A band of intriguing pedigree,
D.A.R.K. is the synth pop trio of
Cranberries lead singer
Dolores O'Riordan, former
Smiths bassist Andy Rourke, and multi-instrumentalist/DJ Olé Koretsky. The group evolved out of
Jetlag, a duo formed in the late aughts by Rourke and Koretsky, both residents of New York City. They were looking to enhance their sound and got word that
O'Riordan was looking for an interesting side project. The result of the collaboration is
Science Agrees, a set of dark, new wave-inspired dance-rock. Note that fans of
the Smiths and
the Cranberries shouldn't tune in with the expectation of much similarity. Though
O'Riordan occasionally slips in her trademark lilts, she normally backs or doubles vocals with Koretsky on melodies that prefer the monotone and mechanical over warm and soaring. Their accompaniment resembles a blend of dingier
Depeche Mode,
New Order, and
Kraftwerk far more than it does
Morrissey-
Marr. Here, Rourke's bass is brought to the fore with lines that often outshine guitars and supportive synths, such as on "Steal You Away," where he's at least as active and melodic as relatively repetitive vocals.
O'Riordan and Koretsky singing in chant-like unison actually turns out to be typical of the group's sound. Once, or if, expectations related to personnel are set aside, there are some meaty post-punk tunes among the selections. "Gunfight" takes on the man-machine character of peak
Kraftwerk ("No more war"), while "Miles Away" leans into techno and needling electronics. Lead track "Curvy" combines guitar riffs, grooving drums, and '80s-styled synth tones for some eerie dance-rock that should well please the revivalist set. ~ Marcy Donelson