Debut album from Darker Lighter

Salar Rajabnik makes music under the Darker Lighter moniker, a figure who’s lived many musical lives before claiming his space as a solo artist. Raised between Tehran and Kansas City and now based in Los Angeles, Salar’s worldview informs every part of his original musical output. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and producer, his early years were spent absorbing the discipline of bass, drums, guitar and production, before stepping into roles behind the scenes with iconic acts like Foo Fighters and Queens Of The Stone Age.

Now, he’s bringing to life his own musical ambitions as Darker Lighter. In September last year, he unveiled his solo sonic vision with his debut single “Hanging On,” which he’s since followed up with a string of well-received singles. Now he brings us his most ambitious work to date with his highly anticipated debut eponymous full-length record, Darker Lighter.

Recorded at the Foo Fighters’ Studio 606, the album was engineered by Grammy-nominated producer Robert Adam Stevenson, a name associated with rock royalty like Paul McCartney and The Kills. The record sees Salar play every note on the album himself, a Prince-like feat of control and talent that breathes through every track. Across its twelve tracks, Darker Lighter feels personal, a cathartic outpouring of emotion stitched into gritty post punk textures and indie rock appeal, captured via a musical maturity that’s been years in the making.

Opened by his first outing, “Hanging On,” the album jumps straight in with the jangle of bright guitar tones and dusty taps of percussion as the arrangement surges with rising energy. Flowing with pulsing bass lines, the uptempo patter of drums and warm guitar layers, Salar smooth vocal leads hover above to spin instantly memorable melodic lines throughout, resulting in a charming indie rock outing that’s energising and catchy from start to finish.

“Somebody Soon” follows with the lively punch of splashing drums before the wail of lead guitar notes soar above to set up an intricate jam propelled by gliding bass notes and infectious vocal hooks. Capturing a timeless 90s-tinged alternative indie sound, the track delivers an anthemic energy that distils the artist’s influences from yesteryear through his thoroughly modern sonic lens.

The album’s new lead single and thematic focal point arrives with “Be,” a dazzling rock outing that pairs robust guitars with the elegant contrast of drifting strings. Capped by Salar’s expressive vocal work which carries poignant, storytelling lyrics via delicate melodies, the track frames ideas of detachment and soul-searching in a stunning showcase of his engaging songwriting and performance panache.

Commenting on the song, he shares, “Be is one of the most deeply personal songs i’ve ever written. It’s about a feeling I get often; which is that I find myself feeling out of place. Whether ideologically, artistically or socially, often due to being unwilling to compromise my identity or principles. Themes of biculturalism, socio-political alienation, the fallout and consequences of activism and more influenced the meaning of the tune. The ultimate conclusion of the song is that “The price you pay is who you have to be.”

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Nice To Meet You” with its snapping beat, lightly gritty guitar rhythms and compelling vocals which stitch lofty melodies into the arrangement alongside the crisp plucks of lead guitar notes to offer an epic display of his engrossing indie rock sound. “Like Birds Fly Away” sees him lean into a graceful, downtempo scene where steady drums drive a blend of acoustic and electric guitars, underpinning his impassioned voice to cast an enchanting, yet still invigorating listening experience.

The album’s closing track “Take It All In” brings the release to a superb conclusion by tying together the contextual arc with a bright and intricate outing that bends from a soothing soundscape of clean guitars and soft vocals to a soaring burst of subtly crunchy rhythms and silky vocal leads. With his self-titled debut LP, Darker Lighter presents an original and wholly enjoyable statement of artistic intent, firmly planting himself on the map of must watch artists on the rise which the extraordinary all-round talent to perform every element of his music himself.

Listen to Darker Lighter below