it all kinda comes together in a mad jumble of nerves and energy), they more than make up for in potential. Once they figure it all out, give them six months, and dude they'll be freaking awesome! - Spoz's Rant
THE DARK LIGHTS (***) myspace ::
Our second act may be celebrating their debut tonight but they're far from newbies. Three of the band members (Daniel Gaskin on leads, Matthew Ho on guitars and Rachel Ho on the electronics) you may recognise from the prog metal band Newtonheath, active on the Adelaide scene till late last year. Two of those (Matthew and Rachel Ho) you may recognise from the band Edison, active from 2000-2004. And if we're really trainspotting: we could perhaps mention that both me and Matthew Ho went to the same highschool back in the early 90s (except it really doesn't bear mentioning as it was an utterly shit highschool to go to). Either way, considering every band they've been in has been nothing short of exceptional, I was eager as all fuck to see what they were cooking up with this one (especially after they name-dropped "Interpol" as one of their influences and we all know I'm a sucker for that shit). And thankfully, despite being a little dizzy and disoriented on a live stage tonight they sure as shit didn't disappoint. The Dark Lights. In essence they're brooding post-punk meets electro with a dash of button-down emo, only with added oldskool depth and none of that gimmicky glowstick wank (despite the fact they also list "The Presets" as a reference). In a live setup sans drummer they instantly remind me of former Adelaide band Circle Clan (and quite favourably at that), which I realise means absolutely nothing to most of you, so instead picture Pitchshifter, Stabbing Westward, New Order and Depeche Mode with perhaps a dash of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington in the way that Daniel Gaskin tears into his vocals (but only if I was REALLY looking to twist the knife in). They also remind me of a swampier version of The Killgirls (which again they compare quite favourably). What especially appeals to me most however, is in all the little details that distinguish them from just any old b-grade electro "buzz-band". The percussion and programming that Rachel Ho hammers on her combination laptop and knob tweakers, especially in the opener, more resembles a spastic space invaders melt-down than just a simple four on the floor. Sure its hardly an Aphex Twin in complexity, but there's still more than enough articulate menace here to make up for an absence of a drummer. Both Alan Grillo and Matthew Ho provide the guitar shred that alternates between a Tom Morello start/stop delivery and something much more textured you'd get from a Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs or a Daniel Kessler from Interpol. Whilst Dan on leads lurches about with his mic stand like a howler monkey to really sell the emotional urgency. And as much as their lack in stage lighting is making me smash my camera about in frustration trying to capture it all, it still suits the mood perfectly (pun intended). For what they lack in cohesion tonight (as it all kinda comes together in a mad jumble of nerves and energy), they more than make up for in potential. Once they figure it all out, give them six months, and dude they'll be freaking awesome! - Spoz's Rant
Discography
The Dark Lights 'Xray Spectacle 1' 7" is out now - http://thedarklightsmusic.bandcamp.com
The Dark Lights 'The Boy Who Could See Through Walls' EP is out 4 June through iTunes, Spotify and other digital outlets.
No 1 on www.mostrated.com for September 2011. In the hall of fame.
Airplay:
- Amazing Radio UK ('I Keep Counting' was download of the week, 3/11/2011)
- Absolute Radio UK ('I Keep Counting' was Emerging Icons pick of the week 27/11/11)
- BBC 6 Music UK ("Makers" & "I Keep Counting" have been included in Tom Robinson's Introducing Mix Tape, July 2012)
- Recharged Radio UK
- Dance Web Radio UK
- Radio Caley UK
- Shoreditch Radio UK
- BRFM Radio - 97.3FM UK
- M.I. Net Radio US
-EMix! Radio USA
- CFBU 103.7 FM CAN
- Three D Radio AUS
Photos
Bio
The Dark Lights, a London-based band, which was formed in Australia by founding members Matt Ho and Rachel Ho, are known for their dynamic indie post-punk electronica. After the success of their debut EP, “The Boy Who Saw Through Walls”, in the Autumn of 2012 the band line-up changed, recruiting Tristan Roe on vocals and Francisco Sousa on drums. The now Australian-Anglo-Portuguese quartet are set to release their sophomore EP “Stop Existing, Start Living”, due out July 2013.
Recorded and produced by the band and mixed by Adelaide-based American John De Michele, the new release captures a more organic sound than its predecessor, whilst still representing the contrast and energy that is The Dark Lights. As suggested in the title, "Stop Existing, Start Living", the vocals draw on personal experiences close to Tristan Roe, at times moving, often analytical, but invariably sincere. With contrast and balance, The Dark Lights pioneer their signature sound, through Matt Ho’s intricate guitar parts and Rachel Ho and Francisco Sousa’s driving rhythm section, adding subtle electronics throughout each track.
With a love of playing live and being on the road, The Dark Light’s will embark on their third UK tour to celebrate the release of "Stop Existing, Start Living" this summer, and plans for a follow up guerrilla tour later in the year with their Mancunian buddies, Coroner for the Police.
“Warning... it is very, very addictive.”
Art Not Apathy
“Get ready kids – indie is modern again…with the sound of music.”
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