"I Don't Want It Darker" is an album of contrasts: While the duo work their way through laconic narratives on the verge of self abandonment on a lyrical level, the songs musically bubble over with creative exuberance - the result of a handful of recording sessions in seclusion, characterized by an enthusiasm for spontaneous experimentation. Their debut is an eclectic mix of explosive krautrock beats, surf guitar sounds and electronic arpeggios reminiscent of John Carpenter - fitted into what could be called the darker version of a 60s lofi pop record. AUA's stoically intoned vocal lines underline the fact that the reference to Leonard Cohen's penultimate studio album is certainly no coincidence. Anyone who likes the sound of Beak, Broadcast, Suuns, Autolux or early Caribou records will feel right at home here.
1. FRIENDO (A-SEITE)
2. I DON'T WANT IT DARKER
3. STARSTRUCK
4. COKE DIET
5. NO TREATMENT (B-SEITE)
6. THE ENERGY VAMPIRE
7. GLOWING ONE
8. UMAMI KAROSHI