EP REVIEW: DARKO - CANVAS (18/07/25)
Surrey progressive punks DARKO are back with a blistering new EP titled ‘Canvas’, out 18 July via Lockjaw Records. This final piece in a trilogy of conceptually-linked EPs - alongside Greyscale (2024) and Sparkle (2022) - sharpens their signature blend of high-velocity punk, technical precision, and post-hardcore experimentation.
Right from the first track titled ‘Grey Havens’, DARKO waste no time in delivering a burst of energy. After about 50 seconds of tame guitar, angular riffs come out swinging, crafting a compelling instrumental melody that showcases the rhythm section’s technical prowess even without vocals.
‘Dare to Dream’ marks a sharp turn into chaos—in the best possible way. Blistering guitar work and relentless drumming drive the track forward, while frontman Tom West delivers a dynamic vocal performance, seamlessly shifting between clean hooks, urgent shouts, and raw, feral screams. The track embodies the band’s signature blend of technicality and punk energy, without sacrificing coherence or melody.
The first single ‘Canvas’ is a heartfelt tribute to the grassroots music scene - honouring the venues and promoters who provide emerging artists with the space to grow in a constantly evolving industry. The track delivers a potent blend of aggression and melody, with rapid-fire drums and intricate guitar work - a staple of DARKO’s signature punk sound.
As far as influences go, the band’s repertoire calls to mind the likes of Protest the Hero, AFI, and Rage Against the Machine, crafting a sound that fuses technical precision, anthemic energy and raw intensity, for a repertoire that’s both razor-sharp and deeply authentic.
‘Override!’ is a blistering ride through technical riffs, lightning-speed drumming, and a barrage of shifting time signatures. Vocally, the track blends grit and clarity, offering both intensity and melodic accessibility. Lyrically, the song deals with feeling overwhelmed and disconnected in an overstimulated world, capturing that sense of internal overload.
‘Hectic’ is the shortest yet heaviest track of the EP - the band puts aside their punky edge for a track that blends death metal growls, groove-heavy riffs and lightning-fast melodic hardcore, showing that they’re not afraid to push boundaries.
‘Goodbye Bastards’ brings back a faster, furious, and refreshingly fearless punk sound - exactly what to expect from a progressive punk band.
‘Aux III’ ends the EP on a strong note in true DARKO fashion - punchy, relentless and energetic, balancing aggression with depth.
Canvas might be short, but it packs a serious punch. DARKO show off their talent for mixing heavy riffs with real emotion, and every track feels like it has something to say. It’s intense, tight, and full of energy - proof that the band knows exactly who they are and where they’re headed.
