speed of dark

We don't call ourselves Speed of DARK for nothing--I happen to like broody, moody music. Like many people, I find darker feelings more compelling, more interesting, more complex.

These songs by two new artists are in the dark groove. I've been listening to all four of them for a couple of months now nearly every day, and my initial crush on them has held up over time. Neither of these groups has a record to sell at this point, but if they can continue to create music like this, they are people I am interested in watching--and buying when the time comes, as I hope it will.

Goldroom

The British foursome of Joe Bond (vocals, keyboards), Gareth Price (guitars), Dan Murdoch (bass), and Ross Saunders (guitars and programming) creates rich sonic landscapes, each as unique as a snowflake. Put on those headphones, close your eyes, and let them transport you to some faraway place.

"Hanoi" pulls the listener into an Eastern marketplace of swirling colors, unidentifiable objects, and strangers' faces. The song has so much texture, you can almost smell the exotic spices as the music begins to whirl around you. A flute trills, and you catch a glimpse of a slant-eyed beauty as her bangled arm passes a hand adorned with finger cymbals in front of her face, but like a figure seen from a moving vehicle, she is gone in an instant. In the midst of all the activity, you drift unnoticed and strangely apart...

Traveling on, traveling on

From one life to the next

You just end up leaving everyone behind

What have you got to say

When you're gone?

Goldroom: Hanoi

"Eyes of the Dead" would have been right at home on the soundtrack of the movie The Crow (the first one), which was an excellent set of dark, occult-themed songs. Twice during the five-plus minutes, the music is reduced to a rumbling bass that instead of feeling quiet is like a storm gathering ominous strength, then a fresh onslaught bursts onto your ears.

Goldroom: Eyes of the Dead

Visit Goldroom's myspace for brand-new offerings available for download: "Ryu," "Bongo Oddity," and "Hooligans of Doom."



The Venus In Furs



Of all the bands I've ever heard or read about that claimed Radiohead as an influence, this Atlanta-based group is the only one that actually manages to remind me of them. Adam Kiske's vocals are not an exact match for Thom's (not that I'd want them to be), but overall the interplay of Kiske's voice range and piano (keyboard) with Brent Hickman's guitar lends a Bends-like flavor to their music. Cal Wooten provides the bass, and Blaine Elliott handles the percussion.

Resembling Radiohead is a mighty task by itself, but The Venus In Furs demonstrate that they go beyond the resemblance. "Abyssal Gigantism" especially gets deliciously stuck in my head for hours.

The Venus In Furs have been in the recording studio, and they expect to have their first CD ready in May or June. I'll be looking for it.

The Venus In Furs: Abyssal Gigantism

The Venus In Furs: Tree-Legged

Visit The Venus In Furs' myspace to hear an additional track, "The Walk In." Georgia readers should watch for notices of upcoming shows in the Atlanta area.