From the near classical guitar intro of the opening, brooder-song “The Aftermath”, it is clear that ‘Darkling, I Listen’ is a much different sonic animal than the intimate, and mostly acoustic, affair of The Black Atlantic’s debut album. Clocking in at 23 minutes and 23 seconds, ‘Darkling’ contains  five fully sculpted songs with a wide array of elements and in uences, from 70’s psychedelic folk–rock to Phil Spector-esque orchestrated chamber pop and 60’s Motown soul sensibilities. It also takes informed cues from current indie epitomes such as Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, and Bon Iver.

The Black Atlantic wears these influences on its sleeve without sounding inauthentic. ‘Darkling I, Listen’ is an immersive listening experience, rustic and pastoral, but without the obvious pretty embellishments. It is impressionistic in its scope, full of wide-open vistas and cavernous sonic swells.

The artwork is created by visual artists Tracy Maurice and Matt Moroz, known for their artwork for Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade.

1. The Aftermath (Of This Unfortunate Event)
2. The Flooded Road (Built on Sand)
3. Darkling, I Listen
4. An Archer, A Dancer
5. Quiet, Humble Man