Darker My Love: Alive As You Are

Darker My Love
Alive As You Are
Dangerbird Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: New path for Darker My Love will grow on you.

Album Review:
A u-turn in the middle of the road is my short take on Darker My Love's third record Alive As You Are. We were crazy about the bands sophomore record, 2 [2008], with its reverb attitude and memorable tracks that had our anticipation high for Alive As You Are. What was not expected, was the full on attack of acoustic guitars, 1960's harmonies and a more CSNY like vocal approach. This shock to the system made getting into this album from the beginning much harder then my typical listen through a new record because it is that different. The album is the product of focused work and the loss of singer Tim Presley's father. His father's death drove the band to take a hard look at what they were releasing and that reflection directed them towards a more organic rock record that could be played on Saturday night or Sunday morning. It is big step sideways for Darker My Love and for the most part - it works. "New America" sounds like a track out of the Beatles catalog, while ballad "June Bloom" has a perfect hum along simplicity to it that highlights the bands new found style. The record does however need some improvement lyrically, which holds the album back from higher praise. Overall, Alive As You Are is not as immediately catchy as some of their previous work because it is so different. With that said, new fans may completely be into Alive As You Are right from its jangly beginner "Backseat". Repeat listens will quickly boost your opinion here, as it is a true new beginning for Darker My Love that easily may yield something great in the future because they have found their path.

Key Tracks: "Backseat", "New America", "Dear Author"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blitzen Trapper
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
The Mayflies USA

Darker My Love: 2 [Fire Note Review 8/6/08]

Official Darker My Love Website
Darker My Love MySpace
Darker My Love Facebook
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony