DARKSIDE: Nothing
Nothing about the journey of DARKSIDE has been ordinary. And so it seems somehow fitting that the third album from Nicolás Jaar and Dave Harrington’s beloved project—which has recently become a trio with the addition of percussionist Tlacael Esparza—is titled Nothing. And without being hyperbolic, it is unlike anything you’ve ever heard. DARKSIDE originally felt like Jaar and Harrington’s mysterious, experimental lovechild—two singular, hypnotic artists coming together in time to create 2013’s Psychic. Chilean born Jaar was originally known for his collagist electronic music (check out his wild collections under the Against All Logic moniker) while Harrington has long made his mark as a hyper prolific psychedelic guitarist with roots in the New York avant-jazz and indie scenes. But together, as DARKSIDE, they transcend what either is capable of on their own. Nothing is a reintroduction for this newly minted trio—but within these nine cuts are countless other introductions. The album twists and turns, wriggling from one vibe to another, sometimes within the same song. It’s organic, it’s electronic, it’s a blast from a completely different universe—and it calls for big speakers and rumbling bass. Take the opener, “Slau.” The selection kicks things off with some hushed, undulating breaths and a round, dubby synthesizer tone. You are now floating in space. Jaar’s voice enters the track, modulated into a hellish howl. And then Esparza’s live ratatat drumming anchors you, before the whole thing pops into a splintered-mirror vocal sample. You’ve already been on a journey, and it’s just track one. “S.N.C.” revolves around a stomping funk riff, then swirls into a haze and back again. “Are You Tired? (Keep on Singing)” includes a cheerful ‘70s folk guitar romp, an almost tribal percussive passage and some foggy, time-bending guitar tones. You’d think Nothing would be an exhausting listen. But it’s the opposite—fresh, playful, unpredictable and never, ever boring.
