Dark Soul - electro/punk/stoner

Dark Soul sounds like what would have happened if one were to have given Kurt Cobain a drum machine and a synthesizer in his early days of making music. Their debut EP, Blood=Sock evokes the raw grungey feel of Bleach while adding whole new layers of electronic influence to the mix.

The ambient opener, "IN00" brings up imagery of waiting at a train station, late at night. This song seems to imply that the listener is about to be taken on a dark and mysterious trip, a view which becomes solidified when the next track, "Burning Flight" kicks in. Starting with a tired synth riff and mumbling lyrics, we are snapped to chaos when heavy distorted guitars kick in, accompanied by programmed drums and the blood curdling screams of Kurt- er... Saxy Dorian, the band's lead guitarist/singer.

This style carries pretty consistently up until track 6, "Heavy Snow." Dropping the drums, and replacing it with what sounds like an old music box this track brings you down the back alleys of a rundown carnival with Dorian's wailing vocals moaning vehemently in the background.

The album ends on a very creepy note with the Residents-esque closer, "Virus Blast Fast." A distorted tonal riff repeats throughout the entirety of the four minute song, with low grumblings of white noise and distant vocals. A fitting choice for a closer.

Overall, Blood=Sock is a very creative album which brings up the early 90's lo-fi grunge nostalgia while still managing to throw in some fresh sounding electronics. While I would have liked to have seen the synthesizers featured a little more throughout the actual songs instead of just as segues, they added a nice touch.

Be sure to download the album for FREE, right here

By MGSBLOG