Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Dark Romantics

The Dark Romantics. The name in ninetieth-century America referred to a literary sub-genre under which names like Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson and Nathaniel Hawthorne fell. These Dark Romantic authors were defined by a pessimistic view of the natural world as a place that is "dark, decaying, and mysterious." These days we know The Dark Romantics as the brainchild of indie rock mavens, Eric Collins (ex Denison Marrs, The Party People) and Dean Paul (ex Denison Marrs, The Party People, John Ralston).

In 2006 the band released their critically acclaimed debut record, Some Midnight Kissin' which drew comparisons to Interpol amongst others. Never resting on their laurels, the band perfected their rollicking guitar-dance-rock sound and demonstrated a relentless work ethic, releasing an iTunes exclusive EP, The Artificial EP, in February 2008, as well as a 7", Lonely Roads (New Granada Records), in May 2008.

And now, Heartbreaker, 13 tracks of dark, sexy, transcendental rock and roll. Building on themes of love, pain and -well- heartbreak, the album boasts the most impressive vocals we've seen from Collins so far, who's been compared to A.C. Newman (New Pornographers) and Thom Yorke (Radiohead). His brooding vox is matched with eclectic instrumentation. An engaging and carefully crafted string section works it's way into the mix as well. "Heartbreaker differs from past records in that it's much more dark, and much more romantic," says Collins, "it's is a complete thought with different dynamics and moods."

To sum things up, if you like the style of The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol and The Strokes you'll absolutely love these guys. Go to their page on Myspace to check out their tunes and concert dates.

http://www.myspace.com/thedarkromantics
http://www.thedarkromantics.com/

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