Cosmos [LP]

Vinyl LP pressing. 2023 release. Darling West decamped for a tiny island on Norway's west coast to begin writing what was to become Cosmos, their fifth studio album. For the first time, the band's core - married couple Mari and Tor Egil Kreken - have included band members Thomas Gallatin and Christer Slaaen in the songwriting and production process. As a larger united, Darling West has really evolved. Cosmos is indeed the sound of expansion. West coast, cosmic folk, americana... Call it what you will - there are even hints of afro blues on here - but where the band once fit firmly in the folk/americana category, you might as well just call it pop these days. Cosmos was recorded and produced in it's entirety by Darling West. Vocal guests on the album include Matthew Logan Vasquez (Delta Spirit) and Jarle Bernhoft, while David Wallumrod, Lars Horntveth and Torjus Vierli all excel on keys. Finally, the one and only Rob Moose (Paul Simon, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Phoebe Bridgers) provides strings on "Till Night Turns to Day" and "Old Man".