Cosmos
Jansen, 2023
9/10
The Norwegian rockers Darling West return with their 5th album, where the husband and wife duo of Mari and Tor Egil Kreken welcome Thomas Gallatin and Christer Slaaen to the songwriting formula.
The indeed melodically cosmic sounds of the title track opens the listen with a pretty dreaminess that comes with Kjetil Steensnæs’ pedal steel and electric harp and Egil’s Fender Bass VI, 12-string electric, acoustic guitar and vocals making an impression, and “Light Ahead” follows with plenty of bright pop influences thanks to Thomas’ drums, percussion and Casio SK-1.
At the midpoint, “Will I Ever Know” finds a more intimate place to reside via Egil’s well timed banjo, while “Oh Love” makes great use of Silje Kilmork Vemøy’s pretty harmony vocals for the indie-rock ideas that are full of a charming energy.
Approaching the end, “Prelude” blends David Wallumrød’s keys and Jonas Kilmork Vemøy’s trumpet for an ambient, cinematic moment, and “Echoes” exits with the couple’s poetic voices and mesmerizing acoustic guitars and Slaaen’s mellotrone for an eloquent and heartfelt finish.
A very attractive mashing of Americana, folk, and even afroblues, Darling West’s cosmic nods certainly are memorable and the guest vocal spots from Matthew Logan Vasquez (DeltaSpirit) and Jarle Bernhoft only add to the allure.
Travels well with: Grace Morrison- Maybe Modern; Veronica Stanton- Caught Up On A Feeling