Darkside – Nothing: An Experimental Sonic Journey
Introduction: Darkside’s Return with Nothing
Darkside, the electronic duo consisting of Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington, has returned in 2025 with their much-anticipated album Nothing. Following their 2013 debut Psychic, the duo has continued to carve out a unique space in the experimental electronic scene, blending ambient, techno, and psych-rock influences. Nothing has been highly praised for its ability to evolve their sound while maintaining the atmospheric, moody qualities that defined their earlier work. Critics have lauded the album for its immersive textures, strong rhythmic elements, and its overall sense of sonic adventure, reaffirming Darkside’s position as innovators in the genre.
Exploring Experimental Electronica: A Dark and Moody Sound
One of the most striking aspects of Nothing is its continued exploration of moody, experimental electronica. Jaar and Harrington have crafted an album that pulses with energy while maintaining an almost cinematic darkness. The production is vast and immersive, drawing listeners into a world of complex textures and layered sounds. The opening track, “First Night,” sets the tone for the album with its eerie synths and steady percussion, gradually building in intensity as the track progresses. The rhythm feels hypnotic, lulling the listener into a trance-like state before the track unexpectedly shifts in direction, giving a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of the album.
The album as a whole has a dense, atmospheric quality that blends elements of industrial, ambient, and minimal techno. Tracks like “The Limit” and “Narrow” are perfect examples of Darkside’s ability to maintain a sense of tension and atmosphere throughout their compositions. The production is restrained at times, allowing space for subtle sound design choices, while at other points it explodes with rich textures and rhythmic complexity. This contrast gives Nothing a dynamic energy that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Immersive Textures: The Art of Sonic Detail
Nothing stands out for its attention to sonic detail. The duo’s use of textures creates an album that feels like an auditory landscape, inviting the listener to explore its depths with each listen. One of the most praised elements of the album is its use of sound as a narrative tool. Darkside’s soundscapes are immersive, evoking a sense of space and time that enhances the emotional undercurrents of the music. The subtle layering of sounds, from reverberating synths to distant vocals, creates an expansive and often haunting atmosphere.
Tracks like “Love Somebody” and “It’s Gonna Be Alright” highlight the duo’s ability to create mood through intricate sound design. The former features shifting layers of synth pads, snappy percussion, and occasional glimpses of guitar work that evolve into a rich, almost orchestral arrangement. The latter, with its slow-building intensity, combines deep basslines with spacey, almost ghostly vocals that add to the track’s atmospheric tension. The production on Nothing serves not only as a vehicle for rhythm but as a sonic journey, where textures shape the emotional weight of the album.
Rhythmic Exploration: Strong Drumming as a Driving Force
A significant element of Nothing is its strong, driving drumming. The album features some of Darkside’s most compelling rhythms to date, with Dave Harrington’s percussion taking center stage in several tracks. The drumming is not merely functional; it’s integrated into the overall atmosphere, contributing to the sense of propulsion that drives the album forward. Tracks like “Control” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend” feature tight, intricate drumming that anchors the complex arrangements, offering a rhythmic pulse that contrasts with the more ethereal, atmospheric elements of the music.
In “Control,” the drumming is forceful, providing a counterpoint to the swirling synths and haunting melodies. The interplay between the drums and the synths creates a compelling tension, where the rhythm propels the track forward while the electronics build a sense of unease. Harrington’s use of complex rhythms adds a layer of excitement to Nothing, transforming it from a purely atmospheric experience into something that feels more physically engaging. The drumming acts as the heartbeat of the album, making the music feel dynamic and grounded while still maintaining its experimental nature.
A Continued Evolution: Darkside’s Musical Growth
While Nothing shares certain sonic characteristics with Psychic, it also marks a notable evolution in Darkside’s sound. The duo has taken what worked on their debut album and refined it, expanding their range and exploring new sonic possibilities. The album’s darker, more industrial edges reflect a shift in direction, moving away from some of the more acoustic, folk-tinged elements of Psychic in favor of a more electronic-heavy, immersive approach.
Yet, while the album’s sound is more experimental and aggressive, it retains the introspective qualities that have made Darkside so compelling. The lyrics, while sparse, are emotive and thoughtful, providing a haunting counterpoint to the album’s heavy, abstract soundscapes. The duo’s exploration of themes like alienation, love, and personal struggle are ever-present, but they are now set against a backdrop that feels more expansive and experimental. Darkside’s willingness to evolve their sound while staying true to their emotional core ensures that Nothing is both familiar and fresh, satisfying long-time fans while introducing new listeners to their evolving musical landscape.
Critical Reception: Lauded for Innovation and Complexity
Critics have universally praised Nothing for its innovation, atmospheric production, and intricate sound design. The album’s Metacritic score of 82 reflects its reception as one of the standout electronic albums of 2025, with reviewers highlighting the duo’s ability to stay ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving genre. Publications like Pitchfork and Resident Advisor have noted the album’s strong sense of atmosphere and its ability to balance experimentalism with emotional depth. Critics have also praised Darkside’s continued ability to fuse ambient, techno, and rock elements in ways that feel seamless, and the immersive production has been lauded as one of the album’s greatest strengths.
Many reviewers have also singled out the album’s rhythmic drive, with Harrington’s drumming playing a significant role in grounding the experimental elements of the music. The way in which the percussion interacts with the complex textures has been described as a key factor in making Nothing feel dynamic and compelling. It’s clear that Nothing is a product of both musical growth and continued innovation for Darkside, solidifying their place at the forefront of the experimental music scene.
Conclusion: Darkside’s Pioneering Sonic Vision
Nothing is another step forward for Darkside, an album that pushes the boundaries of experimental electronica while remaining emotionally resonant and deeply engaging. The duo’s mastery of texture, rhythm, and atmosphere ensures that Nothing is both challenging and immersive, offering listeners an album that rewards repeated listens and deeper exploration. Darkside’s ability to blend moody, atmospheric production with strong, driving rhythms makes Nothing one of their most innovative releases to date. With this album, Darkside continues to solidify their status as one of the most forward-thinking and influential duos in experimental music, crafting a sound that is uniquely their own while constantly evolving to stay ahead of the curve.
