The Dark Fantastic
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
The Dark Fantastic was a rock group originating from Seattle, Washington, established in 1997. Initially conceived as a solo endeavor by Mark Pickerel during his involvement with Truly, it evolved into a complete band after Truly dissolved, incorporating guitarist Jesse Roberts and bassist Mike Elkins. The band released two albums via Up Records: their eponymous debut in 1999 and Goodbye Crooked Scar in 2001, before ultimately disbanding.
Origins and debut album (1990–1999)
Mark Pickerel, who previously served as the drummer for the Seattle-based group Screaming Trees, contributed to their first five records prior to his departure in 1991. In 1990, he went on to establish Truly alongside former Soundgarden bassist Hiro Yamamoto and vocalist/guitarist Robert Roth, maintaining his role with Truly after leaving Screaming Trees. During this timeframe, Pickerel initiated The Dark Fantastic as a solo project. Following Truly’s final release, he expanded the project into a full ensemble in 1997 by adding guitarist Jesse Roberts and bassist Mike Elkins.
Under the guidance of producer Martin Feveyear, the band recorded their first album. Van Conner, Pickerel’s ex-bandmate from Screaming Trees, played bass on two tracks. Feveyear contributed keyboard parts, while Pickerel performed vocals, drums, percussion, and additional guitars. Distributed by Up Records, the album was met with favorable critiques. Reviewers emphasized Pickerel’s ongoing indie guitar craftsmanship and adventurous musical direction, noting the fusion of dark Southwestern motifs with elements of pop, sludge-infused indie rock, and synth-pop. The debut was recognized as a commendable work led by an experienced musician.
Goodbye Crooked Scar and dissolution (2000–2001)
Continuing his session work with artists such as Neko Case and Jim Carroll, Pickerel collaborated again with Martin Feveyear to produce The Dark Fantastic’s sophomore album. Released in 2001, Goodbye Crooked Scar included guest vocals from Vanessa Veselka and garnered positive critical reception. Charles Spano of Allmusic highlighted its mixture of psychedelic and desert rock styles enriched by distinctive Far Eastern influences, praising Pickerel’s vocal performance along with contributions from Roberts and Elkins. Eden Miller of PopMatters described the record as "elegantly melancholy," reflecting the band’s artistic growth. The group disbanded by late 2001. Pickerel subsequently launched his solo career with the 2006 album Snake in the Radio, credited to Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands, followed by Cody's Dream in 2008.
Musical style
The Dark Fantastic’s music is identified by its dark, atmospheric, psychedelic desert rock sound shaped by influences such as Pink Floyd, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Neko Case. Pickerel’s vocal delivery has been likened to that of Brian Wilson, underscoring his unique presence within the genre.
Band members
- Mark Pickerel – vocals, guitar, drums, percussion
- Jesse Roberts – guitar
- Mike Elkins – bass
Discography
- Studio albums
- The Dark Fantastic (1999)
- Goodbye Crooked Scar (2001)