Dark Stares - NEW
We’ve featured Dark Stares before, so when Garry from SAN PR got in touch about their new EP, Octopon, we were looking forward to checking out what they had on offer. Described as ‘flaunting a twisted alternative rock sound that is part influenced by the captivating hooks of the Foo Fighters, the dark angular groove of Them Crooked Vultures, and the song writing guile of Jack White’, Dark Stares are one of those bands that we need to be keeping an eye on as they’re about to break through – simple as. Having already supported the likes of Enter Shikari and The Darkness, and having shared festival stages with the likes of The Subways and The Fun Lovin’ Criminals, these guys have got an impressive resume even before the music starts.
Kicking things off with Bad Machine things get off to a sludgy and dark start, using the power of the guitars to kick things into being whilst a solid drum line sets the pace. The sound that’s offered up here is one which is groove orientated in some aspects, yet packed with attitude, power and drive – the sort of thing that you’re going to have to play as loud as possible. Chunky guitar work, raw vocals, rolling drum work and rumbling bass lines, this track sets the tone for the EP and shows us that Dark Stares are back, and they’ve been working damned hard. Shinigami continues this approach further, once again tossing us into a pit packed with chunky guitars, hammering rhythm elements, and a serious sense of catchy rock throughout. Despite the catchiness, the guys have managed to keep that raw edge moving throughout, continuing to develop their own sound into something which is almost akin to Muse at some times here, yet something which packs more of a groove orientated punch – the sort of thing that’s sure to get crowds moving as soon as it kicks off.
Steal Your Girl once again draws comparisons to the likes of Muse, leaning on the bass heavy guitar work which kicks things off, whilst at the same time using the vocals to create a haunting sense of darkness not normally seen in rock of this sort. In my opinion, this track presents us with a serious high point on the record, a moment which moves Dark Stares from the world of unsigned and underground bands into the realms of the big times, showing they’ve got the skills and abilities to match their peers and stepping up to a whole new level. Closing things off with Blackfyre, it’s impressive that the chaps have saved another high point for the end, finishing with a track that pulls back from the edge, tones everything down and uses the laid back approach to fully accentuate everything going on in the track. Fuzzy bass lines combine with the raw vocals into a sound that’s raw, powerful, in your face and the sort of thing that is sure to absolutely kill on the live scene – a fitting end to a solid EP.
I was impressed when I first checked out Dark Stares, so it’s awesome to hear that they’ve continued to develop their style since we last checked them out, but even better to see how they’ve developed their approach. Packing a punch throughout, this EP is one which is going to sit happily in your playlist alongside heavy weights, being played everytime you need a ‘pick me up’ musically, and presenting you with your new favourite band.
To find out more about Dark Stares, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls.
Kicking things off with Bad Machine things get off to a sludgy and dark start, using the power of the guitars to kick things into being whilst a solid drum line sets the pace. The sound that’s offered up here is one which is groove orientated in some aspects, yet packed with attitude, power and drive – the sort of thing that you’re going to have to play as loud as possible. Chunky guitar work, raw vocals, rolling drum work and rumbling bass lines, this track sets the tone for the EP and shows us that Dark Stares are back, and they’ve been working damned hard. Shinigami continues this approach further, once again tossing us into a pit packed with chunky guitars, hammering rhythm elements, and a serious sense of catchy rock throughout. Despite the catchiness, the guys have managed to keep that raw edge moving throughout, continuing to develop their own sound into something which is almost akin to Muse at some times here, yet something which packs more of a groove orientated punch – the sort of thing that’s sure to get crowds moving as soon as it kicks off.
Steal Your Girl once again draws comparisons to the likes of Muse, leaning on the bass heavy guitar work which kicks things off, whilst at the same time using the vocals to create a haunting sense of darkness not normally seen in rock of this sort. In my opinion, this track presents us with a serious high point on the record, a moment which moves Dark Stares from the world of unsigned and underground bands into the realms of the big times, showing they’ve got the skills and abilities to match their peers and stepping up to a whole new level. Closing things off with Blackfyre, it’s impressive that the chaps have saved another high point for the end, finishing with a track that pulls back from the edge, tones everything down and uses the laid back approach to fully accentuate everything going on in the track. Fuzzy bass lines combine with the raw vocals into a sound that’s raw, powerful, in your face and the sort of thing that is sure to absolutely kill on the live scene – a fitting end to a solid EP.
I was impressed when I first checked out Dark Stares, so it’s awesome to hear that they’ve continued to develop their style since we last checked them out, but even better to see how they’ve developed their approach. Packing a punch throughout, this EP is one which is going to sit happily in your playlist alongside heavy weights, being played everytime you need a ‘pick me up’ musically, and presenting you with your new favourite band.
To find out more about Dark Stares, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls.
Dark Stares
Garry from SAN PR recently sent us through details of Dark Stares and their debut EP, Tell Your Friends. Due for release on the 10th of September, Dark Stares combines riffs akin to Queens Of The Stone Age with the classic edge of Led Zeppelin, resulting in a sound which can simply be described as good old rock n roll, with a twist! Having already scored supporting slots with the likes of Enter Shikari and The Darkness, these guys sound like one hell of a band to behold – but what of their sound?
Opening with Whiskey, there’s an immediate demonstration of what to expect from the band, throwing out a funk tinged guitar line to get things going before simplifying everything out to accentuate the drum and vocal line combination. Catchy from the outset, what you’ve got on show here is a band who are able to craft a track which holds the power of hard rock combined with the catchy hooks of stadium style rock bands, the whole mix forming something which is impossible to resist. The chorus is the key to things, and demonstrates that on the live scene this is going to be one hell of a band to behold.
Long Live The King follows on in much the same fashion, this time launching you into a riff which wouldn’t have sounded out of place during the grunge era, yet somehow turning it into something new and exciting, more updated and more fresh. This ability to combined classic riffs with a modern and new outlook on things makes this EP stand out as an achievement in itself, showing that Dark Stares could well be a force to be reckoned with. We Are The Kings Tonight marks a sudden change, yet somehow continues the attractive sound of the album so far. Slowing everything down to an off acoustic approach, the sound which forms here is dark and ominous, yet it envelops you and makes you want to hear more. Almost adding in a sense of western style stuff through the guitar lines, the deep bass which backs everything up changes the approach, leading to an almost Garbage like sound at times, but showing that this is a band who aren’t afraid to create their own take on things.
Closing with Invaders, there’s one last chance to hear what a band can do when they set their mind to it, closing on a track which is going to leave you wanting more and knowing that this has been a moment to take note of. The final track on the EP is also one of the highest points of the tracks progression wise, closing with a track which will secure the band a place in your memory and showing that combining a heavy guitar line with a gravelly vocal and pounding rhythm section can, if done well, create a sound which is going to sell a hell of a lot of records. Personally, this was my favourite track from the EP, but picking one out of the stand out 4 tracks on offer wouldn’t be fair – it’s quite simply an excellent EP.
I like the sound that Dark Stares have gone for as it takes me back to the latter part of the grunge era, the time when bands like Garbage, Bush and Alice In Chains were crafting a sound which would represent an entire generation. What makes this stand out though is that Dark Stares haven’t simply copied that sound, they’ve changed it and made it their own, demonstrating that they can add a unique take onto things which will quite simply, make you want to hear a lot more.
To find out more about Dark Stares, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening with Whiskey, there’s an immediate demonstration of what to expect from the band, throwing out a funk tinged guitar line to get things going before simplifying everything out to accentuate the drum and vocal line combination. Catchy from the outset, what you’ve got on show here is a band who are able to craft a track which holds the power of hard rock combined with the catchy hooks of stadium style rock bands, the whole mix forming something which is impossible to resist. The chorus is the key to things, and demonstrates that on the live scene this is going to be one hell of a band to behold.
Long Live The King follows on in much the same fashion, this time launching you into a riff which wouldn’t have sounded out of place during the grunge era, yet somehow turning it into something new and exciting, more updated and more fresh. This ability to combined classic riffs with a modern and new outlook on things makes this EP stand out as an achievement in itself, showing that Dark Stares could well be a force to be reckoned with. We Are The Kings Tonight marks a sudden change, yet somehow continues the attractive sound of the album so far. Slowing everything down to an off acoustic approach, the sound which forms here is dark and ominous, yet it envelops you and makes you want to hear more. Almost adding in a sense of western style stuff through the guitar lines, the deep bass which backs everything up changes the approach, leading to an almost Garbage like sound at times, but showing that this is a band who aren’t afraid to create their own take on things.
Closing with Invaders, there’s one last chance to hear what a band can do when they set their mind to it, closing on a track which is going to leave you wanting more and knowing that this has been a moment to take note of. The final track on the EP is also one of the highest points of the tracks progression wise, closing with a track which will secure the band a place in your memory and showing that combining a heavy guitar line with a gravelly vocal and pounding rhythm section can, if done well, create a sound which is going to sell a hell of a lot of records. Personally, this was my favourite track from the EP, but picking one out of the stand out 4 tracks on offer wouldn’t be fair – it’s quite simply an excellent EP.
I like the sound that Dark Stares have gone for as it takes me back to the latter part of the grunge era, the time when bands like Garbage, Bush and Alice In Chains were crafting a sound which would represent an entire generation. What makes this stand out though is that Dark Stares haven’t simply copied that sound, they’ve changed it and made it their own, demonstrating that they can add a unique take onto things which will quite simply, make you want to hear a lot more.
To find out more about Dark Stares, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls