![]() “Now, we both feel more comfortable creeping this material into the open. “We were originally intending to release it earlier, but with the pandemic and other things going on in the world, it just hadn’t seemed appropriate,” adds Lanegan. In contrast to the more eerie tracks and a showcase of the previously mentioned ambient nostalgia, are tracks such as the spare “Lost Animals,” relying on Lanegan’s vocals and minimal synth, the church organ infused “Hiraeth,” and the trip-hop esque “Cold Summer.” These tracks showcase the range of emotions and moods DMvSJ are able to capture on this expirmental, electronic journey. A prolific artist and author, Lanegan has collaborated with a host of bands and musicians, including UNKLE, Neko Case, The Duke Spirit, and Queens of the Stone Age, among many others. The entire DMvsSJ venture is a passion project stemming from none other than Screaming Trees’ Mark Lanegan and The Icarus Line’s Joe Cardamone. No matter how you enjoy music, this album deserves a listen one way or another. Other tracks on the record that capture this soundscape include the previously mentioned “No Justice,” which fits in line with the goth/midnight dance floor, the slow-burning “Turning In Reverse” and the chaotic “Sanctified.” A project born of mutual respect from Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age) and Joe Cardamone (The Icarus Line), Dark Mark vs Skeleton Joe (DMvSJ) mines electronic music and unearths an experimental sound for both of them, a sound coined gothic death disco by Louder Sound. Skeleton Joe is just 48 hours from hitting shelves and dropping on streaming services. The track is truly hypnotic and sounds like it could be right at home in a John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) movie. The night portion of Joe’s analogy is perfectly represented in opening track “Livin Dead,” which immediately starts off with eerie, blaring synths before pulsating drums and arresting vocals kick in. The hard songs are for when the sun is gone and the cuts without percussion are for the day after the primal beating.” I always thought the record functioned on a day to night level. “There’s a lot of material that is nostalgic ambient. Only half the record lives in that territory though,” explains Cardamone. “I do think the death disco label we’ve been given could apply to portions of the material. “The material we wanted to do together seemed to take well to the idea that our personas here are as if we’re now outcasts to our own creative selves.” I’ve wondered about his songwriting process, and whether he writes the lyrics and music at the same time, or if one conjures the other. Skeleton Joe collaboration, and so much of Lanegan’s other work that has been part of my own life soundtrack. Skeleton Joe, more than any other record I’ve ever made, it totally has the feel of a time and a place for me. I’m still thinking about the Dark Mark vs. Skeleton Joe because we both have assumed these alter egos over the years,” says Cardamone about the origins of the project. Lanegan died on February 22 at the age of 57 from as-yet-unannounced causes. ![]() “When you have done as much stuff as Joe and I, you have to constantly search for the different and challenging to keep yourself engaged.” “The fact that it’s not like anything either one of us have done before is what makes this so interesting for me,” explains Lanegan. ![]() Cardamone was interviewed by mxdwn alongside Annie Hardy and director Michael Grodner regarding the film The Icarus Line Must Die.And while he’s worked many legendary acts over his career, DMvsSJ marks a new band for Lanegan, not a guest spot or featured artist. Lanegan has also been busy at work with his own solo projects, releasing Straight Songs of Sorrow earlier this year alongside collaborations with Greg Dulli of the Afghan Whigs and Dylan Carlson. When you have done as much stuff as Joe and I you have to constantly search for the different and challenging to keep yourself engaged. The fact that it’s not like anything either one of us have done before is what makes this so interesting for me, Lanegan told Rolling Stone’s website. Lanegan has already announced a Christmas project under his Dark Mark moniker. Skeleton Joe, the duo’s new music breaks virgin ground for both men, occupying a sonic niche we’ve decided to call ‘gothic death disco’. Skeleton Joe, the duo have previewed the moody introductory track from their upcoming album together, Dark Mark Theme alongside its B-side, Skeleton Joe Manifesto. The project’s title takes its name from the alter egos both musicians have been forming over the years. Mark Lanegan will reassume his Dark Mark moniker for a new side project with former Icarus Line singer Joe Cardamone. Lanegan performs his vocals with a haunting vocal tone, as he sings cryptic lyrics, which perfectly capture isolation. This two minute teaser features dark synth melodies, and eerie lines, on top of gritty drums and guitars added during the latter half of the runtime. The two have also premiered a short teaser of music, featuring music from the upcoming 12-inch.
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