a dark horse

a dark horse are James Parker & Hugh Rodgers.

From delicately whispered vocals to a banjo echoing through a sparsely furnished room, their songs make you think of firewood crackling somewhere deep in a forest clearing, damp leaves and butterflies, soft forest foliage underfoot and shimmering light filtering through treetops overhead.

a dark horse songs tell stories about walking your own path, recalling the childhood freedom of endless summer days, how we change our lives in the unknown, and how our hopes, fears and dreams are forged within our pain. The songs rise to crescendos before unwinding themselves, their stories told, their bodies broken, but staying with the listener, long after the music has ceased.

They recorded their debut EP in Porchlight Studios in Ranelagh between February and August 2011 with friend & drummer extraordinaire Niall Woods, and brought in other talented friends Adrian Mullan (drums) & Luke Slott (piano, trumpet), Vyvienne Long (cello, vocals) and Adrian Mullan Snr. (accordion). Their self produced EP was recorded by Niall Woods & John Bradshaw, mixed by Stephen Shannon at Experimental Audio, and mastered by Richard Dowling at Wav Mastering.

What people are saying about a dark horse...

"One of the most accomplished and exciting debuts that have passed through HP Towers this year."
// Hot Press (IRE)

"A sound that is compelling, dense, and dreamy, A Dark Horse prove themselves to be more than commercial-radio-ready."
// Seattle Weekly (USA)

"A completely immersive affair, but slowly, like rising water... Let yourself get swept away."
// Amazing Radio [UK]

"A rich, cinematic and substantial sound."
// Nialler 9 (IRE)

"Pur sang pop."
// Les Inrockuptibles (FRA)

"a dark horse is a sweeping triumph."
// Bitzlr.com (IRE)

"The most melodic & enchanting EP."
// Siobhán Maguire of The Sunday Times (IRE)

"With each listen, you allow yourself to fall deeper and deeper under its spell."
// Gold Flake Paint (UK)

"Cinematic, lush and ambitious duo."
// State Magazine - FACES OF 2013 (IRE)

Contact: adarkhorsemusic[at]gmail[dot]com