Dark, ethereal, experimental, ominous, and slightly unnerving are just some of the words I would use to describe the opening track from Dark Life’s debut solo LP, entitled ‘Violent Nature’.
The opening guitar licks feel like a traditional prog-rock introduction, but then you’re struck by dark, percussive notes that echo throughout the piece like some hellish clock tower in the capital of Hades. (I say that as a genuine compliment, by the way.) What follows is a doom-metal-inspired journey that feels as much like a piece of experimental art as a collection of music.
With ‘Violent Nature’, we are invited to contemplate the duality of Mother Nature herself -the good, the bad, and the idea that perhaps we exist on her terms. It’s a pleasure to sit back and let the droning guitars take you on this immersive journey.
It’s also encouraging to know that the North East continues to foster musicians willing to make work that transcends genres rather than conforming to them. Dark Life’s ‘Violent Nature’ defies easy categorisation, and that’s exactly what makes it compelling. My advice? Listen, surrender to the experience, and enjoy the ride.
