Mark Peters & The Dark Band - Memorial
Formed in 2017, Vienna based ‘Mark Peters & The Dark Band’ by Mark Peters, originally from London who started out playing as a duo with drummer Fabian Natter in 2016. Bassist Markus Manahl joined the duo for the release of Peters’ first EP ‘Spirits’ in 2017. The line-up was completed in 2018 with guitarist Martin Burtscher stepping in to work on the second EP ‘Sum of all Parts’. Following two central European tours the group began to work on their first album which came out last week.
The album opens with Rosebush, a song that pretty much sets the tone for the album. The verses are quieter, Peters is showinig his vulnerable soul in the powerful lyrics. The chorus has the proper rock feel yet both sides of the song fit very well together and shows Peters as someone who was born to be a rockstar. You will find it hard to believe this is the first song of the first album.
For this World is a poignant track where the singer is looking back on his life, in an apologetic tone realizes the wrong things he has done and the consequences. Once again, the verses are gentle, almost whispered and the chorus hits the full forces. "i don't dare to process the unknown"
One of the highlights on the album, Swansong, presents deep lyrics and the arrangement lets Peters' vocal and songwriting shine. The song has various memorable parts, despite the lyrics it's the melody and the riffs that will get into your head on a first listen and never leave.
Us Against Them was previously released as one of the singles in anticipation of the album and it's another slightly romantic number. The vocal delivery is intimate, the singer is wearing the heart on his sleeve and the female listeners may get the impression he's addressing them, as if they were the objects of the affection. Even title has a potential romantic interpretation. Isn't this exactly what lovers often feel, the two of them against the whole world? The honesty in the song is striking but this is exactly what the music is and should be about. Being real, honest, even fragile. The changes in the dynamic are enjoyable yet not disturbing.
"Maybe I'm sent for your safety"
Fallen Trees has bluesy elements, there is sadness hanging in the air "we did our best not to cry as you're laid to rest"
In Halves closes the album. Heartbreaking in the lyrics, evocative in the simple arrangement with just guitar and voice. "continously wish we were apart"
The fine musicianship and well-crafted collection of songs makes you wonder where has the band been hiding all along? How come this is only their first release? You feel like they have been on the scene for decades. Strong in all departments, the breath of fresh air, showing everyone that there is nothing that can stop the creativity.