Sadly, any mention of D. Watusi brings about the incredibly sad and unfortunate memory of the passing of bassist Ben Todd. His departure really can’t be overstated enough as a real loss for the world. I’m not even using the least bit of exaggeration or hyperbole with that statement, the world was better with him in it. Despite barely knowing him personally, I can honestly say my life was improved by his endeavors.
Maybe it’s unfair to bring that up when mentioning Dark Party because the record is phenomenally good regardless of that fact, not despite it. There are plenty of bands in town that could be placed in the same genre as D. Watusi but none of them come close to pulling off the right balance of sonic production, catchiness, energy and just the right amount of showing influences from other realms – like the inclusion of horns on “You Walk” or the raging zone out “Little Heller."Â
I’ll even go as far as to say that this one deserves to sit on the Best Of Nashville shelf – not just Best of 2013.Â