the harratt sessions by darkblueworld

com

"The songwriting is interesting and the musicianship is top notch... a worthwhile recording..." ~ Collected Sounds

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"Describing the many supple layers of Dark Blue World's EP The Harratt Sessions seems a task along the lines of documenting a chronology of Michael Jackson's plastic surgeries. The two members, who met in Los Angeles, share a certain love for a bit of darkness in life, and this release emerges as prime evidence. To refer to the duo's work as "dark pop" surely does not give it the credit it deserves; its nostalgia for the vocals of bands like Veruca Salt and The Murmurs, paired with the deep dusky guitar of early Smashing Pumpkins landing satisfyingly in the midst of transitory, sometimes poppy, sometimes junglist drumbeats, creates a shadowy realm with only Skye's vocal light shining through.

Skye Marsden, vocalist and cello player, is every bit as gorgeous as her voice but gives off that attractive danger vibe a black widow employs to win over her prey. Sensual and brazen, with a honeyed subterranean sound, she maneuvers easily from hard to soft, finding neither the victor. Her ethereal dark angel quality, layered and sometimes hazy echoing vocals, and ability to truly tear it up rocking out make for a singer most bands could only wish for.

Paul Andrews - who has worked with musicians from Nine Inch Nails, and it shows - matches Skye's dedication to creating a sound more rock than pop. Indivisible bed-mates, minor key chords and distorted cloudy guitars, appear regularly on the album...they have the potential for remarkable uniquity when well-manipulated, as Andrews does with blasting electronic punch and a falling, reverberating accent. In the future, I'd like to see Andrews maintain the sonic wow that makes the duo impressive to begin with.

Likewise, I feel as though this band would be a great live experience. To hear the creeping obscured electronica of "Sin Coming In" explode live would be like a snake's first hour in Eden. This formidable pair has a transparent innocence and an even more evident edge. Definitely worth checking out, live or otherwise." ~ Indie-Music

*For updates and other info on the duo, visit: www.darkblueworld.us

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