The Dark Romantics. The name in ninetieth-century America referred to a literary sub-genre under which names like Edgar Allen 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 maven, Eric Collins (ex Denison Marrs, The Party People), and he picks up where his forefather's left off with the bands' stunning sophomore release, Heartbreaker.
But let's back track. In 2006 the band released their debut record, Some Midnight Kissin' (Lujo). The album stomped on the band's hometown scene of Lakeland, Florida garnering the accolades from high-flutent press outlets like The Orlando City Beat and The Lakeland Ledger. The Beat said Some Midnight Kissin' was a "far cry from any cliche that would be associated with a typical club or dance track; [this is] pure rock 'n' roll," and The Ledger likened the band to a "mysterious temptress who savors the flickering half light of an underground club," concluding their songs have "plenty of simmering energy."
As the band took to the road in support of Midnight Kissin', word spread like wildfire and The Dark Romantics caught the attention of a nation. The Washington Post said the band executed as well as Interpol, while XLR8R recognized them as "standing out amongst the post-punk fiends." And the band toured on, assembling their ever-growing fanbase and sharing tours with The Mooney Suzuki, Copeland, Murder By Death, Discover America, and John Ralston to name a few. Back in Hollywood, songs from Midnight Kissin' were picked up for play on MTV's Next and Pimp My Ride, ABC's Big Shots, FX’s Dirt and CBS’s Moonlight. All the while 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.
Heartbreaker (Lujo) hits streets September 9th and is 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."
As is true of past records, there's no shortage of superlative song-writing here. Songs like, "Love and Pain", "Hush Your Mouth", and "Let's Ride" are epic, but accessible, driving their way into your head by way of sheer catchiness. "The Dark Romantics' first album was a collection of older songs from other projects and new songs that we wrote on our own and then brought into the studio," explains Collins. "This time Dean and I wrote together, from start to finish. We were completely honest with each other for the sake of the song, and it worked out well."
We think you'll agree.
Collins continues with a sentiment not far off from The Dark Romantics of centuries past: "We went through a time of depression before starting The Dark Romantics because we weren't doing what we love. We make music because we have to." Unlike their forefathers, however, these Dark Romantics leave their pessimistic bent behind, turning heartbreak into something beautiful--quite possibly the beautifulist* record of 2008.
*Hear track 7.
The Dark Romantics are Eric Collins (ex Denison Marrs, The Party People), Dean Paul (also ex Denison Marrs, The John Ralston Band, The Party People), Eric's wife Carla Jones, Carla's sister and Dean's wife, Amanda Jones, and the girls' best friend, Stephanie Solomon. Heartbreaker was recorded, produced and mixed in 2008 by Dean Paul and Eric Collins at The Chalet Southglen in Lakeland, Florida.
For more information, please visit http://www.myspace.com/thedarkromantics.
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