Darius Koski

Darius Koski (Swingin' Utters) on his new solo album, “What Was Once Is By And Gone,” and hitting the road with a new Utters linuep - Dying Scene: Interview

Brooklyn Vegan: premiere

Darius Koski has spent nearly three decades building a body of work as a member of Swingin’ Utters and Filthy Thieving Bastards, as well as launching a solo career with his 2015 debut album Sisu.

Much has been made of Koski’s prolific nature, but it is his work ethic that allows him to constantly push boundaries and expand his creative palate. Now we bring you Koski’s most expansive work to date in What Was Once Is By And Gone.

While the debut album Sisu leaned heavy on Koski’s Americana influences, What Was Once Is By And Gone sees Koski taking an even more eclectic approach, celebrating the diverse nature of his musical acuity. Though not a concept record, Koski’s work on What Was Once Is By And Gone feels cinematic, with layers of instruments building a distinct world, using instrumental pieces to shift the album’s tone and tenor like a director uses a film score. Songs like “Old Bones” and “Stay With Me” are unlike anything he’s done before, as Koski tells evocative stories that ache forward like a tumbleweed in the wind. “A Version” is a somber, desolate moment that sees the record transition into its final act, flush with a trumpet line that could have been lifted from a classic jazz record. It’s a bold move, but one Koski pulls off effortlessly.

After years of writing songs that never felt like they fit anywhere, Koski has given them a home on this album, allowing himself to indulge in the uproarious moments of punk, and the introspective space that’s been undercutting it all along.

Following the release of What Was Once Is By And Gone, Koski will be taking this show on the road, doing double duty as he opens the upcoming Swingin’ Utters tour.

Check out the tour dates here and let us know if you have any requests!

RIYL: Old 97s, Okkervil River, Drag The River, Wilco, Deer Tick
TRY: #2, 3, 11
DIRTY: #5, 12

Download full album here:
https://www.piratepirate.com/downloads/

More Info Here:
http://www.fatwreck.com/band/index/123
https://www.facebook.com/Darius-Koski-9981967121/
https://twitter.com/Maitoboika