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Review: Beware of Darkness - Howl [EP]

Bright Antenna Records // " This is the most exciting new band to come onto the LA rock scene in a few years"

by Hellseybell, June 5th, 2012 and has been Read 1183 times.
Last Edited by: Ffion Davies June 6th, 2012.

Here is a new band worth getting excited about. LA based rockers Beware of Darkness formed in late 2011, and released their 4 track EP Howl last month in advance of an anticipated, full length album later in the year.

Beware of Darkness’ sound is fresh and interesting, taking Zeppelin-esque guitar riffs and putting them to growling vocals that sound something like Bob Dylan combined with Jack White, occasionally transgressing into the wild and gravelly qualities of Brody Dalle. Add to this Beware of Darkness’ killer drums and dark lyrics and the band are on to a real winner.

Title track ‘Howl’ is a bluesy, grungy, totally addictive rock anthem. It’s great to hear a track that reflects the skills of all band members without becoming bogged down by the complexity of it all. ‘Culture Bomb’ is just as good, with a hook that simply won’t leave your head. ‘Ghost Town’ starts with strings, drifting into a dark, emotional bluesy track which may not have the energy of the first two songs but certainly still has the power. The EP closes with ‘Holy Man,’ which as the title suggests is centered on the dark side of religion. 'Holy Man' is held together with a stomping bass riff, and the chorus really packs a punch.

Beware of Darkness is fronted by Kyle Nicolaides, who gained a reputation on the LA rock scene for his solo live shows. His influences derive from a childhood where he was only allowed to listen to Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Nicolaides’ band mates are Tony Cupito (drums) and Daniel Curcio (bass). They connected over a mutual respect and admiration for Blues, Gospel, and Motown and formed Beware of Darkness, taking the name from a George Harrison song.

This is the most exciting new band to come onto the LA rock scene in a few years, and their explosive sound and strong live presence is sure to find the band build momentum quickly.