Dark matters
Dark matters is the debut album by The Gliding Faces. Released on 10 December 2021, the album was recorded over the course of a year or so following the release of Dan's album, Featuring where Max was asked to provide vocals for two songs.
Concept, writing and production
The album, originally called The strange, censorial lens examines some of the darker aspects of social interaction, love and has some political points to make, too. It's a stark look at the post-COVID societal landscape. During the writing process, it was established that Max and Dan would write 24 songs and whittle the selection down to 12 tracks for the album (though 13 was the final number of tracks on the album) and that the remaining tracks would be issued on the maxi-singles as bonus tracks, referred to as B-sides.
With Dan working predominantly on a MacBook Pro in Coventry and Max working on an iPad Pro, The Gliding Faces worked largely together to record the songs, with some of the production being done separately. So, some songs were more Max than Dan and vice versa. The best results, however, were often achieved when the pair worked closely together to craft a song.
Design
The design of the artwork for Dark matters was inspired by Max suggesting that entering into the world of The Gliding Faces would be like joining a cult. To that end, Max put together costumes and leaned heavily into the red/blue aesthetic contrast. Dan being darker, having blacked-out eyes and Max having whited-out eyes and wearing the more passionate red collar made for an interesting dynamic that suggested an angel and demon or good cop and bad cop. The skull represents death, which, as we all know, doesn't mean death, but rebirth and renewal, which is apt for a debut album.
Track listing
- Feeling queer - 3.25
- In the dead of night - 3.48
- Sugar pill - 4.21
- Waiting for a better tomorrow - 4.40
- Now you're in trouble (feat. Neil Francis) - 4.44
- Awash - 5.05
- Hypothermia - 3.57
- Icicle works - 3.58
- Loneliest together - 3.16
- Charity shop wedding dress - 3.57
- Cut out my heart - 4.17
- Feel my feelings - 4.07
- Irreplaceable - 3.37
Total running time: 53 minutes 12 seconds.
Personnel
- Written, produced and performed by Max Herring and Daniel Bailey-Graham.
- Saxophone on track 4 by Craig Holmes.
- Art, photography and design by The Gliding Faces.