The self-titled debut album from Los Angeles-based project Darker Lighter captivates with a cathartic, melodic rock immersion. Songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Salar Rajabnik conveys relatable thematic focuses — emphasizing loss, heartbreak, and a quest for personal identity following tumult — amidst an array of hook-friendly rock productions. Aesthetically conjuring names like The Verve and Teenage Fanclub, the album stirs in its invigorating sound. Darker Lighter releases on May 2nd.
“Hanging On” opens the album with a warming rock expanse; crisp twangs and a sturdy underlying distortion accompany an introspective lyrical drive. “Feeling like someone else, you’ll never feel the same way again,” Rajabnik sings, artfully capturing a sense of in-between in one’s life — “don’t know who they are, you only know who’s come and gone.” Textured guitar work past the four-minute turn is especially compelling, with a jangle-rock radiance. The ensuing “Someday Soon” caught our ears earlier this year, moving seamlessly from a roaring rock immediacy to the “I’ll be coming around again,” display of personal perseverance.
A particular standout on an album full of many, “Be” follows up two displays of rock-forward passion with a more layered production — reminding fondly of The Verve in its soaring string arrangements and steadier vocal unveilings. “You’re busy digging yourself in a hole,” they let out, moving into a stark “you’re on your own,” acknowledgement — capturing an out-of-place emotion. “Hanging On” compels in those feelings of in-between as well, and “Be” continues that sincere thematic hold within a hooky approachability. The twanging guitar lines and sporadic doses of strings cohesively complement the soaring vocal passion, exuding a yearning and expressions of disconnection — while culminating in an overall message that, per Rajabnik, represents how “the price you pay is who you have to be.”
Throughout the album, Rajabnik’s songwriting is consuming in its from-the-heart yearning and depictions of soul-searching — often set alongside momentum-filled structures with alt-rock pedigree. “Can you hear me? … Do you see me as I fall?” his vocals soar on “Shadow of a Doubt,” which moves from understated jangly ruminations into an ardent rock power; it’s another depiction of personal tumult and the desire to break through from those obstacles. “Open Up, Sunshine” plays with alleviating reassurance in response, enjoyably reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub in its blaring guitar work. “Open up sunshine, another brand new day,” the vocals open, comforting that “it’s gonna be okay,” and that the “light is here to stay.” The result is a shimmering catharsis, urging to embrace the beauty and sunshine that surrounds and hopefully will grace future events.
A jangly power-pop spirit also arises on “Like Birds Away” — pleading “you know you gotta let it go,” within a metaphor of birds flying away, like one’s troubles. The starry-eyed optimism within, for brighter days, is enthralling and replay-inducing. “Take It All In” closes the album with satiating effect, intertwining lush acoustics and twanging guitars within perspectives of passing time and anticipating change. “The memories remain,” Rajabnik sings, reinforcing continued themes of lingering personal moments and ultimately moving on from them. Darker Lighter is a fantastic rock success from start to finish.
