It’s rare that a band manages to masterfully merge the catchy hooks of yore with that je ne se qua indie sensibility and a bit of proto-punk abrasiveness (remember The MC5?)– but it proves to be a conglomeration of endearing traits which have already helped NYC’s own Darlings garner notoriety outside the city that never sleeps. Peter Rynsky ensures rapt attention with both the right mix of angst and anger, stream-of-consciousness prose, and sporadic screams, all without sounding sappy or trite. Their new record, If This is Love, is out in stores now. You should get it.
Words by Jeff Nau
