Darko (name inspired by Slick Shoes, perhaps?) play a technical brand of skate punk that references the likes of Strung Out and the late 90s skate-punk bands. It’s about as fashionable as a shellsuit, but I kind of like it. This is the music I was brought up on 15 and 16 years ago and it’s done to a reasonable standard. The recordings and production is a bit rough and the mix sounds a bit messy, but the band are certainly on the right lines. There are backing vocals and attempts at harmonies which work well, the drumming is fast and furious and there are plenty of high-paced riffs. The vocals don’t quite match the tone and pace of the rest of the band at times – sometimes the guitar riffs are maybe a little over-technical – but I’d rather listen to a band at least trying to do something a bit different than copying everything else that’s out there. If you like the EpiFat bands of the 90s I suggest you give Darko a listen.
