Darwa
More Life More Trouble
Abstrakt Reality
Although the sunny pictures of the sleeve might lead one to believe Darwa is the latest pop clone sprouted from the bubblegum factory, the electronic-laced serenity of More Life eased my initial misconception. The soulful drawl of Ms. Darja’s voice ensconced in dribbling synthesizers and non-threatening rock arrangements create a record all the more accessible, but ultimately unfulfilling. “Old Man” and “Take A Walk” mix generic chord progressions with cute, pseudo-rebellious lyrics that prove a certain naiveté when crafting these twelve songs together.
It is still respectable to know that this young lady wrote all the words and music on More Life. But the attempts at blending attitude with ethereal textures fall flat, leaving one to scratch their heads at exactly what Darwa’s objectives were at releasing this music. Her voice is lovely, but this record’s music is more suited for bar performances or lite-dance radio rather than substantial, rewarding listening.
Abstrakt Reality Records, 15760 Ventura Blvd., Suite 828, Encino, CA 91436; http://www.abstraktreality.com
