EP REVIEW: Love & Loss – The Darkest Moment
THE DARKEST MOMENT have created a concept EP about death. More specifically, about what happens when a person loses their partner, and how it affects them. Since forming in late 2016, the Danish post-hardcore trio have released one EP (2018’s Midnight) and two albums (2019’s self-titled and 2021’s Blindsight), and now on Love & Loss the band push their musical horizons further than ever before to deliver a new take on the modern sound that has been popularised by bands like BAD OMENS, SLEEP TOKEN and DAYSEEKER.
Across four songs, it is clear that THE DARKEST MOMENT are bringing their A-game. This is best exemplified in the tear-jerking lyrics of opening song Tragedy, which are made all the more heartbreaking by the supporting instrumental which is kept relegated to the background for the majority of the song, or the guitar-driven Sorrows, which is slow-paced during the verses and fast-paced during the chorus, but never loses its momentum.
In fact, the entire EP never really drops the ball, aside perhaps from a moment or two in To An End (featuring OUR MIRAGE), which is a mid-paced rock anthem that does unfortunately get slightly repetitive as the title is repeated towards the end of the song. Aches is another mid-paced song, and throws in some screams which are cleverly mixed in with the singing.
Whilst this EP might not rely on modern post-hardcore elements like screams or heavy breakdowns, it works extremely well, especially because of the production by Timo Bonner. Each song works well on its own and as a whole. They all vary in length, with the closing song being over five minutes long, and all of them make an impact on the listener.
Furthermore, the overall mid-pacing of the songs suits the subject matter. Whilst it would be easy for each song to be an angry, screaming, fast-paced one, THE DARKEST MOMENT defy expectations. They understand that losing a loved one does not just bring anger, but also shock, confusion, and a deep sense of sadness. In short, grief is extremely complicated, and the band have captured these feelings perfectly.
Overall, Love & Loss is a fantastic EP that explores a topic that is not spoken about enough in society and pushes THE DARKEST MOMENT sonically further than they have gone before. This new style of post-hardcore suits them well. With heartbreaking lyrics, fantastic instruments and an accessible but unique sound, Love & Loss is a fantastic EP that could well make 2024 the year of THE DARKEST MOMENT.
Rating: 9/10
Love & Loss is set for release on January 12th via Prime Collective.
Like THE DARKEST MOMENT on Facebook.