Darkness By Design has long been a track I’ve savored during live JZ performances. I was aware that, initially, James had no plans to release it. Seeing it finally achieving the spotlight it’s deserved for nearly a full year now makes me excited and willing to contribute my thoughts.

The Joy Divsion/Depeche Mode influence is undeniable, almost seductive. Whilst James produces the vocals for the track, you’d never be able to hazard a guess at their true identity given the level of deep and hypnotic distortion. The bass riff crawls and squirms with the same angst as would a Pearl Jam or Nirvana smash single. On the dancefloor, low-lit lasers and extreme fog create a sweaty atmosphere that is impeccably attractive to those who wear sunglasses at night. A must-have track for all quality atypical sets.

Darkness.2 sees a retooling of the original, with a marked loss of vocals (instead, inserts and cut-vocals appear in place) and the acid is intensified, though the track remains a mellower testament to the ideals of Darkness By Design. Not a lesser track, by any means, but decisively less immersive than its predecessor.

Finally, Luke Dzierzek’s sublime remix of James’ Perseverance (of the Perseverence EP (2007)) remains one of my all-time favorite remixes since Zabiela’s remix of Ladytron’s ‘Runaway’ several months ago. ‘Perseverence’ is translated into a tribal frenzy with high-pitch synths creating the image of moving arms rotating in a junglesque atmosphere of persevering delerium. Absolutely on par with the original, Dzierzek’s interpretation is best when heard!

Pick this gem of an EP up now. It’s dark and devilishly attractive.

Words: James Woodruff