The DRKMTR Project (Part 1)

Posted by Damp Cardigan on September 25, 2012 · 1 Comment 

Obviously the problem with anything mainstream is the fact that it’s, well, mainstream. Mainstream culture, specifically the arts, forces those of a discerning nature into a corner to pick through more interesting work found on the fringes of public consciousness. This also comes with its own unique set of problems. In a vain attempt to keep their coolness intact the “true” music lover will keep their findings hidden as if to quell the possibility of success ruining their imagined uniqueness. A cult following is nothing if not loyal. However, success in this world does not define the artist but more what’s done with it that counts the most towards artistic legacy. For instance, if your output is tailored towards a specific audience then you are unfortunately in The Kings of Leon who abandoned whatever originality and integrity they were clinging onto to write stadium anthems for chavs.

So let’s ruin my inherent and obvious coolness (and rugged handsomeness?) by discussing a recent finding in an effort to promote originality.

The DRKMTR Project’s self titled first offering is the focus of today’s argument. It’s been described as an experiment with music, art and poetry and is the brainchild of three artists from North Wales – Musician and producer Steve Nicholls, poet Sophie McKeand and artist Andy Garside. If any alarm bells are ringing already then kindly ignore them, back away from the Kings of Leon album and realise, as I did, that you probably know absolutely nothing of what is truly relevant anymore.

Now, it may not be possible to comment on The DRKMTR Project in any conventional way as the aim and themes reside well outside the boundaries of predictability. This is not a contrived approach but a necessity in telling these stories in a very real way. But this is not an easy listen. It’s abrasive, challenging and more enjoyable than it has any right to be.

Singling out any one part of this is to do a disservice to the project as a whole and commenting on any singular piece would only serve to trivialise it. The result here is more than just a sum of all its parts. For a tedious example try to imagine the opening of Star Wars – the scrolling text, that theme – now try to imagine it without music. SEE! I’m glad we all agree.

The reason that I’ve had to call this Part 1 is that whilst writing I’ve realised that The DRKMTR Project has two very different sides to it. Like any band worth its salt the experience of watching it live promises to be a separate encounter, bordering on the visceral thanks to the added impact of Andy Garside’s visual input. This may be where they find their audience and my interest in seeing these pieces illuminated in a different way comes from knowing how seperate it will be.

By now you may be asking yourself if a spoken word album is cool or relevant but you will be wasting your time and definitely missing the point. The medium of choice is academic if the results are spectacular. Work like this can split opinions and will undoubtedly bring clichéd questions with it. Does spoken word need musical and/or visual accompaniment? Whilst questioning the method for art is always unrewarding you’ll find here it’s a question that doesn’t need answering.

Phil Watson

http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-DRKMTR-project

http://www.facebook.com/DrumHQ

Filed under Art, Music, Poetry, Writing · Tagged with Art, DRKMTR, Music, Poetry, Visual Arts