With a haunting disposition and that ambiance of subtly hip and subversively cool, Darto gives a David Lynchian style twist on their latest single titled ‘Brotherhood’. The track is quite subdued in its execution. But that is what gives it a musically underground feel in all the right ways. Because of this, you can get something new from it with each subsequent listen.
About Darto
Formed in 2010 in Seattle, Washington, Darto is Gordon De Los Santos, Gregory Flores, Candace Harter and Nicholas Merz. This album was self-recorded on April 12-14 on Whidbey Island at the Flores Roost. It was mixed by Steve Fisk (Screaming Trees, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Low, The Wedding Present) and mastered by April Golden (Soundgarden, Car Seat Headrest, Goat, Rob Zombie).
“The song ‘Brotherhood’ is about power and dominance. Men, in particular, seem to protect their power with violence without ever questioning the reasons why they feel the need to protect power in the first place. The irony is that violent dominance is an ultimate display of weakness, and it’s a way to express insecurity while still maintaining power,” says Greg Flores.
This is the follow up to Darto’s critically acclaimed record ‘Human Giving’ and the ‘Hush/Follow Up’ 7” by Darto & WAND, both of which were released in 2017.
While ‘Human Giving’ explored the realm of human possibility within the context of hope, community and the dissolution of self, ‘Fundamental Slime’ is an observation on the darker end of the human-possibility spectrum. Ego, power, and nihilism are dissected from the viewpoint of various individuals struggling to dominate or be dominated. Where the lyrics give voice, the sounds give flesh.
Continuing to broaden the scope of instrumentation allowed Darto to wander into new territory on this album. Working with saxophonist Neil Welch of groundbreaking Seattle jazz duo Bad Luck, the massively varied sonic qualities of the performance by a genius gave each song its own body – startling, confusing, soothing, airy, void, distant, deplorable, and beautiful.
“These songs share a similar theme of power and control and speak from a variety of perspectives. We all sat down and co-wrote most of the lyrics together, each of us taking the lead on a different song. I really liked that process because it allowed for instant feedback and there were 3 other people helping me with putting ideas into words. I think this record touches on the shadow of what is happening in this world and how people are being mistreated. Overall, it’s just a record about a misuse of power,” says Candace Harter.
Aagoo Records is home to vinyl releases by Xiu Xiu, Phillip Petit, Eraldo Bernocchi & Chihei Hatakeyama, Lucky Dragons, Philippe Petit, CUP, connect_icut, and The Use. Darto’s Nicholas Merz also recently released his solo debut album ‘The Limits of Men’ through Aagoo.
‘Human Giving’ can now be ordered in physical format from Aagoo Records’ website and digitally via Darto’s Bandcamp.
LINKS:
http://www.lifewithdarto.com
http://www.facebook.com/Dartowa
http://darto.bandcamp.com
http://soundcloud.com/decouth
http://dartowa.blogspot.com
