Darren Sullivan - Darren Sullivan and the Littoral Drift "Verdure"

​Darren Sullivan

Darren Sullivan and the Littoral Drift "Verdure"
​self-released; 2023

By Dan Weston

Darren Sullivan and Josh Dylan Peters form the duo Darren Sullivan and the Littoral Drift. Sullivan handles music production and songwriting while Peters focuses on drum arrangements and rhythm. They have been collaborating for several years. They recently released Verdure.

This album showcases a diverse blend of punk rock, heavy metal, folk, electronic and indie experimentation. It features prominent vocals and includes spontaneous, energetic jams. The lyrics explore themes of love lost, grief, celebration and rebirth. 

There are a whopping fifteen songs on the release and it starts with “Eliza” which is a sort of spirited and off kilter song. Some of it feels punk but other elements are quite inventive especially the bass sound. It got my attention.

“California Poppies” is very different. It’s soft, melancholy and contemplative. I loved this ambient and lush sound. The guitar work is fantastic and so are the vocals. Their softer side continues with “Rock n’ Roll Life” and the guitar work was intricate. I was reminded of The Red House Painters on this song. They get more into rock mode on “The Last One.” It's an interesting song a little funky. It also feels submerged in reverb laced guitars. I thought the syncopated bass lines were fantastic.

“A Sailor Story” was one of my personal favorites. The drumming here was nuanced and really drove the song. There are also some soaring lead guitars. This song has a slight Radiohead type feel to it.“Leave It Alone” was cinematic and I heard some orchestral strings in there. It’s another side to their talent. “Said It The Same” was slick. I really liked the juxtaposition between the soft vocals and kinetic drums. 

As the album progressed I thought there were a number of standout songs. “No Discord”, “A Larger Lad” and the 70’s funk on closer “California.”

​This is a very eclectic release. The songwriting is original and there are a lot of original ideas. Recommended.

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