Darker The Sky

Another band seeking the Holy Grail of major label love is Darker The Sky. In my humble opinion, these North Shore musicians have the best shot of any independent band I have ever heard in Vancouver. Darker The Sky rock.

After finally getting to see them play at Vancouver's famous Railway Club in December 2009, on the same small stage where Radiohead once performed, it was clear that their frequently "sold-out" free demo of five songs is not just a well done recording. This band is just as epic and even more potent live as on their live-off-the-floor EP.

Chris Warunki is one of Vancouver's most powerful rock drummers. As the story goes, Warunki found Robin through Myspace after hearing a demo of the songwriters "Space," which, as Robin told me in the audio portion of the interview is one of the band's most difficult songs to perform – yet a unique song that well deserves its title. "Space" certainly stood out at the Railway Club show as something special, but was a clear challenge to the band's dynamic and musicianship as a group.
Warunki said that Darker The Sky would like to open for Muse someday. And I would say of the long list of bands who would like to do that, these boys may just make it there. I mean, Silversun Pickups, who are opening for Muse in Vancouver on April 1^st have nothing Darker The Sky doesn't have except for one thing…major label support. As for local bands, Warunki said the band would also like to open for Run the Red Light. Vancouver has a surplus of talent right now, and most bands just need to be noticed. Darker The Sky are worth your attention.

As a musician, when you listen to the EP, down-loadable free from their website or given away at shows, you will instantly be jealous of the quality achieved by their live-off-the-floor sound recorded in their jam space. Produced by former band-mate Brandon Cherrington, Warunki said he would also like to work with Steve Albini (who produced Nirvana, Pixies, Page & Plant's Walking into Clarksdale, and Irish band The Frames, and Flogging Molly among many others) or Jim Steinman (famous for producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell.)
Today, every kid with a guitar and a laptop has a band.

But not every band aims high; and they should. If not, what's the point? Or so you could argue. Music doesn't have to be completely new and different from what has come before. Band's like Arcade Fire didn't really do anything new. All listeners want is an interpretation of the emotions that rule our lives. Something a little different, and something true.

Guitarist Jason Adams, who also plays steel guitar (always nice to see something strange in a standard rock ensemble of drums, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass and keys), says Darker The Sky is different than all other bands he has played in. Adams believes that what he does within these epic songs and melodies is push for the tragedy and to create songs that are both soulful and unique. Though, Adams admits that "initiative and work ethic is the key to success." Good to hear. Bad news for every kid with a garage band and a hundred dollar guitar who is bored on the weekends. It's hard to become a rock star.

Even those for whom opportunity seems to drop in their lap, the challenges aren't only at the beginning of a band, but throughout the career. In fact, with all the problems that face successful rock stars, you may wonder…why bother? It can't be the money. If you want money, get an MBA and go sit behind a desk ten hours a day in some skyscraper. Why does Darker The Sky want to be heard? Why do I think they should be heard? Well, listen to the audio portion of RockStar Weekly's interview and hear songwriter Robin Younge's reasons – from an abusive childhood, to religious sensitivity – why he writes the songs he writes. Robin Younge is a religious being who sees demons and is brought to tears by the innocence of children.

Listen and find out why.

What role do you think narcissism plays in being a rock musician?

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Darker The Sky are:
Robin Younge – Vocals, Guitar
Chris Warunki – Drums
Jason Adams – Guitar, Steel Guitar
Joseph McCance – Bass
J.J. Wagler – Keys, Ambience

Darker The Sky Music:

When I Was Young

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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Darker The Sky
Vancouver, British Columbia
www.darkerthesky.com
Myspace page

Also, go to RockStar Weekly's YouTube account to see Robin Younge perform an exclusive acoustic version of Darker The Sky's single, "Keep Me Away" in his West End apartment, just for RockStar!

by Elegwen Ó Maoileóin
RockStar Weekly

Photo by: Jamie Coles

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