another band seeking the holy grail of major label love is darker the sky.
In my humble opinion,
these North Shore musicians have the best shot of any independent band I have ever heard in Vancouver.
Darker The Sky rock.
After finally getting to see them play at Vancouver's famous Railway Club in December 2009, on the same small stage where Radiohead once performed, it was clear that their frequently "sold-out" free demo of five songs is not just a well done recording. This band is just as epic and even more potent live as on their live-off-the-floor EP.
Chris Warunki is one of Vancouver's most powerful rock drummers.
As the story goes,
Warunki found Robin through Myspace after hearing a demo of the songwriters "Space," which, as Robin told me in the audio portion of the interview is one of the band's most difficult songs to perform – yet a unique song that well deserves its title. "Space" certainly stood out at the Railway Club show as something special, but was a clear challenge to the band's dynamic and musicianship as a group.
Warunki said that Darker The Sky would like to open for Muse someday. And I would say of the long list of bands who would like to do that, these boys may just make it there. I mean, Silversun Pickups, who are opening for Muse in Vancouver on April 1st have nothing Darker The Sky doesn't have except for one thing…major label support. As for local bands, Warunki said the band would also like to open for Run the Red Light. Vancouver has a surplus of talent right now, and most bands just need to be noticed.
Darker The Sky are worth your attention.
As a musician, when you listen to the EP, downloadable free from their website or given away at shows, you will instantly be jealous of the quality achieved by their live-off-the-floor sound recorded in their jam space. Produced by former bandmate Brandon Cherrington, Warunki said he would also like to work with Steve Albini (who produced Nirvana, Pixies, Page & Plant's Walking into Clarksdale, and Irish band The Frames, and Flogging Molly among many others) or Jim Steinman (famous for producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell.)
Today, every kid with a guitar and a laptop has a band.
But not every band aims high; and they should. If not, what's the point? Or so you could argue. Music doesn't have to be completely new and different from what has come before. Band's like Arcade Fire didn't really do anything new. All listeners want is an interpretation of the emotions that rule our lives. Something a little different, and something true.
Guitarist Jason Adams,
who also plays steel guitar (always nice to see something strange in a standard rock ensemble of drums, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass and keys), says Darker The Sky is different than all other bands he has played in. Adams believes that what he does within these epic songs and melodies is push for the tragedy and to create songs that are both soulful and unique. Though, Adams admits that "initiative and work ethic is the key to success." Good to hear. Bad news for every kid with a garage band and a hundred dollar guitar who is bored on the weekends.
It's hard to become a rock star.
Even those for whom opportunity seems to drop in their lap, the challenges aren't only at the beginning of a band, but throughout the career. In fact, with all the problems that face successful rock stars, you may wonder…why bother? It can't be the money. If you want money, get an MBA and go sit behind a desk ten hours a day in some skyscraper.
Why does Darker The Sky want to be heard? Why do I think they should be heard?
Well, listen to the audio portion of RockStar Weekly's interview and hear bassist Joseph McCance and songwriter Robin Younge's reasons – from an abusive childhood, to religious sensitivity – why he writes the songs he writes.
Robin Younge is a religious being who sees demons and is brought to tears by the innocence of children.
Listen and find out why.
Written by
Elegwen Ó Maoileóin
Published online for rockstarweekly.com
darker the sky to perform in vancouver.
As Darker The Sky are ever on the path
to being brighter and brighter stars. One look at Robin Younge and you can tell he is a rock star. The world just doesn't know it yet. Music aside (just for the moment), at first glance he reminded me of Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler and other famous rock stars. Why? Well, not to be taken the wrong way but…I wasn't sure if he was ugly or beautiful. That sounds bad, I know. Well, take it from me, one of the average looking pot bellied masses: you have to look unique to be a rock star.
Robin Younge is unique.
The story goes that Robin was playing an open mic and Chris Warunki, one of Vancouver's best known session drum wizards got one of Robin's songs stuck in his head. And so the ball started to roll.... Trust me, have one listen to their 4 track promo CD, which they give away free at shows, and you will know why Warunki couldn't get Younge's voice and lyrics out of his head.
Robin Younge is memorable.
Okay, the lyrics are overflowing with meaning, sorrow, nostalgia and hope – overflowing; the chords, the wave of white hot distortion and epic drumming make Darker The Sky probably the most melodramatic band in Vancouver's recent history. I mean, they could give Journey a run for their money. And hey, if Journey keep on touring another few years then Darker The Sky may just get the chance.
But more than just their epic songs, the North Vancouver boys Younge and Warunki, along with Joseph McCance on bass, Jason Adams on guitar, have already attracted fanatical and devoted fans around the world. And they haven't even played ten shows!
I sent their Myspace link to one friend in Europe and the following month got over twenty emails asking how they could get a CD. Of course, there isn't one yet. So, Europe will just have to wait.
Part of why Darker The Sky hasn't played much in the Vancouver scene is probably because they can't really open for any other local band. No one I know would ever want to play after them. If the talent alone weren't intimidating, remember the fact that Younge has it – the vibe. You can notice it even on YouTube; and I doubt it will be long before some A&R folks notice Younge's "it" quality as well. (Go get your t-shirts signed before these guys have a line of beefy security guards separating them from you.)
Robin Younge is going to be famous.
That was my first thought when a friend came over and played me their Myspace. Vancouver and North Vancouver are too small to contain the lyrics and vocals Younge lets loose like a fallen choir of tormented howling angels from the stage. Of course, the sky is still a little dark for the band.
Rightfully so. They are doing something others aren't. This music is not what's in. It is rock, not indie rock. And influenced, as they claim, by NIN, Daniel Lanois, Jeff Buckley, The Cure and the sun, moon, stars and the earth, Darker The Sky are challenging the reigning musical sounds and themes of the ironic indie scene, the whiny and apathetic emo world and the anti-hard rock bias of its hipster trendsetters.
But good luck to them because, as they say, "the darker the sky, the brighter the star."
Darker The Sky will play at Vancouver's famous venue, The Railway Club, on December 17th.
Written by
Elegwen Ó Maoileóin
Published online for rockstarweekly.com
