When Interpol's Turn on the Bright Lights debuted, it was
almost as if it started an unofficial new wave of New Wave bands.
When the Strokes' Is This It debuted, nobody cared that
their music was derivative of so many '70s-era rock bands, they had
perfected the genre. Just like Interpol, Austin's I Love You But
I've Chosen Darkness (which qualifies as the most creative band
name in recent years) have drawn comparisons to Joy Division, and
some of their songs sound like the Strokes without the lo-fi
vocals. Regardless, their self-titled debut EP is still one of the
best records of 2003. They perfectly capture the brighter side of
Joy Division, ignoring the quiet and suicidal aura that Interpol
has tried to emulate. It is as if Ian Curtis' ghost has come back
and only wants to play "Love Will Tear Us Apart." The first song on
the EP, "We're Still The Weaker Sex" perfectly encapsulates the
album, even, without annoying vocals. Downloading the song is
possible on the band's website, www.chosendarkness.com, and is well
worth the bandwidth. The rest of the EP is filled with the same
glorious melodies, even if they are derivative, as this first
track. I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness is officially the next
big thing.

Rating: 4 Stars