The Dark Romantics

Imagine an indie rock version of ABBA where Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog are sisters; that's pretty much descriptive of part of the makeup and sound of the Dark Romantics. This quintet from Lakeland, FL is led by singer Eric Collins and guitarist Dean Paul, formerly of the alternative Christian pop acts Dennison Marrs and the John Ralston Band, respectively. Under the mentorship of longtime friend Jason Martin of Starflyer 59, Collins and Paul wrote and demoed a batch of songs, and then formed a new band with their significant others, Amanda Jones (Paul's wife, on keyboards) and Carla Jones (Collins' wife, on bass). Featuring a sound reminiscent of both the New Pornographers' richly melodic indie rock and Starflyer 59's chilly electronic sheen, the Dark Romantics released that first set of Martin-produced tunes as the Another Song EP in the summer of 2006. The Dark Romantics' first full-length album, Some Midnight Kissin', followed in October.