Darlingside has long been praised for their harmonies and intelligent songwriting. Described by NPR as “exquisitely-arranged, literary-minded, baroque folk-pop,” their dynamic presence has made them a live-performance favorite.

If Darlingside’s first album, Birds Say (2015), focused on nostalgia, and their second, Extralife (2018), contemplated uncertain futures, then Fish Pond Fish (2020) stands firmly in the present and showcases their broader storytelling abilities. Dave Senft (bass), Don Mitchell (guitar, banjo), Auyon Mukharji (violin, mandolin), and Harris Paseltiner (cello, guitar) have created a natural history in song. They bring us into gardens, groves, and orchard rows. Fish Pond Fish showcases their broader storytelling abilities. Their gift of poetry is evident, especially in lyrics like, ‘nature is a looking glass. . .’ and in track titles like ‘Ocean Bed,’ ‘Green + Evergreen,’ and ‘Crystal Caving.’ An experience of nature is an experience of self; an experience of self is one of natural change.