Darlings
Seven years after Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew released his first solo record, the artist emerges with *Darlings*, a collection of exquisite, provocative, and somewhat libidinous songs. The single “Good Sex” is breezy and sexy indeed, glinting like a George Michael bauble brought into the new age; Drew’s voice nuzzles the song atop an infectious dance rhythm and sparkling keys and guitar. Drew’s vocals are the magic ingredient, sounding both hollow and bursting at the same time: desire, longing, gratification, anticipation, and disappointment are all filtered into his heady musical brew. Don’t stop after “Good Sex”—“Body Butter” drips with expectation, “It’s Cool” exudes palpable warmth and soul, and “You Got Caught” has a mistake palpitating with reward. *Darlings* is clearly headed for many a late-night playlist, and (alongside artists like The xx and Rhye) signals a new age for romantic indie music of the richest kind. Interestingly, Drew was reportedly inspired by a partnership with Andy Kim, the ‘60s pop genius behind The Archies’ “Sugar Sugar.” Their own collaborative effort took shape alongside the recording of *Darlings*.
Broken Social Scene's de facto frontman steps out on his own with an admirable confidence.
While Darlings is the second solo release from Kevin Drew, a founding member of Broken Social Scene, it suggests a more focused, determined effort to escape the orbit of that band than was evident on 2007’s Spirit If…. Drew’s debut release was, in fact, more or less a BSS record in all but name, both in terms of personnel and sound; Darlings, conversely, has a weary, frazzled quality, lacking the emotive bombast that colours much of his collaborative work.
Kevin Drew has always operated as the leader of the pack, governing a large group of friends he also called bandmates for the past decade.
Album review: Kevin Drew - Darlings. ‘Darlings’ is a concrete mixer full of ideas, although it’s tricky to pinpoint if Drew’s actually laid the foundations of a decent record...
Review of "Darlings" by Kevin Drew, out on Arts & Crafts on March 18th. Darlings is "a welcome addition to Drew’s already legendary body of work".