More Life More Trouble

Album Review

Slovenia's Darwa attempts to steer clear of mainstream electronica on their debut More Life More Trouble. Frontwoman Darja Klancar possesses an innocence similar to the likes of Tracey Thorn for a stunning introduction, and her programming cohort Mario Marlot sticks to simple synths and lite melodies. More Life More Trouble does exert heavy break beats, but a lush mystery is cast despite Klancar's premature lyrics. Songs such as "Stormhead" and "Talk a Walk" personify the band's liking for new wave ambience while the hard-edged "Old Man" goes for a trip-hop feel. Klancar's sweeping vocals drop for a brooding, brash demeanor whereas "On Your Own" gives into to driven guitar licks. "Freaky Factory" is closest thing to household dance grooves, but it's still inviting. And if Darwa wanted to totally do a commercialized piece of work tailored to the club-dance scene, the record would boast Kristine W. aesthetics and the malleability of Eiffel 65. And since they're fairly new to the circuit, the naivete in their music basically hangs on to electronica big beats. But that's not to say that it's so derivative that Darwa can't improve.