ASHRR, Dark Eyes | Track Review 🎵

Los Angeles darkwave/post-punk collective ASHRR check off all of the boxes on their impressive, late 2020 single, “Dark Eyes.”

A playlist can always use an upgrade – facts! Perhaps you check out an artist that hadn’t previously crossed your radar, or you explore a genre you don’t normally listen to.  Maybe, just maybe Los Angeles darkwave/post-punk band, 🎙 ASHRR, is your cup of tea – or coffee…soda… beer 🍺. For those unfamiliar with the band, it is a trio comprised of producer 🎙 Ethan Allen, vocalist 🎙 Steven Davis, and pianist and multi-instrumentalist 🎙 Josh Charles.  That’s some musicianship right there! Anyways, during the holiday season, at the tail end of 2020, the band released a pretty sweet single, 🎵 “Dark Eyes,” that not enough folks are buzzing about. 

Expectedly, Allen, Charles, and Davis all serve as songwriters on “Dark Eyes,” with Allen and Charles further credited as producers.  Running north of four-and-a-half-minutes, ASHRR gives listeners plenty of musical excellence to totally sink their teeth into – rock on!  One thing that the band does a great job is the pacing, as they never rush things.  Furthermore, “Dark Eyes” is comprised of a rich, colorful backdrop that’s quite alluring to the ears.  The guitars are ripe yet never overwrought, while the drums hit hard, constructing a sweet groove.  As intriguing as the production and overall sound are, Davis sounds marvelous vocally.  He never overreaches, captivating with his easy going, expressive tone.  There’s a warmth about his performance on this moderately paced number.

Beyond top-rate musicianship, the songwriting amplifies the excellence of “Dark Eyes.”  No, it’s not a pop song by any means, but ASHRR bestow a truly memorable and melodic chorus upon us – sweet.

“Watch out
Dark eyes on you
Don’t be afraid now
Your smile all
Black and blue
Safe in my heart
Forever.”

The verses shine as well, with some clever, thoughtful songwriting perfectly suiting the supporting instrumental.

Final Thoughts 💭

All in all, ASHRR absolutely kills it on “Dark Eyes,” period. The pros? The record ‘checks off all the boxes’ from a performance, production, and songwriting perspective.  Cons? There are none glaring or minimal.  Add “Dark Eyes” to your playlist and listening rotation – you won’t regret it!

🎙 ASHRR • 🎵 “Dark Eyes” • 🏷 Wehearnoise • 🗓 12.4.20

[📷: Wehearnoise]