Let’s make one thing clear; The Darien Venture has completely and vehemently outdone absolutely everything that has preceded them to date with this their latest release A Kite, a Key and a Storm.
Now we have established that, sit yourself down and read on.
See The Darien Venture have long since frustrated, it has felt like they have been touted as the ‘next big thing’ for far too long.
Supporting every band under the sun and accumulating more respect bit by bit in the process, but never quite disintegrating into that vital component that would take them to the next level.
Well that was until A Kite, a Key and a Storm, heralding at seven songs and around half an hour, the EP is a smashing example of just what can happen when a band properly evolves their sound without losing sight of what made them a force to be reckoned with in the first place.
‘Thinks-Thoks’ and ‘Tonight Matthew’ for example still have the tick tacky math pop breakdowns the quartet has become so renowned for.
However, while previous releases treaded all too carefully at a lukewarm temperature aware of its symmetrical goodness – these tracks carry way too much charisma and swagger to confine themselves to simply one consistent trait.
The result is a rainbow of melodies, harmonies and singalongs that once seemed outside the muscular reach of the Glasgow fellas.
By the time closer ‘Clocks’ releases its melodramatic grip on proceedings and allows us to settle back into our Saturday night routine, the damage has been done.
A Kite, a Key and a Storm has finally ensured the Darien Venture is no longer one of those bands you should listen to, but the one that you need to.
Words: Chris Kelman
