Spinning in a whirlwind of electro-synth chemistry, Dark Room Notes, the quartet from Ireland released their new album at home, We Love You Dark Matter, on April 10th, under their very own label, Gonzo. While quietly whispering the steamy sparks of electronic super love on a dance floor of fireworks, this band brings an extra dose of brightly colored edginess that demands attention.

Members Ronan Gaughan (vocals) and Ruairi Ferrie (guitars/synths) started off their musical careers together, running around the playground at the age of four and exploring the new wave scene as well as appreciating the traditional Celtic music style. As though a swift kick to the head was employed from Kurt Cobain himself, the grunge movement immediately consumed them into the angst-driven society of rebellious rockers, and they started their own notable rock band, Obskure. Unbeknownst to the rocking duo, future band mates Darragh Shanahan (drums) and Arran Murphy (keyboards/vocals) were separately leading their own creative adventures. Although joining different bands came and went, the eventual foursome rack up an amalgamation of eclectic jobs along the way including photographer, sound engineer, archaeologist, film AD, English teacher in Mexico, and fashion/jewelry designer.

While Ronan and Ruairi were feeling out their creative capabilities under the new band name Menlo, they met Arran who joined up with them and instantly a unique sound and cohesiveness formed. Now focusing on a more electro-funk image a new band name was in order, and the particular placement of a photography notebook reading ‘Dark Room Notes,’ courtesy of Arran, was the perfect choice.  Darragh had meanwhile taken on the task of creating his own label, Gonzo, and while checking out Dark Room Notes found a passion for the bands drive and completed the foursome.

The bands’ first full-length release, We Love You Dark Matter, is a deeply dark, electro-pop frenzy. Dripping in tumultuous keyboards, it’s an electronic rollercoaster of pounding dance floor tracks filled with songs of angst, power, and fury. “Love Like Nicotine” immediately gets into your head like an unstoppable addiction as you feel the dizzying commotion of the raging dance track. “Broken Nail” starts off with a booming backdrop of electronics and then turns into a catchy song where you are not only treated with the usual vocal sex appeal of Ronan but Arran adds a sultry power to the lustrous duet. The ultimate standout on the album is the track “Shake Shake My Ceiling,” starting off with subtle snaps, accented by a strong bass line, and then climaxing as they scream, “I’ve been waiting to lose control,” it wonderfully depicts the uncontrollable force of this electro-pop album.

www.darkroomnotes.com
www.myspace.com/darkroomnotesireland
www.myspace.com/gonzorecords