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CMW Preview: the Darcys

By: Sheena Lyonnais 

March 08, 2010

The Darcys are known almost equally for their guitar-driven songs as they are the satirical poetry that laces them. They’re a band that isn’t afraid to combine intricate melodies with feral energies. The Toronto Star so epically described them as “Thom-Yorke-Does-Crazy-Horse,” which seems not so farfetched when compared to drummer Wes Marskell’s answers to the CMW Questionnaire. See for yourself here.

How are you doing and where are you right now?

The band is home in Toronto. It is nice to be home. It is good to be playing and having fun in the rehearsal space again. I am excited about the months to come, the warm weather, our new line up and the new record. We have some pretty big tours coming up and even a trick or two up our sleeves. I feel good…for the moment.

There are a lot of bands playing CMW, why should I watch yours?

Because The Darcys are all boozey, brazen and loud. To be completely honest, we are surrounded by so many great bands on the Audioblood showcase that it is worth coming to see us just to see who is on before and after.

What are you doing to prepare for CMW?

I once read that in the NFL, quarterbacks spend hours watching old game film in order to prepare for the next team they play. They learn how to read a defense, stop the rush, and what holes they can open. I wish it worked like that for us. We could study tape, know exactly what to play when. Prepare in the true sense of the word. Instead, we have been listening to a lot of Steely Dan vinyl and [guitarist] Jason [Couse] has been trying to figure out how to play guitar like piano so we don't have to lug the Rhodes all over town.

What are you hoping to get out of the festival?

I remember playing a festival once and a guy came up to one of us and said something to the effect of “Man, I am like so high on acid right now and was having such a bad trip, but your music saved me. You saved my life. Can I buy a CD just in case shit goes south when I get home? I love you guys.” I am expecting something on par with that.

Tell me a tour story that is crazy but true.

We were held up at knifepoint in Guelph when someone was trying to steal our van. It was one of those big serrated hunting knives, 8-inches. We weren’t willing to let the van go. We are lucky no one was cut badly when we forced the guy out of the van. I remember sending the police officer with a T-shirt and a CD to give to the guy in his holding cell. He left the knife sheath in the van and we drive the country with it hanging from the rear-view mirror.

What are you/your band working on at the moment?

We are working on a lot of things right now. Our main focus is the release of our new record, Young Believers, which was produced by Murray Lightburn of The Dears. We also have film in the works, and a video EP. We are pretty busy these days and always trying to take on new projects.

Any last parting words for us music-hungry Toronto folk?

Stay hungry. Toronto is going to do a lot of great things in the next few years.

The Darcys CMW Showcases:

Thursday March 11, 2010 @ 11:00PM 

El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave 416-777-1777 

19+ Limited wristbands/passes accepted

Saturday March 13, 2010 @ 3:00AM 

Sneaky Dee's, 431 College St. 416-603-3090 

19+ All wristbands accepted

For more information on the Darcys, check out: www.myspace.com/itsthedarcys.