Kevin Drew - Darlings (2014)

'Darlings' shows Drew growing from his role in indie vanguard Broken Social Scene to create a breakthrough statement of personal artistry. 'Darlings' is also his first solo album that is truly, to put it bluntly, solo. If Drew's 2007 effort 'Spirit If...' was his inaugural step beyond the decade-long shadow of his former band, 'Darlings' spotlights Drew with seven years more experience and maturity. 'Darlings' reveals a more focused and refined sound; more honest, revelatory songwriting, with Drew's craft concentrated on lyrical and emotional connections, less so than guitar pedals and studio jams.

This isn't to say these aren't classic Kevin Drew songs. His unorthodox lyrical explorations of family, hope and disappointment, skin and spit, intercourse, cultural infection and the death of communication, figure clearer than ever into the hallmark of his infectious melodic phrasing. 'Darlings' is a fist-pumping fight for the euphoria of the after-party and the crush of pre-dawn passions. It's a best friend's zealous pep talk to not give up, and bring youth back into the fresh focus of life. On 'Darlings', Kevin Drew casts reflective inspiration forward into the brightness of the future with a soundtrack to kick everything into high gear.

Kevin Drew is the frontman of Broken Social Scene, solo recording artists, and co-owner of independent music company Arts & Crafts. His 2007 solo debut, Spirit If..., was widely loved for unearthing the affirmative grooves and experimental pop songwriting churning at the heart of indie vanguards Broken Social Scene. Darlings, his first solo recording since, showcases Drew's more mature pop sensibilities and his earnest and playful lyrics soaring over hook-laden songs like first single Good Sex. In the tradition of post-Velvets Lou Reed or post-Genesis Peter Gabriel, Darlings shows Drew stepping out to create a breakthrough personal statement of true artistry. Darlings was recorded at the Banff Centre in Alberta with Graham Lessard and then taken to a house in Northern Ontario with Dave Hamelin (The Stills, Eight and a Half) for final recording and mixing. The album also features longtime collaborators Charles Spearin and Ohad Benchetrit (Do Make Say Think, Broken Social Scene) along with Dean Stone (Apostle of Hustle). Darlings was co-produced by Kevin Drew, Graham Lessard, and, for the first time, Dave Hamelin.