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IR: SoCal Spotlight – Summer Darling
July 3, 2008
Written by Charles Stepczyk
Based in Los Angeles and formed in 2002, Summer Darling began as a three piece indie pop band with an interest in songwriting and melody. Comprised of vocalist / songwriter Ben Heywood, drummer / guitarist Dan Rossiter and bassist/vocalist Heather Bray, they released the “What’s Done is Done EP” shortly thereafter, handcrafting each CD individually. In 2004 they collaborated with producer Frank Lenz (Pedro the Lion/Richard Swift/Starflyer 59) for the full length record “I Know You, I Never Knew You” and again released it themselves.
The last few years have seen Summer Darling chart a different direction. With the addition of Loop Haro on drums and a more group-oriented approach to song crafting, 2008’s “Health of Others” is the first of 3 digital EPs to be released this year, representing a new dynamic style. On it, Summer Darling explores the relationship between infidelity and retribution. The songwriting focuses on a more band-oriented approach, resulting in a more dynamic and symphonic sound.
“Good Feeling” is the second of 3 digital EPs to be released in 2008 via Origami Music, all of which will be collected on a full-length vinyl and digital release at year’s end. “Good Feeling” tells the semi – autobiographical story of a devout believer’s struggle with alcoholism and disillusionment in the modern corporate church. While certainly Summer Darling’s most pop oriented release to date, the sonic undercurrents portray a startling disconnect. From the cloud of voice-noise behind the piano ballad “Young Forever” to the searing guitar lines of “Ride This Wave of Good Feelings,” “Good Feeling” showcases the band’s ability to tell a story with music as well as words. [ioda]
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SESSION TRACKS
1) Ride This Wave of Good Feelings | itunes | e-music
2) Barren Womb | itunes | e-music
3) Math is Everywhere | itunes | e-music
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[...] The last few years have seen Summer Darling chart a different direction. With the addition of Loop Haro on drums and a more group-oriented approach to song crafting, 2008’s “Health of Others” is the first of 3 digital EPs to be released this year, representing a new dynamic style. On it, Summer Darling explores the relationship between infidelity and retribution. The songwriting focuses on a more band-oriented approach, resulting in a more dynamic and symphonic sound. – Insomnia Radio [...]
[...] The last few years have seen Summer Darling chart a different direction. With the addition of Loop Haro on drums and a more group-oriented approach to song crafting, 2008’s “Health of Others” is the first of 3 digital EPs to be released this year, representing a new dynamic style. On it, Summer Darling explores the relationship between infidelity and retribution. The songwriting focuses on a more band-oriented approach, resulting in a more dynamic and symphonic sound. – Insomnia Radio [...]
[...] releasing three EPs in 2008, showcasing their “dynamic and symphonic sound,” Summer Darling is currently in the studio working on their first full length for Origami. [...]