Tune Monkey

Darkside.

With Nicholas Jaar's 2010 record - Space Is Only Noise, we were smacked across the lips with what ambient electronic music could be; a minimalist yet groove-laden deep and spacious sound with an unrivalled crisp-ness. Two years on Jaar teams up with guitarist Dave Harrington for the project they labelled 'Darkside'. It could be speculation, but we like to think that they chose the name as a direct homage to the album that invented space rock. But don't expect to hear rock on their debut LP Psychic, the album is about as definable as the concept - but it's damn good. Who would of thought Harrington's blues guitar licks would sound like a ear full of warm caramel up against Jaar's deep echoey drawl. The two are perfectly mingled - a concept that on paper shouldn't sounds as sonically pleasing but it is a credit to the precise production and complex arrangement of these songs that makes Psychic an incredible piece of music. 'Paper Trails' is the most easily digestible upon first listen of the whole album but if you want more of that spacious ambient funk but don't want to dive into the whole dark abyss of this album head first (although we'd suggest that you're seriously depriving yourself) give 'The Only Shrine Iv'e Seen' a listen next.