My thoughts blur together as the years go by. I’ve seen Dark Thoughts countless times in dingy basements and on high rise stages. Each record has well worn digital footprints in my data. Let’s just say: I’m a fan.

From those early cement dust-filled Philadelphia diy gigs Dark Thoughts has grown – yet remained true to their sound – as they’ve left their local scene to tour the country, playing such fests as DC’s Damaged City or weaving across America with fellow East Coasters such as the Smarthearts. It’s no surprise, then, that they are now slated to make their way over to London to perform the 2020 Static Shock Fest this upcoming March.

DT has been a force since 2016. It wasn’t too long after their debut self-titled release that you’d find friends spelling out words while staring up at ceilings, dreaming when they could walk home with that special someone. The songs were infectious. Most people that willfully inject themselves with unhealthy doses of Dark Thoughts on cold days and lonely nights would never sincerely use the term ‘Ramones-core’ but it’s hard to deny that they play on a formula that defies and redefines what it means to worship all things Ramones. It draws you in with familiarity, yet hooks you with that perfect blend of hard edge and warm charm.

Instead, this is a band that has cemented a place in all playlists as the cool down from the harshness. They sit perfectly in between Japanese d-beat and Boston hardcore; that quick reprieve from the anger this subculture can harness. It’s no surprise since the three members have or currently play in other d-beat and hardcore projects. Preference tends to place them with the likes of Marked Men, a more laidback-yet-anxious punk in contrast to their contemporary Ramones worshippers.

I had my doubts about listening to the LP after the single, “Do You Dream” was released. Can you blame me? The single sits nicely in the album but it didn’t stand well alone. The bubblegum-chewing pop song was just what people have grown to expect from this punk project that walks a fine line of honesty with a melody. Luckily I was wrong.

“Scan the Radio” will quickly become the nugget that leads one into wondering which playlist it belongs. It’s their signature sickly sweet sway; being not quite unrequiting, it teeters on the possibility of loneliness. The song sways you into comfort like a well worn, old winter blanket. The kind you bundle into when thoughts of depression wage heavy in your mind. It comes in slow but ends too soon, leaving memories of warm and fuzzy summer days in hot cars on the verge of overheating with busted tape players but working FM receivers.

Previous albums always eased the discontent that comes with being a bum. For any habitual do-nothing, have-nothing kind of human, Dark Thoughts have been the boombox that amplified useless feelings. Must Be Nice is no different. Following “Scan the Radio”, “You Gotta Find” blasts into ears:

Do you feel the world falling down around you

Do you feel like you’ve got nowhere to go

Do you feel on top of it

Your job is driving you insane

You feel like you can’t make it on your own

It’s a perpetual ritual to never have a job but to endlessly fill out applications while blasting Dark Thoughts. At the center of this album is a solid block of soundtrack to cruise Indeed.com; a perfect playlist for filling out cover letters.

Don’t you treat me like you used to

Just keep lookin’ over my shoulder for you

I’ve been actin’ so strange

Watching old ladies on the counter counting change See the words

Shadows on the wall

People that I used to know

Don’t forget to shine a light in the darkness of this life

Hang my picture when I go



I’ve been waiting for someone like you

To take my hand

Tell me what to do

I don’t care about the things they say

I don’t ever wanna be that way

You know I would give you my heart and soul

To be worth something, even terrible

I can’t wait to get off work tonight

And everything’s gonna be alright

This album is a great addition to the discography. It brings everything that you expect, that raw amorous dejection that encourages the less-than-brightest bulbs to enjoy themselves. This is for the ones that didn’t graduate college or never got that fancy job, the ones that just need the simpler things in life. It’s the kind of album that asks you to look around, enjoy what you have, and be loving to the friends you’ve made. It doesn’t ask anything of you, but rather offers to make you and your small circle to feel better for not being on top of the world. It’s a reminder that having someone love you is at the core of what is human; not your diploma, your career, or even your sanity. It lays this on a platter as an easy-to-digest meal of catchiness for the downtrodden and dejected.

It’s so easy to be lonely

It’s so hard to be loved

I think it must be nice

(It’s so easy to be lonely)

I think it must be nice

(It’s so hard to be loved)