Self-Released – Release Date: 8/18/23

Last Friday, The Darién Gap released their debut EP, titled Haunted Lots. The band features Brian Moss, (The Ghost, Hanalei, Great Apes) on vocals and guitars, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Thompson, who plays bass, drums, guitars, and contributes vocals. This collection of songs is decidedly solid from start to finish, with a good degree of variance and detailed arrangements. In brief, it doesn’t sound remotely like this band’s first offering.

The opening track, “Looking,” blends a host of different influences into something that’s undeniably catchy, but not predictable in the least. There’s a good mix of punk and midwestern emo, and there’s also a strong undercurrent of aggression. “Albany Bowl” is an upbeat entry, reminiscent of Reunion Tour-era Weakerthans. The drumming fortifies this song with creative fills, establishing a sense of carefree abandon. “Bad Comment” employs more of a post-punk influence, with a smooth vocal pattern that twists and turns through a nontraditional, almost angular verse. The chord progression in the bridge conjures shades of classic Chicago punk and then somehow seamlessly transitions back to the guitar riffs from the verse, which is no small feat.

“The Shroud” possesses an anthemic chorus that’s suggestive of Samiam in terms of how huge the hook is. It’s memorable after only one listen and is executed in a very clever way. The final song, “I Wish I Didn’t Wish,” has an interesting juxtaposition of melody and major chords, coupled with lyrics that talk of the ongoing destruction of our planet. It’s hard not to listen to and picture images of the recent Maui wildfire. There’s also an effective use of dynamics where the song builds to a heavier part and then segues to a long section with just clean guitar leads. The vocals eventually return, almost like they’re leading the listener out of a bad spot and into the clearing. It’s as though you’re being ushered out of the darkness, which is a pretty ideal place to conclude a record at.

Haunted Lots is by all accounts an impressive debut and one that reveals new intricacies with each listen. A variety of styles are on display throughout this EP, yet it still retains a feeling of cohesion and identity. It’s that trait in particular that makes the prospect of any future material from The Darién Gap especially exciting.