Album Review: Peter Bjorn And John See You Through Darker Days

The older you get the wiser you get. This is a common saying that I do not necessarily believe. What happens is that life teaches you how to live it, and for, many of us, we need time to understand that. Most of us don’t learn from the first knock that we need to open “the door” or rather our heart and mind. Instead, it takes a few knocks to realize how closed we have been and Peter Bjorn and John’s Darker Days sees this.

Frankly, though we all suffer, nobody enjoys or gets used to it. Pain is always surprising, even though it is as consistent as love on this earth. Perhaps, it is because pain is what happens when love leaves. Throughout Darker Days this sentiment reigns through as lyrics try to embrace that, for however eternal love makes you feel, all relationships are truly temporary. Hence, tracks like, “Longer Nights,” “Sick And Tired,” “Wrapped Around The Axle,” and “Heaven And Hell” play to the rise and fall of a relationship.
Peter Bjorn and John – Every Other Night (Official Video)

I, often, wonder how we can go from not seeing life without a person to not seeing life with him/her. From “Living A Dream” to “Silicon Valley,” Peter Morén’s vocals guide and harmonize with Björn Yttling and John Eriksson’s to formulate a sonic wave of memories, and makes you feel the truth: we feel dark days because we have felt light ones. Hence, Moren’s voice teeters between candor and care; etching out sentiments as if he is looking back on them. Hence, you feel both sad and relieved because, like a good day, a bad one can become the past. Sonically, the album etches this by giving a maturer, sparkling sound to the acclaimed trio.
Peter Bjorn and John – Gut Feeling (Official Video)

It is hard to say Darker Days sounds clearer and simpler compared to Peter Bjorn and John’s prior albums. Yet, it does feel that ways in terms of energy. Despite all zipping melodies, zested hooks, electro-synths, and all zapping baselines and snares, Peter Bjorn and John’s voices and verses brings an aura of quiet pensiveness to the record. They are trying to mull over the longing, the mourning, and blessing of love lost as a reminder that you have loved at all. For More Information On Peter, Bjorn, and John’s Darker Days, Out October 19, Click Here.
Peter Bjorn and John – One for the Team (Official Video)