CHVRCHES Meets 70’s Rock

Under the name D.A.R.K, members of the most famous indie bands have assembled creating a force quite unconquerable. have been brought together. The band consists of bassist Andy Rourke from The Smiths, lead vocal Dolores O’Riordan from The Cranberries and lastly NYC-based producer and songwriter Olé Koretsky. This band of the unexpected has released its very first debut album titled Science Agrees this spring. The album is labeled under new wave rock genre and certainly is a science experiment between the two genres of rock and electronic music.

The vocals of Dolores O’Riordan and Andy Rourke create an interesting contrast, but maybe not so much to the point of good chemistry. The album leaves a very Pink Floyd or Led Zepplin impression and with the addition of Olé Koretsky, he brings together the familiar sounds and vocals of the two classic rock bands at the hip with subtle new wave electronic music. However, the overall sound of Science Agrees produces a very eerie and haunting atmosphere matching the band’s name, D.A.R.K.

The 10-track album begins with “Curvy,” although a groovy titled number starts off with a simple xylophone-keyboard melody that rolls into a classic rock drumbeat, which might be the take-away of this number. At first, the contrast in the female and male vocals may throw some listeners off at first. The duet creates a similar sound to that of Eurythmics or the 2012 hit number “Somebody I Used To Know” by Goyte featuring Kimbra. “Chynamite” is a folk-like number complemented with electro waves perhaps suitable for background music for a typical hipster coffee-shop.

Koretsky really plays around with the electronic effects with “Gunfight”, creating a strong marching number and the vocals of the two singers really compliment each other in this number. “Steal You Away” follows a similar pattern as “Curvy” but embraces the more rock aspect but with a catchier melody. Unlike the title, “High Fashion” isn’t a chic stylish number but more of a repetitive monotone that can get a bit boring. The base guitar intro sets the mood for “Watch Out”, which might be the catchiest on the album. “Miles Away” definitely has a hooking beat, while “The Moon” has an interesting touch with an ongoing whistling effect throughout the song.

It’s unfamiliar, new and definitely unique. Just as “science agrees”, it’s a matter of chemistry with the listener. Judging an album like this one would have to be left to the preference of the listener, and a listener who enjoys 70s rock will most likely fancy this album. However, the album does have a very slow progression with a lack of diversity. The two bands have appeared in a very unexpected form making it an interesting collaboration, but maybe not so much for an engaging listen.