Darling West - Cosmos
Darling West decamped for a tiny island on Norway’s west coast to begin writing what was to become Cosmos, their fifth studio album. For the first time, the band’s core – married couple Mari and Tor Egil Kreken – have included band members Thomas Gallatin and Christer Slaaen in the songwriting and production process. As a larger united, Darling West has really evolved. Cosmos is indeed the sound of expansion.
West coast, cosmic folk, americana… Call it what you will – there are even hints of afro blues on here – but where the band once fit firmly in the folk/americana category, you might as well just call it pop these days.
Cosmos was recorded and produced in its entirety by Darling West. Vocal guests on the album include Matthew Logan Vasquez (Delta Spirit) and Jarle Bernhoft, while David Wallumrød, Lars Horntveth and Torjus Vierli all excel on keys. Finally, the one and only Rob Moose (Paul Simon, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Phoebe Bridgers) provides strings on “Till Night Turns to Day” and “Old Man”.
The listener is also awarded plenty of what we’ve come to love from Darling West: Mari Kreken’s gorgeous voice and Tor Egil Kreken’s incredibly versatile playing (guitar, bass, banjo, etc.) playing. The sum of these parts makes up a magical record, with songs and melodies that will stay on your mind for the unforeseeable future.
The music on Cosmos searches outward, while the lyrics look inward. The resulting record includes elements of pop, while it pushes the envelope for what Norwegian americana can sound like. Cosmos is also about loving yourself, and there are of course a handful of love songs about shaky relationships – as we’ve come to expect from Darling West.
The band continues to develop their unique musicianship and Cosmos is indeed another masterstroke from the band.
INFO
Darling West - Cosmos
Art. no: JANSENS143LP
Release date: March 24th, 2023
Tracklist:
1. Cosmos
2. Light Ahead feat. Matthew Logan Vasquez
3. Still Here
4. Old Man
5. Wil l Ever Know
6. Oh Love
7. Till Night Turns to Day
8. Wild Dreams
9. Prelude
10. Echoes
Produced by Darling West
Recorded in FA Studio by Christer Slaaen & Thomas Gallatin. Additional recordings in Ocean Sound.
Mixed by Kai Worley
Mastered by George Tanderø
String arrangement on Old Man and Till Night Turns to Day by Rob Moose
Buy Darling West’s «We’ll Never Know Unless We Try»
«Americana duo Darling West focus on the good more than the bad. Like Walt Whitman, they hear America singing»
– Pop Matters
Photo by Solveig Selj
