Darkness Has Never Been So Bright Chapter One: A Hidden Gem from Pete Herbert & DJ Steef
Released back in 2014 under La dame Noir Records (France), Darkness Has Never Been So Bright Chapter One is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It's not flashy or overhyped, but man, does it pack a punch when you let it sink in. This collab between Pete Herbert and DJ Steef feels like an underground secret waiting to be discovered by anyone who loves deep, moody beats with just enough groove to keep things interesting.
Let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me because they’re kinda unforgettable once you hear ‘em.
First off, "Pipeline (DJ Steef Edit)"—this tune hits different. Right away, the bassline grabs your attention like a magnet. It’s dark, yeah, but there’s this subtle bounce to it that makes you wanna nod your head even if you weren’t planning to. The edits here feel intentional, almost like DJ Steef took his time crafting every little detail to make sure it didn’t sound too polished. There’s grit in there, which honestly gives it character. If I had to pick one track to play late at night while cruising through empty streets, this would be it. Feels cinematic without trying too hard.
Then there’s "Yes I Know My Way (Pete Herbert Edit)", and wow, talk about contrast. Where the Pipeline edit leans more toward raw energy, this one brings smooth vibes. Pete Herbert really knows how to layer sounds—the synths glide effortlessly, and the rhythm has this hypnotic quality that pulls you in. What stays with me most is the way he plays around with the vocals; they don’t overpower the track but instead add this dreamy texture. You could easily lose yourself in this for hours, whether you're chilling solo or dancing somewhere dimly lit.
Now, full disclosure—I wasn’t expecting much going into this album. Sometimes French labels can feel a bit pretentious, ya know? But nah, this project flips that script entirely. It’s got soul, depth, and just enough quirkiness to stand out. Plus, the fact that these guys nailed both shadowy moods AND uplifting moments within the same record is impressive AF.
Here’s the kicker though: after listening to this album twice, I realized something weird—it made me think about light pollution. Like, how cities are so bright all the time that we forget what true darkness looks like. And isn’t that ironic given the title? Darkness has never been so bright… literally and figuratively. Food for thought, huh?
So yeah, give Darkness Has Never Been So Bright Chapter One a spin if you haven’t already. It might surprise you as much as it did me.
