DARKSIDE Golden Arrow

As a simple gong rang through the mist-filled air, DARKSIDE took the stage at San Francisco's iconic venue The Fillmore last Friday night.  In unfamiliar with the duo, Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington comprise the experimental, Western-y electronic group.  To attempt to explain their music with words fully is a folly from the start; their music is boundless with experimental emotion and power.  Needless to say, the overwhelming praise from the world for this duo is more than deserved.

Playing from their 2013 release Psychic, the hour plus set was atmospheric and heavy, a never-ending subtle crescendo.  Guitarist Harrington moved in small circles, his red curls bouncing around as he jammed away on his instrument.  Nico, with a buzz cut most shorter than most are accustomed to, built anticipation as his arms spanned the electronic world built before him.  Their set was simple at the ground level: long, disembodied build-ups leading right into bountiful bass lines.  Breaking down their musical genius in such a stark manner, however, does it no justice.  The cloud of notes from each respective side of the stage came together for the perfect balance of hard and soft symphonic moments.

Beginning the set with instrumentals, Nico supplied his easily-recognized, deep vocals well into the set -- the perfect moment to lead to Psychic's "Paper Trails."  Other tracks from the album weaved in perfectly throughout the set, begetting cheers and dancing from the expectant crowd.  All the while, Jaar and Harrington merged classic instruments in with new, seamlessly mastering each tempo change like the talented musicians they are.  The sentiment clearly displayed on every attendee's face: fuck everyone else, I'm here for DARKSIDE.