Darkside

Darkside, consisting initially of Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington, emerged in 2011 from their shared academic background at Brown University. Their collaboration began during a tour for Jaar’s solo album, “Space is Only Noise,” in 2011. This period led to the creation of their first release, the ‘Darkside EP,’ which garnered critical acclaim from publications such as Resident Advisor and The Fader, and an 8.0 score from Pitchfork. Jaar has characterized Darkside’s sound as blues-oriented and influenced by guitars, a departure from his individual work. Their early live performances, notably at Music Hall of Williamsburg in December 2011 and SXSW in December 2012, demonstrated their ability to transform a three-song EP into an hour-long set, captivating audiences. The duo’s unique visual style was also established with their 2012 music video for “A1,” directed by Ryan Staake.

A significant milestone in their career was the release of “Random Access Memories Memories” in June 2013, a full-album remix of Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories.” Released under the pseudonym DaftSide on SoundCloud, this project was praised for its originality and playful approach to the source material, described by Death and Taxes as a “dark, nearly industrial romp.” Later that year, on October 4, 2013, Darkside released their debut studio album, “Psychic.” Recorded over two years in various locations including Jaar’s New York home, Harrington’s family barn, and a space in Paris, “Psychic” was critically lauded, earning a 9.0 rating and “Best New Music” designation from Pitchfork. The track “Golden Arrow” was released as a free download and was highlighted as a “Best New Track” by Pitchfork for its “11 minutes of instrumental excellence.” Despite announcing a temporary hiatus in 2014 after a final show at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple, the band’s return in 2020 and subsequent album “Spiral” in 2021 signaled a new chapter.

The group officially expanded to a trio with the addition of drummer Tlacael Esparza in 2022, a move that significantly altered their musical dynamic. Esparza, who had previously toured with Jaar, brought a new improvisational dimension to Darkside, influencing their 2023 release, “Live at Spiral House,” recorded at their Los Angeles rehearsal space. This expanded lineup continued to tour and compose, leading to their third studio album, “Nothing,” set for release in February 2025. This album, developed through spontaneous jams and collaborative sessions in Paris and Los Angeles, is described as exploring themes of negative space, telepathic seance, and spectral improvisation, reflecting their continued evolution and the integration of diverse musical influences including jazz and kraut-rock. The group’s members, despite geographic dispersion, maintain a creative process rooted in shared history and a playful approach to music-making, evident in their expanding discography and vibrant live performances.