Since first coming across Daark, he has been one of my favorite artists associated with the Milwaukee music scene. The Milwaukee-bred Minneapolis resident has a unique, memorable sound and overall energy. He makes music that is very individual from his peers, but still meshes well with the scenes he is a part of and his influences. Daark makes deep and intense Trap music that has a Milwaukee Slap music flair to it. Even though it is entirely his own sound and feeling, it still feels familiar, which I love. Over the last couple of years, Daark has dropped some of the most interesting music I have heard, not only from people associated with Milwaukee, but also as a whole. His Nocturnal Circles mixtape series, of which there are four parts(so far), has produced such cool music. In this series, Daark not only showcases himself but also focuses on collaborations with some of Milwaukee’s and Minneapolis’ coolest artists and producers. Earlier this year, Daark dropped an EP called Winter Silent which I loved(you should definitely go check out my write-up on that one if you have not yet). After putting out that exciting project Daark is already back with a new project called Night Bloom. This project sees Daark expand upon what has made him great in the past while also branching out a bit. Below, I’m going to highlight my favorite songs from Night Bloom and give some overall thoughts as well. Please let me know in the comments what you think of Daark, and also comment the names of other up-and-coming artists I should check out!
Night Bloom (with Heezy The Artist)
Daark begins the project with the title track on a hell of a note. ‘Night Bloom’ has the kind of gritty and larger-than-life Milwaukee-esque sound that Daark excels at. The sample that drives the melody for this track is super cool. It comes from the track ‘Only Time’ by Enya, which obviously feels like a contrast from the harsh and heavy energy of the song. The mix is as weighty as ever, making this sample choice feel so cool. Throughout the track, the tempo changes up several times. It keeps speeding up and slowing down and switching pitches, keeping the listener on their toes for sure. Daark’s flow and presence on the track looms and permeates, really making this track so impactful. ‘Night Bloom’ is a crazy take on a classic that is sure to excite.
Buzzards(with Big Kiaa and aeer)
‘Buzzards’ immediately stood out to me because of how much it strays away from a lot of Daark’s most recent output. I have become accustomed to him putting a spin on Low End or Slap music, but instead. This one has a more traditional Trap sound. Of course, the instrumental has that typical harsh and hazy flair that is so prevalent in Daark’s music. The melody for this song is pretty simple, but super effective. It is provided by an eerie piano riff, and complemented by some fat synths that come in and out. The beat is riddled with distortion and grainy sound effects, making it fat and huge. Both performances from Daark and Big Kiaa on this track are awesome. Daark raps with a fast and intense flow, really ramping up the already tough energy of the track. Big Kiaa’s flow is smooth and incisive, providing a good contrast to Daark’s low tone and quick delivery. This is a massive Trap banger with a depth only Daark can provide.
Dual Wield(with Tori Little and Beo)
When ‘Dual Wield’ starts, it kind of feels like a continuation of ‘Buzzards,’ which precedes it. The transition initially makes this one sound like it’s going to be a sped-up, Slap version of the previous track. Although their melodies do feel similar throughout the song, as this one speeds up, it gets more complex. The melody for ‘Dual Wield’ is so intricate and otherworldly. The synths that drive this one make the song sound like it’s from a dystopian future, as they are harsh and robotic-sounding in a way. The beat has a Milwaukee Slap tempo, adding to the big and rowdy feeling of the track. Daark and Tori Little flow off of each other so well on this track. They rap back and forth with a pretty similar cadence. The low tone from Daark and the higher tone from Tori Little create a very cool juxtaposition. ‘Dual Wield’ is a gritty Slap banger that could get any function jumping.
As I mentioned in the introduction, Daark is such a unique artist. Although you can definitely pick out the similarities and influences he has from the underground Hip Hop scene, there is really no one like him. Daark puts a spin on his music that only he can achieve, and it is always so riveting to me. This sentiment is as prevalent as ever on Night Bloom. It accentuates the best qualities in what he has put out in the past and expands upon it. This EP is as raucous and deep as ever, and Daark really shows he is continuing to shine and improve. Although the EP did lean into the low end and Slap style beats that Daark has become great at, I also really appreciate the more methodical Trap moments. He shows a diversity to his sound that stands out and shows he is expanding. Although I only mentioned three of the five tracks, do not sleep on the two I didn’t write about. ‘Devilfish’ and ‘Almighty’ definitely have a ton of quality in their own right, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are a favorite for some. Overall, Night Bloom is another great addition to Daark’s catalog. It begins the summer with a hell of a bang, and I am here for it!