DA!

Da - Time Will Be Kind advertisement from the Coolest Retard 20In mid-April Chicago will witness two home grown releases from bands that matter. Plenty of other bands have released independent singles, but often the reasons for such releases were that of a money making operation, or yet another bid for rock stardom. (Or "rockist," a phrase that seems to be in excessive vogue in Britain right know, meaning the stereotypical regeneration of rock cliches' ala star posing, formula forced song structures, and falling for the overall rock and roll myths that seem preeminent in most of today's groups). The difference in Strike Under and Da!'s releases, is that they are the end result in the artists' desire to see fruitation of their vision. Neither of these groups feel the need to compromise to outside influences, since the main purpose of their efforts are the works themselves. This is also shown in their live shows. Both groups do not feel the need to have a accessible dance orientated show, that sells the barkeep's drinks. Other than that, Strike Under and Da! share little in common, except that they both use the same studio practice space (alternating rehearsal nights) and help each other out in the mandatory roadie chores.Da!'s recording took place at Acme Studios on Southport (Chicago). A cosy, yet professional outfit who seem to work with Da! effortlessly. The record will becoming out on George Kapoulas' Autumn Records. The recordings took place in the wee hours of the mornings since that is when recording time is the cheapest. Mr. Kapoulas, it now seems, will be releasing the Live at Oz album, as well.Da!, though a close knit group, (all have lived with one another at one time) are definetely a collection of indivduals. Their own musical tastes run a spectrum that is incredibly wide. And the only way that they are able to fuse these different personalities together is through constant playing with each other, and a willingness to allow an open dialogue. Listening to the group on stage or in the recording studio one is struck with the fact that they are definetely a guitar orientated band. Dawn, the drummer, once went so far as to describe her drumming in terms of a guitar riff. Add this to the fact that Lorna's bass playing goes well beyond serving as a backbeat, and you have loosened up the rhythm section to a large degree. The two guitar players, Dave and Gaylene, work constantly on the particular sounds they wish to achieve--and its almost humorous to listen to them mimicing the sounds they are striving for with their mouths. All the band members strive for a sound, a sound that they mold to a rhythm and a melody. Dark Rooms, the a-side, is a dirge-like anthem whose slower pace leaves room for sounds to climax and fade. And this serves for perfect fodder for their excellently done video that will accompany their single. The song is about the demons that attack us at night. And the music's contrast of sparseness and congestion almost bring forth a nausea and dizzyness that one can only feel in the dark night. The daylight scares such strong sensations out of our system, if only because of the strength of a omniprescent reality that exist under the sun. Lorna's hallowed voice brings further reinforcement to the bands nightmarish vision. Da!'s Dark Rooms is not for the faint at heart.The B-side of the single is White Castles. A funky song about Urban renewal that bridges the likes of the Gang of Four and the Bush Tetras. It also includes the wonderful line, "Who has better luck with their wardrobe." The pace of White Castles is practically epilectic compared to Dark Rooms. It takes more than a few listens to hear all that is going on, From Gaylene's voice over to Dave's incessant chanting, "Castles, Castles...Castles, Castles" to Dawn's elctro-shock drum rolls. On top of all this is a bluesier-than-usual Lorna belts out her complaints concerning these emotionless slabs of concrete that seem to spring up like weeds. The single is well worth seeking out. You may well be suprised at what Chicago is capable of producing.