String Theory

posted in: Artist Features

Darlingside

Not all who pick up a violin end up in the orchestra pit. Rock music claims its fair share of classically trained musicians, especially those wielding a stringed instrument. Darlingside has a couple among their ranks, namely a cellist and violinist. The addition of guitars, drums and a mandolin steer the music away from strictly classical into more nuanced terrain. Like, for instance, Good Man”grassy folk rock full of high lonesome soul. Or Malea, which veers towards experimental string rock. Yawning violin, a cappella breaks, and a torrent of handclaps make for a haunting, curious groove. The Catbird Seat is more wistful, cinematic fare built with baying violins and softly strummed acoustic guitars. Darlingside keep a lot of space in their songs, letting the strings tell much of the story. So far, we’re loving what they have to say.