The Darien Venture are an Ayrshire four-piece signed to Glasgow-based Overlook Records. Following a hectic live schedule, Venture now release their latest EP in the form of the infectious ‘Indications.’
Venture’s influences are varied albeit a little confusing. How often do you see Tool next to The Beach Boys? Not very. Yet somehow it all makes perfect sense when the noise hits you. And what a brilliant noise it is.
‘Indications’ hits you with an immediate impact. The opening track ‘Heights’ sets both the standard and expectations immediately. And this standard? Extremely high. This standard does not drop for a second and the expectations are consistently exceeded.
Venture have a firm grip on dynamics and an awesome harmonic sensibility. The fantastic ‘E_R_A’ demonstrates just how comfortable the boys are at crafting twisting, complex-yet-accessible pop songs.
Of course, describing these tracks as pop in no way defines the sound in any way. Far from it, in fact. The boys have classed their sound as “math-pop” but again, even this does not do these songs justice. They sounds far better than the name suggests. It’s not all about equations and long division; this is a showcase of solid teamwork, flawless musical performances and a great knack for writing catchy melodic hooks.
‘Indications’ is in a word, outstanding. Miss this at your peril.
- Kitten - 14 May 2011
- Arran Arctic - 19 April 2011
- Andrea Cacesse - 14 April 2011