Introducing suburban Punk band from the not so mean streets of Surrey, we bring you Darko and their forthcoming third EP ‘Sea Of Trees.’
This fierce five-piece hone the technical skills and channel the colossal choruses of Four Year Strong but hammer in the brutality of Slayer, creating a unique sound that has more in common with A Wilhelm Scream and Propagandhi. After smashing out an already impressive succession of European tours and already having two cracking EP’s under their belt, it’s clear that they know what their doing and this new EP is set to show their progression into another world. Here’s what we thought:
‘Prologue (A Voice Unheard)’ is only a mere thirty two seconds long, however it gives us an explosive insight of whats to come, as well as sounding faintly similar to an 80’s theme tune of some kind, which can only be a good thing. ‘Canthus Viewpoints’ violently follows on and trends influence from the infamous punk kings Rancid! The solid drums and wildly melodic guitar riffs are a real treat for a drizzly Tuesday afternoon and we can say the same about ‘Atlas To Atlantis’. This track introduces us to a more metallic side of the punk-rockers. Vocalist Dan Smith holds nothing back as he storms into the first verse with angst and passion, characteristics that pretty much surround and sum up this band in one fowl swoop.
Four tracks in and we’re greeted with ‘Hanging Off A Memory’, bringing us to a completely different level once again as we hear remnants of early Trivium riffs, beastly melodies and sincerely ruthless vocals. ‘Time Pieces And Lock Shaped Hearts’ is probably our favourite track so far. An elated summer vibe surrounds this anthemic gem and makes us wish we were on a road trip somewhere, leaving all of our city stresses behind. Musically this song impressed us the most as it vibrantly shows a very versatile side to guitarists Rob Piper and Chris Brown.
Finally, we are walked out in style with ending track ‘Seaward’. Probably the most metal influenced track from the entire record and packed with so much punch, you’ll be made to feel dizzy. We have it on good authority that his insane five track EP is to be followed by a full album in 2015 and with such die-hard receptions on their extensive European touring stints, this release sees Darko turning their attention to home to see what the UK has to offer.
