Setting the tone with a choral moment, accompanies by textured claps, The Art Crimes Band open In the Dark of the Evening with the title of the song, as they sing reassuringly, “In the Dark of the Evening, I will be your friend, In the Dark of the Evening, I will hold your hand…”
The opus expands with drums and guitar into a luscious contemporary soul soundscape with nuanced elements of jazz and 80s vibes as The Art Crimes Band take us on a warm and emotive journey with their meaningful prose.
We learn that In the Dark of the Evening was recorded during 2020, and indeed “attempts to channel the late night soundscapes of the early 1980s L.A. studio golden era pioneered by the likes of Quincy Jones, Toto and Steely Dan.” We are in awe of the authentic nostalgia that the composition evokes and the collective credits the song’s producer, drummer Niall Dennehy, along with the Fender Rhodes-heavy arrangement by Shiori Okawa as components that are the architecture of the piece.
Discussing the theme of the song, The Art Crimes Band confess, “The single addresses mental health and the effects of isolation during dark winter evenings while offering a message of hope and friendship.”
Band members include Gary Baus performing alto saxophone), Stephen Kirby on guitars, Niall Dennehy on drums and percussion naturally, Grace McMahon sharing vocals, Tim O’Leary on bass and introducing new member Katie O’Donnell on piano and keyboards. It’s clear from their YouTube channel that the band is a delight to experience live!
We love what the collective are creating and have added In the Dark of the Evening to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we explore the band’s existing discography and anticipate future releases from The Art Crimes Band.