Album Review: “Alive as You Are” by Darker My Love

Artist: Darker My Love
Album: Alive as You Are
Label: Dangerbird
Rating: 9/10

Part late 60s Byrds and Workingman’s Dead, part 80s American underground, part pastoral British psychedelia, Darker My Love’s third album is their most diverse and most satisfying release to date.

A far less heavy affair than 2008′s “2″, I was literally taken aback by the maturity and retro feel of the outstanding opener, “Backseat”, with it’s circa “Slowhand” Claptonesque guitar riffing.  “Refreshing” was the first word out of my mouth.  After listening to all the 80′s synth homages of late, it was like a cool drink of water.

Although it does meander around stylistically a bit, for the most part it stays on the Americana path, which is always an excellent source to mine.

Tracks like the ambling “Rain party”, (which sounds like an outtake from some lost Crosby, Stills and Nash album),  ”New America” which masterfully combines sixties affections with an almost late 70s new wave polish and the fantastic minor country pop of “Trail the Line” more than pay for the price of admission.

One of the best releases I’ve heard so far this year and definitely worth checking out.