Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
In The Dark we either grasp the air blindly, scrabbling around in the hope we might find a light switch in which to illuminate the path that was there all the time, or we strike out boldly, we allow our intuition to guide us, to seek out with passion and desire rather than with mystery or fear. In The Dark we can allow our imagination the free rein take our senses out for the exploration they deserve, to feel the enclosing nature of the void and whisper back to it with love of how much the embrace is needed.
It is in The Dark’s inspiration that Darwin’s Daughter, the talented Fiona Ruth, resides as she unleashes her debut E.P. onto those that stir in the shadows and see the light that encroaches into the sinister; for those with heart will see the quirky resolution offered and understand that it is a guide, a map which shows the way rather than the instruction manual of where you might find the switch.
The four strong song E.P. revels in that quirky natural feel, it is also one of insight into the bravery of the creative process, of intimacy, of being daring when all around you suggests that to do so is folly, a reminder of the vaunted Victorian pursuit of decoration for decoration sake. If the music is full of passion and gives something to the soul, regardless of whether it is to the musician or the listener, then it is warranted, structurally sound and with the foundations that make it verge on the classic.
With guest musicians Max Greenwood, Kim V. Porcelli and Anthony Gibney and Fiona Hannon’s vocal adding extra appeal to the songs, Dark Fires, Moonlight, Angel On My Shoulder and Godless World, The Dark is a place in which to find sanctuary, to feel someone’s personal love shine like a beacon and give you the reason to find your way home when it is eventually light.
A beautifully presented E.P., The Dark is no stranger, it only hides what you are not ready to yet see; for listener’s of Darwin’s Daughter, the way ahead is one she will gladly hold your hand and show you the way along a path of light.
Ian D. Hall