Dark Stares

Last updated

Dark Stares
Dark Stares live at The Forum in Hatfield.jpg
Background information
Origin St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Genres Alternative rock, [1] [2] indie rock [3]
Years active2009–present
Labels AWAL UK
MembersMiles Kristian Howell
Taylor Howell
Harry Collins
Brett Harland Howell
Website darkstares.com

Dark Stares are a British alternative rock band from St Albans, Hertfordshire. Formed in 2009, the band is composed of brothers Miles Kristian Howell (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Taylor Howell (drums, guitars, backing vocals), Brett Harland Howell (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Harry Collins (lead guitar, backing vocals).

Contents

The band have produced three studio EPs: Tell Your Friends (2012), Octopon (2013) and Soul Contract (2014), [4] all recorded at Outhouse Studios in Reading, Berkshire and released with AWAL, [5] [6] one live EP titled Zebra Session (2015) and a debut studio album in 2018: Darker Days Are Here to Stay .

History

Beginnings

The band began rehearsing in their shed in late 2009, under the name Kalazar. With the two youngest members of the band only 16, [7] they played their first gig in December 2009, [8] supporting XFM Manchester Unsigned 2007 winners, The Scratch. [9] [10] Eventually the band settled on the name Dark Stares, inspired by the theme tune of Welsh children's television series Funnybones . [11] The brothers have "proud Welsh roots" on their father's side, [9] as well as a Welsh surname.

Dark Stares is also a reference to the George R.R. Martin series of epic fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire . [11] They continued to perform extensively at small venues mainly in local counties and London, but also nationally, including shows with The Subways, [12] Bleech, [13] Touchstone, [9] Canterbury, [14] Fun Lovin' Criminals, [15] Goldblade, What Now, Bo Ningen, The Static Jacks and Willy Moon. [16]

As they became more locally established, they were invited by fellow St Albans band Enter Shikari to open for them at The Forum, University of Hertfordshire in December 2010. [17] The sold-out show featured performances from Rolo Tomassi and Young Guns, as well as Don Broco and The Qemists. [18]

Tell Your Friends (2010–12)

Their debut EP, titled Tell Your Friends , was recorded at Outhouse Studios, in Reading with Ben Humphreys and It Bites frontman, John Mitchell. [19] Opening track "Whisky" received repeated airplay on XFM from Ian Camfield's Rock Show. [20] [21] AbsolutePunk interviewed the band on the release, who cited Nirvana and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club as influences. [11] In October 2011 they were invited to perform as sole support to The Darkness for their "comeback" show at the prestigious 100 Club on Oxford Street, London. [22] The gig sold-out quickly and was heavily attended by music journalists, [23] as well as notable appearances from Queen guitarist Brian May and comedian Rufus Hound. [24] In November 2011 the band were interviewed on BBC Introducing to discuss the debut release, [25] and Powerplay Magazine reviewed the EP, declaring Dark Stares "to be on the radio soon – and getting the recognition they deserve." [26] Black Velvet featured the band as "Supersonic Future Superstars" and labelled the EP "rock n' roll fantasy full of sonic supremacy." [27]

Octopon and "Bad Machine" (2012–14)

In October 2012, the band released a music video for "Bad Machine" ahead of their second EP Octopon . The video quickly rose to over 100,000 views on YouTube. [28] Hit the Floor speculated the EP name came from cult animated series The Pirates of Dark Water and had "the sleazy glamour of Audioslave, in their 'Cochise' days." [29] The release was picked up on by national magazine Metal Hammer , which controversially quipped that the record was an imitation of the style of Queens of the Stone Age, claiming "they may have QOTSA's debt-collectors knocking on their door soon." [30] Rock Sound magazine reviewed the release favourably, also drawing comparisons to Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters respectively, and stated "we're more inclined to throw Muse into the equation." [31] Powerplay Magazine followed-up their previous feature positively, stating "randomly dropping into any track would elicit a hypnotic pounding groove." [32] In August 2013 the band officially launched the EP with a headline show at the Barfly in Camden, London. [33]

Soul Contract and Zebra Session (2014–2017)

On 28 October 2014, the band announced their third EP Soul Contract , releasing a teaser video on YouTube featuring five new songs. [34] On 24 November 2014 the EP was made digitally available worldwide, [35] with a physical release scheduled for 6 April 2015. [36] In January 2015 MAMA announced a Dark Stares headline show on 2 May 2015 at the Camden Barfly to officially launch the EP, with support from Alexis Kings and Franklin. [37] In the same month they released Zebra Session , a live EP featuring four live versions of tracks from their previous studio releases with accompanying music videos.

Debut album: Darker Days Are Here to Stay (2018–present)

On 5 March 2018 the band announced their debut album with a pre-order available for physical release, including 100 signed copies. [38] On 11 May 2018, the album was released worldwide. Classic Rock featured the album with a mixed review, labelling some songs as both "propulsive" and "electrifying". [39]

Band members

Current members

Discography

Extended plays

TitleAlbum details
Tell Your Friends
  • Released: 12 May 2012
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Octopon
  • Released: 1 July 2013
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Soul Contract
  • Released: 24 November 2014
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Zebra Session (Live)
  • Released: 12 January 2015
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Ruby - EP
  • Released: 18 December 2020
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: Digital download
Obsidian - EP
  • Released: 3 September 2021
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: Digital download
Emerald - EP
  • Released: 3 December 2021
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: Digital download

Studio albums

TitleAlbum details
Darker Days Are Here to Stay
  • Released: 4 May 2018
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: CD, digital download
The Lightning Echo
  • Released: 31 May 2019
  • Labels: AWAL
  • Formats: CD, digital download

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keane (band)</span> English alternative rock band

Keane are an English alternative rock band from Battle, East Sussex, formed in 1995. They met while at Tonbridge School together. The band comprises Tom Chaplin, Tim Rice-Oxley, Richard Hughes and Jesse Quin. Their original line-up included founder and guitarist Dominic Scott, who left in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drive-By Truckers</span> American rock band

Drive-By Truckers are an American rock band based in Athens, Georgia. Two of five current members are originally from The Shoals region of northern Alabama and met as roommates at the University of North Alabama. The group also has roots in Richmond, Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enter Shikari</span> British rock band

Enter Shikari are a British rock band formed in St Albans in 1999 by bassist Chris Batten, lead vocalist and keyboardist Rou Reynolds, and drummer Rob Rolfe. In 2003, guitarist Rory Clewlow joined the band to complete its current line-up, and it adopted its current name. In 2006, they performed to a growing fanbase at Download Festival as well as a sold-out concert at the London Astoria. Their debut studio album, Take to the Skies, was released in 2007 and reached number 4 in the Official UK Album Chart, and has since been certified gold in the UK. Their second, Common Dreads, was released in 2009 and debuted on the UK Albums Chart at number 16; while their third, A Flash Flood of Colour, was released in 2012 and debuted on the chart at number 4. Both have since been certified silver in the UK. The band spent a considerable amount of time supporting the latter release through the A Flash Flood of Colour World Tour, before beginning work on a fourth studio album, The Mindsweep, which was released in 2015. Their fifth studio album The Spark was released in 2017. Their sixth album Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible was released in April 2020. Their seventh and latest album, A Kiss for the Whole World, was released on 21 April 2023 which gave them their first-ever No. 1 album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Stone Cherry</span> American rock band

Black Stone Cherry is an American rock band, formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Kentucky. They were signed to Roadrunner Records until 2015; the band is now signed to Mascot Label Group. The band consists of Chris Robertson, Ben Wells, Steve Jewell and John Fred Young. Black Stone Cherry has released eight studio albums as well as two EPs, and have charted seventeen singles on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. Their latest album, Screamin' at the Sky, was released in 2023.

<i>Take to the Skies</i> 2007 studio album by Enter Shikari

Take to the Skies is the debut studio album by British rock band Enter Shikari.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Tide</span> American heavy metal band

Black Tide was an American heavy metal band from Kendall, Florida. Formed in 2004, the band last consisted of Gabriel Garcia, Austin Diaz and Cody Paige (drums). They released their debut album, Light from Above, in 2008 through Interscope Records when Garcia was 15 years old. Their second album, Post Mortem, was released in 2011. Black Tide's EP Bite the Bullet was released in 2013 by InnerCat Music Group, a Miami-based boutique label. In 2015, the band released their last album Chasing Shadows. In July 2016, Garcia announced that the band is over and he is concentrating on his solo project.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Martucci</span> American musician

Christopher Anthony Martucci, known professionally as Christian Martucci, is an American guitarist and vocalist. He is the lead guitar player for the hard rock band Stone Sour, Corey Taylor, and former member of Black Star Riders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papa vs Pretty</span> Australian rock band

Papa vs Pretty was an Australian rock band from Sydney, New South Wales. Originally the solo act of then 15-year-old Thomas Rawle in 2006, Papa vs Pretty became a three-piece band in 2008 with the addition of Rawle's friends Angus Gardiner and Tom Myers, and a quartet in 2012 with the arrival of Luke Liang. On Monday 30 June 2014, the band announced their breakup.

The Front Bottoms are an American rock band from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, formed in 2006. They are currently a duo consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Sella and drummer Mat Uychich. During live performances, they are currently accompanied by touring members, including guitarist and backing vocalist AJ Peacox, bassist and backing vocalist Natalie Newbold, and bassist, guitarist and backing vocalist Erik Kase Romero.

<i>A Flash Flood of Colour</i> 2012 studio album by Enter Shikari

A Flash Flood of Colour is the third studio album by English rock band Enter Shikari, and was produced by Dan Weller. The album was recorded in May and June 2011 at Karma Sound Studios in Bang Saray, Thailand, and at the Fortress in London, United Kingdom. It was released internationally on 16 January 2012 by Ambush Reality, the band's record label in the United Kingdom, and Hopeless Records in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arcane Roots</span> English rock band

Arcane Roots were a three-piece alternative rock band from Kingston upon Thames, England, formed in 2006. In its final incarnation, the band consisted of Andrew Groves, Adam Burton (bass), and Jack Wrench (drums).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crossfaith</span> Japanese metalcore band

Crossfaith is a Japanese metalcore band from Osaka that was formed in 2006, which currently consists of vocalist Kenta Koie, guitarists Kazuki Takemura and Daiki Koide, drummer Tatsuya Amano, and keyboardist Terufumi Tamano. They are characterized by performing a style of metalcore with dubstep and other forms of electronic music influences, and for their intense live performances.

Bleech were an English alternative rock band formed in London in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warm Smiles Do Not Make You Welcome Here</span> 2012 single by Enter Shikari

"Warm Smiles Do Not Make You Welcome Here" is a single by British rock band Enter Shikari from their 2012 album A Flash Flood of Colour. The song's title is a re-used title from an old song played by the band in their early days.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arguing with Thermometers</span> 2012 single by Enter Shikari

"Arguing with Thermometers" is a single by British rock band Enter Shikari from their 2012 album A Flash Flood of Colour. The song was included on a 5-track EP released via iTunes along with a music video and remixes.

Breached was a Canadian rock band from Toronto, Ontario, active from 2010 to 2015. Its members were Bobby Noakes (vocals), Mike Diesel (guitar/vocals), Ryan Alexander (bass), and Neil Uppal (drums). Mike Diesel was a member of the band Age of Days, and Neil Uppal was a founding member of the band Dear Jane, I....

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rat Race (Enter Shikari song)</span> 2013 single by Enter Shikari

"Rat Race" is a single by British rock band Enter Shikari. The song was first played on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio One show on the evening of 31 October 2013. The single was released with a remix of the song Radiate by Enter Shikari's alter ego Shikari Sound System. The band also released an EP, which compiled the two previous singles "The Paddington Frisk" and "Radiate".

<i>Octopon</i> 2013 EP by Dark Stares

Octopon is the second extended play by British rock band Dark Stares. The four track EP, self-produced by the band with John Mitchell and Ben Humphreys, was released with AWAL on 1 July 2013. All tracks from Octopon were released as singles with b-sides in chronological order, as well as music videos for both "Bad Machine" and "Shinigami".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Against the Current (band)</span> American pop rock band

Against The Current is an American rock band from Poughkeepsie, New York, formed in 2011. As of 2023, the band consists of lead vocalist Chrissy Costanza, guitarist Dan Gow, and drummer Will Ferri. The band quickly gained a sizeable online following after posting covers of various popular songs on YouTube. They played Warped Tour in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The White Noise</span> American punk rock band

The White Noise was an American punk rock band from Dallas, Texas, later based in Los Angeles, California. Formed in 2010 under the name Set the Sun by guitarist and vocalist David Southern and drummer Alex Summers, the band released two EPs and a series of singles while still based in Dallas. By 2013, Southern was left the sole founding member and recruited vocalist Shawn Walker and guitarist Josh "KJ" Strock. This lineup would relocate to Los Angeles and change their name to the White Noise. In total, the band released three EPs, in addition to one studio album, 2017's AM/PM.

References

  1. ↑ "Dark Stares – 'Octopon' EP (Self Released)". Uber Rock. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  2. ↑ "Live Music Scene – Dark Stares – Octopon". Live Music Scene. 13 July 2013. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  3. ↑ "Dark Stares Tell Your Friends". Room Thirteen. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "iTunes Catalogue – Dark Stares". iTunes. 16 January 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  5. ↑ "Tell Your Friends – EP – Dark Stares". AWAL. 12 May 2012. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  6. ↑ "Octopon – EP – Dark Stares". AWAL. 1 July 2013. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  7. ↑ "The Story Behind the Song: Invaders". Blues Rock Review. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  8. ↑ "Dark Stares Interview". Blues Rock Review. 29 December 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 "Quick Questions With: Dark Stares". The Luton Scene. 13 December 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  10. ↑ "Versus Cancer '07". Versus Cancer. 30 March 2007. Archived from the original on 9 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  11. 1 2 3 "AbsolutePunk Interview – Dark Stares". Absolute Punk. 10 July 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  12. ↑ "Dark Stares Unleash New EP To The Nation!". Planet Mosh. 16 January 2014. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  13. ↑ "Juicebox Bleech Event". Juicebox Indie. 28 February 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  14. ↑ "Pioneer Club relaunches gigs after three year absence from St Albans music scene". Herts Advertiser. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  15. ↑ "Rising UK Rockers DARK STARES To Release New EP". Metal Mouth. 23 May 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  16. ↑ "Juicebox Indie Facebook Post". Juicebox Indie. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  17. ↑ "AN ENTER SHIKARI CHRISTMAS PART ONE – HATFIELD, HERTS – DEC 2010". YouTube. 15 January 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  18. ↑ "Enter Shikari Announce Christmas Party". Kerrang. 21 September 2010. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  19. ↑ "Get Ready To Rock Reviews by Pete Whalley". Get Ready To Rock. 1 January 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  20. ↑ "Dark Stares Octopon EP". The Ringmaster Review. 4 August 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  21. ↑ "Dark Stares – Tell Your Friends". This Is Not A Scene. 14 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  22. ↑ "The Darkness Announce 100 Club Show". Metal Hammer . 30 September 2011. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  23. ↑ "The Darkness @ 100 Club 10th October 2011". Planet Music Reviews. 13 October 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  24. ↑ "The Darkness Wow The 100 Club At Intimate Show". JustinHawkinsRocks.co.uk. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  25. ↑ "Kelly Interviews the Dark Stares – 18/11/11". BBC Introducing. 18 November 2011. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  26. ↑ "Powerplay Magazine – Issue 146". Powerplay Magazine. 16 April 2012. Archived from the original on 17 January 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  27. ↑ "Black Velvet Magazine – Issue 74". Black Velvet. 11 February 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  28. ↑ "Dark Stares – Bad Machine – OFFICIAL". YouTube. 1 October 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  29. ↑ "Review: Dark Stares – Octopon (EP)". Hit the Floor. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  30. ↑ "SaN PR Facebook Post". Facebook. 21 November 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
  31. ↑ "In the Magazine: Issue 177 – Summer 13". Rock Sound . 30 August 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  32. ↑ "Powerplay Magazine – Issue 155". Powerplay Magazine. 21 July 2013. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  33. ↑ "Dark Stares EP Launch Plus Alexis Kings". MAMA & Company. 9 August 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  34. ↑ "Dark Stares – Soul Contract (EP) Teaser – OFFICIAL". YouTube. 28 October 2014.
  35. ↑ "Soul Contract – EP". iTunes. 24 November 2014.
  36. ↑ "Dark Stares – Soul Contract EP". Vanguard Online. 17 January 2015.
  37. ↑ "Dark Stares (EP Launch) + Alexis Kings + Franklin". MAMA & Company. 5 January 2015.
  38. ↑ "Debut album: 'Darker Days Are Here to Stay' (2018)". Dark Stares. 5 March 2018.
  39. ↑ "Review from Classic Rock Magazine on DS album". Classic Rock . 15 May 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.