Those Darlins
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Nashville , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
| Owner | Oh Wow Dang Records (imprint managed by the band) |
Those Darlins was a rock and roll group originating from Nashville, Tennessee, active between 2006 and 2016. Their discography includes three albums: the alt-country-tinged debut Those Darlins (2009), the garage rock-inspired Screws Get Loose (2011), and the classic rock and roll-flavored Blur the Line (2013). The band also managed their own imprint, Oh Wow Dang Records. They entered a hiatus in 2016.
Lead vocalist Jessi Zazu passed away from cancer on September 12, 2017.
Formation
Those Darlins was formed by Jessi Zazu, Nikki Kvarnes, and Kelley Anderson after they connected at the Southern Girls Rock & Roll Camp held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Initially, they performed covers of Carter Family tunes, incorporating traditional southern instruments such as washboard and clogging alongside unconventional ones like the baritone ukulele. The trio adopted the shared stage surname Darlin until Anderson's departure in 2012.
Their debut single, "Wild One," came out in 2008. Soon after, Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys invited them to support his solo U.S. tour, significantly increasing their visibility.
Those Darlins (self-titled)
Their first album was recorded with Jeff Curtin of Small Black, recognized for his contributions to Vampire Weekend's debut album. This record fuses their Appalachian and alt-country roots with elements of rockabilly and classic rock and roll. The lead track, "Red Light Love," gained additional attention by being featured in a national advertisement for the Kia Sorento.
To support the release, Those Darlins toured alongside rock bands such as Dr. Dog, The Features, The King Khan & BBQ Show, and JEFF the Brotherhood.
Screws Get Loose
After their initial touring phase, drummer Linwood Regensburg officially joined the band as a full member and collaborator on songwriting. In 2011, the four-piece recorded their sophomore album Screws Get Loose, again with Jeff Curtin producing and Ed Rawls engineering—Rawls is known for his work with garage rock outfits like Black Lips and early Deerhunter.
This album marked a transition toward a more intense garage rock style, earning praise from critic Robert Christgau for its "catchy, bold, punk-infused songwriting" with influences reminiscent of Be Your Own Pet and The Donnas. The singles "Screws Get Loose" and "Be Your Bro" were accompanied by music videos. Their touring schedule included U.S. dates with Best Coast, Drive-By Truckers, and Old 97's, followed by their inaugural European tour in early 2012.
Kelley Anderson's Exit
In February 2012, Those Darlins announced that founding member Kelley Anderson would be leaving to explore other musical directions and career opportunities. Adrian Barrera took over bass duties; he had previously toured with them while playing in Gentlemen Jesse & His Men.
Blur the Line
In early 2013, Those Darlins recorded their third studio effort, Blur the Line, in Nashville under producer Roger Moutenot, noted for his collaborations with Yo La Tengo and John Cale. Before revealing the album, the band caused local controversy by displaying a banner outside Nashville’s Grimey's New & Preloved Music featuring nude torsos and legs of all four members. The group accepted responsibility but stated that any offense was unintentional.
Paste magazine announced the album’s release date as October 1, 2013, premiering videos for singles "Oh God" and "Optimist". SPIN characterized Blur the Line as "both gritty and alluring," while Blurt applauded its composition and production quality, labeling it a contemporary classic.
Hiatus
On December 9, 2015, the band revealed on Facebook that they would be entering an indefinite hiatus following their concluding tour in January, explaining their intention to explore new paths. They conveyed their appreciation to fans who supported them throughout their journey. Their final performance took place on March 17, 2016, at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn.
Jessi Zazu, the group's lead vocalist, died from cervical cancer on September 12, 2017, at the age of 28.
Discography
All releases listed below were issued by Oh Wow Dang Records except where otherwise indicated. This label has not produced works for any other artists.
Albums
- Those Darlins (2009)
- Screws Get Loose (2011)
- Blur the Line (2013)
- Live at Pickathon (2015) – split 12" with Diarrhea Planet for Record Store Day (Easy Sound Recording Co.)
EPs
- Wild One (2008)
Singles
- "Wild One" backed with "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" (2008)
- "Nightjogger" backed with "Funstix Party" (2010)
- "Be Your Bro" backed with "Let U Down" (2011)
- "Screws Get Loose (extended version)" backed with "Prank Call" (2011)
- "Mystic Mind" backed with "Pet You and Hold You" (2012)
- "Summer's Dead" backed with "Prison Shanks" (split 7-inch with Heavy Cream) (2012)
- "In the Wilderness (radio edit)" backed with "Blur the Line" (2013)
Music Videos
- "Red Light Love" (2009)
- "Be Your Bro" (2011)
- "Screws Get Loose" (2011)
- "Optimist" (2013)
- "Oh God" (2013)
- "In The Wilderness" (2014)