Take Paul McCartney’s strangest b-sides after ’73 and mix in a great bar band trying to replicate Led Zeppelin’s early gritty tone, and you’ll find yourself listening to The Dark Fruits with a cheshire grin. Well, at least for the beginning of this project.
The first song on this album is “California Beach,” and it is a solid song. The vocals are not Plant or Paul, surely not, yet there is a lot of effort to be heard and appreciated. Sincerity too. Though the song that is most discussed amongst United States rock critics (and their Canadian music fans) comes after the first two songs on Warm Weather Starter Pack.
Take a listen to their lead single, “Florida,” and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
While those opener songs are slighted originals, trying their best to mimic rock n roll heroes, Florida is a beautiful, warm, and well-raised track. Simple in complexity, there is a definite favoritism towards Weezer and their now beloved green album here. And while many bands try to replicate their idols, The Dark Fruits succeed for the rest of the album by just being themselves. Who knew heading home could effect a person like that?
The name. Why The Dark Fruits? Well from what I can interpret, and keep in mind I’m a humble American critic, banana bread is best prepared with the faded grade of brown sugary goodness. TDF are a group that feels for people, and even in an age of indie rock bands getting older while trying to stay young (The Strokes) these guys are getting ripe for the picking. They are truly getting better with age, and “Florida” proves their potential now that they have announced plans to tour in 2024.
Age is an honor but it is still not the truth, and for the everrockin’ young at heart, The Dark Fruits conjure up enough magic, melody, and twisted riffs to satisfy your insatiable hunger for REAL MUSIC. If you love rock and wish your local station played less Nirvana and more Rivers Cuomo solo work, take this sophomore album for a spin and be shocked to learn the genre is still alive and well. At least I feel that way now.
