Camp Dark drops CD
URL: https://www.campdark.com/
They don’t call it mood music for nothing. Whether my mood is upbeat or downbeat, serious or playful, extroverted or introverted, there are musical choices aplenty to complement, enhance or counteract it on this latest CD by Camp Dark called Nightmare in a Day is headed up by 2 core members: Camp Dark is a new MPLS band featuring singer/songwriter Adam Svec & producer/drummer Graham O’Brien, featuring contributions from: Dan Choma, Matt Friesen, deVon Gray, John Keston, Matt Leavitt, Robert Mulrennan, Casey O’Brien, Chris Salter. In my own words I’ll call it powerful, and somewhat haunting lament. Everything about Camp Dark is pretty much amazing! On this 13 track set expect a jagged edge Alternative Ambient Rock musical combination with an undeniable Progressive type zip. It has flavorings of reckless Alternative Rock that’s a bit out of control, but, perhaps surprisingly for someone whose primary genera is Rock, the emphasis here is not on simple 4/4 rhythms shall we say. No these guys dig much deeper than that.
Early tracks like “Arm are You OK” and “Norse have a contemplative feel, becoming almost hypnotic in places. The rocked out textures of this 13 pieces are especially clairvoyant. “Dixieland” and “Are You Hiding” have a very psychedelic, progressive rock feel to it, lending more towards Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd, Blackfield, No-Man, Storm Corrosion and Modwheelmood. This music can hardly be called mainstream – definitely for cult followers though. Some tracks are a bit emotional ”Bad News” and “Out for Blood” is another captivating staple that takes it up a few notches. My top track is probably “Out for Blood.”
Camp Dark (besides the pre-mentioned bands) also at times reminds me of: Lunatic Soul, Porcupine Tree, Anathema, Nosound. All tracks have a particularly steady-thrumming bass line that adds firmness and tension. Vocals from Svec are unique and off the hook. All songs are a return to straight Psychedelic Chill-Dub-Rock with a stuttering rhythm section underpinning some terrific work from all involved. Graham O’Brien’s contribution is clearly noticeable as well.
This latest 13 Track staple from Camp Dark will be a great pickup for cult followers, or if you’re in a tripped out mood or looking to instill a more trippier one. While this is music you could work or play to, it’s most suited to a more mind melding contemplation. Now isn’t that something we could all use a little more of in our lives right no? Camp Dark sets it all too well.
BANDCAMP: https://campdark.bandcamp.com/releases
Edward Knudsen