Last Updated on 2025-11-26 by a-indie
DARKSIDE was formed in 2011 by Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington, who met at university.
Their sound, traversing from psychedelia to house, has captivated many listeners with its originality that defies genre boundaries.
In 2023, drummer Tlacael Esparza officially joined, and the band entered a new phase, releasing their first full album as a trio, “Nothing,” in February 2025.
The track we’re introducing today, “One Last Nothing,” is a number that radiates a modest yet certain gravitational pull.
Beatmaker and writer Shino introduces the “breathing” sensation that dwells in the gaps between sounds.
DARKSIDE “One Last Nothing”
Text: Shino Introduction and Structure: BELONG Media, A-indie Editorial Team
DARKSIDE’s “One Last Nothing” is a mysterious track with a gravitational pull that quietly captures your heart once you hear it, never letting go.
There’s no flashy melody or obvious climax. Yet somehow, you find yourself listening to it on repeat.
As if the sound itself is “breathing,” it naturally settles into your body.
What stands out from the very beginning is the beat that pushes the entire track forward.
The kick doesn’t assert itself too strongly, yet strangely possesses propulsive force, naturally moving the listener’s consciousness forward.
The synth bass resonating beneath repeats a minimal phrase steadily, firmly supporting the rhythmic foundation.
On this stable base, the DARKSIDE worldview vigorously rises.
There, Tlacael Esparza’s percussion layers in. Despite the detailed handwork, it never becomes noisy, creating a unique “fluctuation” in the rhythm.
That subtle sway, which can’t be produced by mechanical repetition alone, softly moves the entire track, and before you know it, your body naturally follows along.
Dave Harrington on guitar chooses not to take center stage here. Rather than playing a prominent melody, he places sounds as if adding pale colors to the background.
Against the coldness woven by synths and electronic sounds, the guitar subtly provides warmth, and that balance feels simply exquisite.
The main phrase is handled by Nicolas Jaar’s electronic sounds, while the guitar remains modest yet adds indispensable color to the track.
This song, while appearing minimal and steady, constantly undergoes small changes.
As sound layers gradually blur and blend together, the listener’s consciousness is naturally drawn deeper into the track.
Precisely because of its lean structure, the “pleasantness” as music stands out, and the choice of each sound and the sense of its placement are outstandingly beautiful.
DARKSIDE Album Release
3rd Album “Nothing”
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Tracklist:
1. SLAU
2. S.N.C
3. Are You Tired? (Keep on Singing)
4. Graucha Max
5. American References
6. Heavy is Good for This
7. Hell Suite, Pt. 1
8. Hell Suite, Pt. 2
9. Sin el Sol No Hay Na
View on Amazon
DARKSIDE Profile
DARKSIDE is a project formed in 2011 by electronic music virtuoso Nicolas Jaar and guitarist Dave Harrington. The two, who met while attending Brown University, constructed a unique sound fusing psychedelia, art rock, tropicália, and house. They gained high acclaim with their 2013 debut album “Psychic.” After a hiatus, they returned in 2021 with “Spiral,” and in 2023, drummer Tlacael Esparza officially joined. As a trio, they released their 3rd album “Nothing” in February 2025, centered on improvised performance.
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Writer: Shino
Music writer based in Hokkaido. Writes reviews centered on hip-hop, ambient, and electronica. Also creates music, and values carefully conveying the appeal of works from that perspective.
Articles written so far can be found here
Instagram: @shino404x
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