Darker Days

Darker Days marks the eighth studio outing for Peter Bjorn and John, serving as a deliberate sonic correction to the polished, synth-heavy production of 2016's Breakin' Point. Released on their own INGRID label, the album was conceived as a return to the trio's organic roots, heavily influenced by the skeletal arrangements of 1970s folk-rock and the raw energy of Jack White. The record is structurally unique in its democratic approach; the band split songwriting duties evenly, with Peter Morén, Björn Yttling, and John Eriksson each contributing tracks that reflect their personal preoccupations - ranging from global politics to internal psychological shadows. This thematic tripod is anchored by the band's legendary rhythmic precision, specifically John's dry, inventive drumming which remains the group's most distinct signature. The album's centerpiece, the eight-minute 'Heaven and Hell,' acts as a thematic and sonic summary, even referencing elements of the title track which was curiously relegated to a subsequent EP. It stands as a rejuvenated, confident statement of intent from a band entering their third decade.