Dark Dark Dark recorded their new EP Bright Bright Bright at a former church in Duluth, Minnesota, which imbues these songs with an ethereal quality that only intensifies their splendor. Not only do the rich acoustics of Sacred Heart Studios add to the natural, elegant sound of the band, but the venue also provided a relaxed environment that allowed the sextet to wholly give themselves up to the gorgeous majesty of their songs. Dark Dark Dark have really deepened their sound on this new EP, while also enlisting two new members in order to fully flesh out their musical ideas and strengthen their arrangements. The results are frequently quite stunning, and hopefully this release signifies that bigger things are in store for them with their impending full-length (which they are currently recording in Minneapolis). Whatever the future holds for the band, Bright Bright Bright is filled with confident, fully-developed songs that are at once intimate and expansive, and represent a group that is focused intently on exploring both the peaks and depths of their own inspiration. The EP begins with the gentle, unhurried pace of the title track, with Nona Marie Invie's breathy vocals gradually growing in intensity as the song swells amidst the pleasing strains of the piano and cello accompaniment. There are some similarities to the lilting ebullience of Beirut within Dark Dark Dark's songs (especially with the brass, strings and accordion embellishments), but the tracks have an thoroughly original spirit and style to them that gives them a fresh, modern sound. But there is also a timeless aura to their music that wouldn't seem out of place wafting out of the cafes of Montmartre, and that only adds to their appeal.Marshall Lacount takes over lead vocals on the swinging 'Make Time,' which grows to a glorious crescendo with the whole group contributing to the uplifting chorus. Otherwise though, the vocals are all handled adeptly by Invie, especially on the stunning 'Something For Myself,' where her sonorous voice soars above the melancholy piano and transports both the song and the listener heavenward. It's a truly phenomenal song, and is the crowning centerpiece of the EP. The piano-laden berceuse 'Wild Goose Chase' closes out the all-too-brief album strongly, leaving me blown away and clearly wanting more. Thankfully a full-length is coming soon, so the ever-growing number of Dark Dark Dark fans won't have to wait too long to hear more from this proficient and deeply affecting band.