Portland-based trio Darkswoon have officially unleashed their latest full-length album, Antivenom, today. If you’ve been following the dark alternative scene for a bit, you’ll know these three don’t exactly do “cheerful,” but they do “atmospheric” better than most. Combining darkwave, post-punk, and a healthy dose of shoegaze, the new record is a bit of a deep dive into the heavier side of the human experience.
The band, consisting of Jana Cushman, Rachel Ellis, and Norah Lynn, have spent the last decade evolving from a solo project into a tight-knit unit. On Antivenom, they’ve managed to strike a balance between cold, mechanical electronic beats and some very raw, human emotions. Lyrically, it’s an honest look at anxiety, loss, and the stuff we usually leave unsaid, treated with a “confessional” vibe that feels right at home in a smoke-filled basement venue.
While their previous records like Bind and Bloom//Decay already turned heads, this new one feels even more expansive. There’s a lot of lush, layered synth work and gritty basslines that give the songs a sense of urgency, even when they’re leaning into those slower, dreamier shoegaze textures. It’s the kind of music that works just as well for a solitary late-night listen as it does for a gloomy dancefloor.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting into the darker side of indie, Antivenom proves Darkswoon are at the top of their game. The album is out now on vinyl, CD, and all the usual digital spots, so there’s no excuse not to get stuck in.
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