Just when you thought rock might be dead and buried, out comes No Darling. The brainchild of vocalist/ drummer Matt Oloffson. Matt describes the band as Vaudville Shoegaze and I can definetly see why.
This band takes you on a ride through the 60’s to the late 90’s with their unique blend of rock, alternative and classic rock. No Darling has created that sound as their own and brought back a sound long forgotten.
The tracks such as “Dont Mess With Mae,” “My Side,” “Vanity” and “Silver Lining” give you that classic 60’s and 70’s sound that some try to replicate. “Tony Robbins” gives you a taste of the new wave of the 80’s . While “One Of The Kids” and “Shortcut” take you back to the 90’s.
When you turn on “Dont Mess With Mae,” you’re reminded of early Cheap Trick with Robin Zander-like vocals. The guitar gets your head bopping as it groves and moves throughout the song. Then you get this cool distorted/fuzz guitar on “One Of The Kids” starting with some heavy drums with distorted bass coming in right after. The guitar adding in those moments of feedback and leads that remind you of sounds of Nine Inch Nails at moments.
My favorite track of the record would hands down be “Tony Robbins.” The funky bass and synths pay homage to the 80s new wave sound. I havent heard funky bass like this in quite sometime and the bass really is the star for this track.
“Vanity” will remind you of Marc Bolans T Rex with that glam sounding guitar while the vocals through the verse are much deeper than anything on the album, while the chorus takes you back to loud rock sound that makes this album so great. “Shortcut” is definetley the fastest and most rocking track on the entire record.
A spitfire track that is 3 minutes of in your face rock. Distorted guitar and fast paced vocals make this a stand out track and must hear with drums that hit so hard you feel like they may explode on the track. “My Side” and “Silver Lining” are the 2 tracks that were more mellow on the album. Vocals that take you to the time of Lennon and The Beatles especially on “My Side.” Matts voice soars through the beautiful guitar and keys that i found myself getting lost in his voice.
“Silver Lining” closes out the album with slow and beautiful guitar. The vocals taking you to the end of the song with ease and a melody that many will get lost in.No Darling is one of the most exciting bands that I’ve heard in quite sometime.
The LA band will have a long career ahead of them with such a diverse sound. Matt Oloffson will be a name that people will soon know after hearing music such as this.
The future is bright for No Darling and rock will still stay strong with music like this coming out.
