Darkstar have signed a new record deal with Warp, after deciding to leave Hyperdub.
Closely associated with bass music, Hyperdub have always sidestepped convention to sign whoever the hell they like. In Darkstar, one of the label's central acts was actually more at home producing synth pop.
As usual, though, the kind of sonic clarity on a Darkstarr record meant that it could only have come out on Hyperdub. The group's allusive nature, their anonymity and attention to detail could all be regarded as hallmarks of the label.
The trio's second album 'North' came out last year, and was an overwhelming artistic success. Read our review of 'North' by clicking HERE.
Mixing elements of post-garage beats with carefully processed synths, 'North' contains the Human League reinvention that was 'Gold'. Critically acclaimed, the album now seems to be Darkstarr's final gesture on Hyperdub.
Reports began to emerge earlier this year that the pair had signed a deal with Warp. Now Hyperdub boss Kode9 has used his Twitter feed to confirm the news, saying: "I would just like to send my love and gratitude to Darkstar and wish them the best possible future on Warp Records.”
FACT Magazine is reporting that a representative from Hyperdub has confirmed that Darkstar have left the label.
The move seems to be an amicable transition. Warp have yet to officially announce the news, and it is not known how long the contract will be for - presumably it is at least a one album deal.
Darkstar are currently out on tour across the UK. Playing their first full tour, the duo have just two dates left:
February
16 Glasgow Nice N Sleazy
18 Leeds A Nation of Shopkeepers
23 London Hoxton Bar & Grill
24 Cardiff Arts Institute
25 Bristol Start The Bus
26 Brighton Coalition
Click here to buy tickets for Darkstar!
