Darling Parade’s Battle Scars & Broken Hearts (Deluxe Edition)
By Seth M
Yes, we listen too!!
Recently, Flashwounds posted an article on Darling Parade’s debut album Battle Scars & Broken Hearts (Deluxe Edition) and I took to opportunity to give it a listen.
First and foremost I would say that if you like mainstream music in the vein or Paramore or Avril Lavigne that features some catchy choruses and the bonus of an attractive singer (in this case, Kristin Kearns), then this album is definitely worth a listen. For a debut album in 2013 it’s pretty good and I would categorize it as something between melodic hard rock and pop. It features Kristin Kearns (Vocals/Guitar), Nate McCoy (Guitar/Vocals), Casey Conrad (Drums/Back Beats) and Dustin McCoy (Bass/Vocals) out of Nashville and without knowing much more about this band I can tell you that many of the songs are about relationships, breakups and the trials and tribulations of growing up.
Unlike many new albums that start off in your face, Battle Scars starts with “When It’s Over,” a more mellow/dark song and leads right into the first single, “Ghost.” Ghost seems to be the metaphor for things that haunt us and the band is obviously planning on telling a story through the album as well as the video. I am not sure if the video really fit what I was envisioning when I hear the song(s), but like all music and art it’s open to interpretation and you can judge that for yourself.
As I continued through the album I thought some of the more “poppy” songs like “Just Another” and “Change” progressed the story and “Messing with Me” sounded like something that could have been a revamped Pat Benatar song from the 80s.
Although Kristin doesn’t have as strong a voice as Ms. Benatar, she can obviously sing and the production on the album is very well done. “Bells are Ringing” has a catchy beat and guitar riff that will have people bopping their heads, while “Bad Habit” is probably one of the all around better and better produced tracks. “With You” closes out the album and the story but, there’s more..
“Deluxe Edition,” you say?
When I think of deluxe editions I typically think of more established bands with large fan bases who are looking for those extras. I certainly don’t think about those extras when it’s a band that is hardly known ~ however, this “Deluxe Edition” works and it shows you how dynamic the band is and how good a job their production team does.
With the deluxe you get four song remixes and three acoustic renditions which, as the press release says, “…showcases the versatility of the young group, fronted by guitarist/vocalist Kristin Kearns.” And I totally agree. You won’t really find me in dance clubs but the “Ghost” and “Coming Undone” remixes could easily be spinning in every dance club across the US and beyond. But if that isn’t enough, you also get incredible acoustic versions of both of those as well as of “Crash & Burn.”
In all honesty, I liked the album and think the remixes and acoustics were a genius move on the part of the band, their management and production team. The “Deluxe Edition” made Darling Parade much more interesting and it really made me want to see them live just to see which versions they play or see if they do what I would, mash them up.
I haven’t looked but I would guess that Darling Parade’s Battle Scars & Broken Hearts (Deluxe Edition) is less than $10 on Itunes and even if you don’t love the whole thing I would bet you like at least a half dozen of the 18 tracks (including the bonuses). Check it out and then check them out live; I’m gonna!