Description

Transmission is a trip: both a journey across many different sounds, both old and new for the band, and because – overall – it’s a really trippy vibe Daniloski and Everton create across its lengthy running time. I think it’s fair to say that the duo would insist that the best way to experience Darsombra would be in the live setting, where their music melds and merges with their audio-visual show to invoke a real sense of sonic transcendence. However, what is impressive is, unlike many of their contemporaries, the duo manages to transfer a great deal of that elevated, nigh-on spiritual plain they conjure onto their recordings.

This track/album is no different. It’s infused with a well of emotion and both members performances are really on point. What marks Transmission out from their discography is that there’s a sense of true mastery over their subject. Darsombra have always been impressive, with no doubt of the talents involved, but it simply feels like this is a step up in terms of songwriting. Despite being three years since Polyvision (and three years is still a decent amount of time for forty minutes of music), the band have stated that Transmission is the culmination of five years of songwriting focus and experiment. Don’t worry, guys – we can hear it. All that time and effort has paid off.

Transmission is the most fulfilling Darsombra release in their impressive catalogue, and for me, the most affecting one since my first experience with Ecdysis. It’s smooth psychedelic rock, tinged with otherworldly synths and slightly disquieting vocals remind me at times of those bedrock kind of bands like Hawkwind and Magma, but at others like a more chilled, lighter-minded SWANS. It’s intense, moving and unsettling in how profound it all feels. Darsombra came from the dark and at one time was entranced by the abyss, but now the duo have lifted their heads and, smirking at the absurdity of it all, fixed their eyes directly at the bluest sky.  They are still a band of overwhelming dynamic drone – but all the while, sun kissed.

(Echoes And Dust)