by Jennifer Alten
They share their name with some LA porno outfit, minus the extra "k". They say their name refers to someone who's bitter and sarcastic. Neither does this band justice.
Darkk Bros. is a standout in the Chicago music scene. This instrumental quartet combines acid jazz sensibilities, rock roots, punk and funk influences with a dose of hip hop. Their songs range from smooth, melodic, almost laid-back grooves to wildly improvisational, sometimes practically chaotic blasts. And both on CD and on stage, their music possesses an energy and intensity that makes Darkk Bros. a band to watch.
Heading up the band are guitarist Anthony Fresina and trombonist Mike Hagedorn, who take turns doing front-man duties for their shows. Both also compose songs individually. Although their styles differÑFresina's more funk/groove/hip hop, Hagedorn's more experimental jazzÑthey've managed to create a uniquely unified Darkk Bros. sound. Hagedorn's also a sight not to miss on stage. Full of frenetic energy, he takes the trombone to a new level. This is not to say the rhythm section is lacking. Joe Bianco on drums and Jason Erdmann on electric and upright bass solidly hold the whole show together.
The band looks and plays like a group that's been together for seven years. These confident, clean-cut guys hold their own when opening for bands with a much bigger billing.
"Our songs change. It's one of the things we like. We'll add a section, change a section to make things tighter and better," said Fresina on the band's method for evolving and staying fresh.
Darkk Bros. has plenty planned for '98. They're planning a live CD to complement their self-titled CD available at Best Buy and Tower Records. They've been talking to several major record labels. And they've got a West-coast tour planned that will encompass Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.
But in terms of completely new Darkk Bros. music, patience is key. "We're not doing mainstream, it takes us twice as long," Fresina said.
That's OK. It'll be worth the wait.
Darkk Bros. will be playing at the MCA First Friday Feb. 6, the Subterranean Feb. 19 and Double Door March 7. Before you go to a show, check out sound clips at www.tezcat.com/~fresina.
Centerstage Will Feed You
