Seattle's Darto Releases 'Fundamental Slime' EP With Groundbreaking Jazz Artist Neil Welch

Experimental rock outfit Darto have released their new 'Fundamental Slime' EP. Released via Aagoo Records, it is available in various formats, including 12" vinyl and CD.

Formed in 2010 in Seattle, Washington, Darto is Gordon De Los Santos, Gregory Flores, Candace Harter and Nicholas Merz. This album was self-recorded on April 12-14 on Whidbey Island at the Flores Roost. It was mixed by Steve Fisk (Screaming Trees, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Low, The Wedding Present) and mastered by April Golden (Soundgarden, Car Seat Headrest, Goat, Rob Zombie).

This is the follow up to Darto's critically acclaimed record 'Human Giving' and the 'Hush/Follow Up' 7" by Darto & WAND, both of which were released in 2017.

While 'Human Giving' explored the realm of human possibility within the context of hope, community and the dissolution of self, 'Fundamental Slime' is an observation on the darker end of the human-possibility spectrum. Ego, power, and nihilism are dissected from the viewpoint of various individuals struggling to dominate or be dominated. Where the lyrics give voice, the sounds give flesh.

Continuing to broaden the scope of instrumentation allowed Darto to wander into new territory on this album. Working with saxophonist Neil Welch of groundbreaking Seattle jazz duo Bad Luck, the massively varied sonic qualities of the performance by a genius gave each song its own body - startling, confusing, soothing, airy, void, distant, deplorable, and beautiful.

"These songs share a similar theme of power and control, and speak from a variety of perspectives. We all sat down and co-wrote most of the lyrics together, each of us taking the lead on a different song. I really liked that process because it allowed for instant feedback and there were 3 other people helping me with putting ideas into words. I think this record touches on the shadow of what is happening in this world and how people are being mistreated. Overall, it's just a record about misuse of power," says Candace Harter.

Aagoo Records is home to vinyl releases by Xiu Xiu, Phillip Petit, Eraldo Bernocchi & Chihei Hatakeyama, Lucky Dragons, Philippe Petit, CUP, connect_icut, and The Use. Darto's Nicholas Merz also recently released his solo debut album 'The Limits of Men' through Aagoo.

'Fundamental Slime' is now available in physical format from Aagoo Records' website and digitally via Darto's Bandcamp.

TRACK LIST

1. Brotherhood

2. Totality

3. Persona

4. Everyday Actor

TOUR DATES

July 11 San Jose, CA - Cafe Stritch

July 12 Los Angeles, CA - The Resident

July 14 Phoenix, AZ - LBX

July 16 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo

July 17 San Francisco, CA - The Rickshaw

July 19 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios