Dark Tea’s Second Album Is a Flavorful Brew

April 15, 2021 by

Indie-rock and indie-folk band Dark Tea is set to release their second self-titled album on April 30, and Brooklyn Roads Magazine was offered the opportunity to listen to the album prior to its release. The L.A.-based band is represented by Brooklyn-based label Fire Talk Records, where the album was mainly recorded.

The album kicks off with a bang, including an introduction of true jazz tones in tracks such as “Tears Down the Road” that set the scene for the entire album. As singer and guitarist Gary Canino serenades, his voice carries the melodies, the instruments serving simply as a background.

Gary Canino -Guitar In Hand/ photo courtesy of Fire Talk Records

Gary Canino -Guitar In Hand / photo courtesy of Fire Talk Records

The songs bring back familiar sounds in line with classics like the Zombies’ “Time of the Season,” but with modern sounds, as the use of the keys and guitar vary in each song. The album’s 12 tracks represent more of an indie-folk sound than one of indie-rock, which are two of the band’s influences.

Gary Canino / courtesy of Fire Talk Records

Gary Canino / courtesy of Fire Talk Records

Also included on the album are tracks “US Blues Pt1” and “US Blues Pt2” which together, are a unique four-minute combination of sounds beginning with strict instrumental in Pt1 and pick up with accompanying vocals in Pt2. A strict cut off of sounds at the end of the Pt1 track leaves the listener to think the song has been paused, but before reaching for the play button, Canino’s vocals fill the next track, picking up right where the last one left off.

Each of the tracks has a distinct sound, all of them perfect for a rom-com montage or sequence, due to the feel-good sounds the band has produced.

In “Down for the Law,” a personal favorite and the longest track on the album, a musical interlude midway through makes it easy to get lost in the song and creates a new world of music for the listener to step into.

Full writing credit to Gary Canino on 11 of the 12 tracks is well deserved, as each track is more entertaining than the last, with infectious melodies and thought-provoking lyrics all around.

The release of the album on April 30 will be available on all platforms. Take a listen  to-you won’t be disappointed . In the meantime, here’s the video of “Highway Mile”!