The title track “Dark in Here” sets an antagonist as protagonist and asks an enemy to really consider their next move.

Track: “Dark in Here”
Album: Dark in Here (2021)

“You who thirst for action // I will give you some,” our narrator for the title track “Dark in Here” tells their enemies. They seek to challenge the preparations and intentions of all who come for them, constantly reminding any who will listen that they live in darkness and that you might, maybe, need to be a little more certain than you are if you’re going to try to step to them. There are many songs in this theme, but I really have to hand it to “Dark in Here” as the apotheosis of the form.

The lyrics are strong and it feels full without leaning into the almost indulgent sound of some of the other modern tracks. It’s a great track not just because of what it is, but because of the scene it imagines. Picture the standoff from visceral songs like “Werewolf Gimmick” but somehow, maybe, even more intense than that. John Darnielle delivers this one mostly even, which is uncommon for a narrator this angry, which lets the lyrics carry it. It’s a good choice when they’re as strong as they are in “Dark in Here,” and it rewards multiple listens to really sit in the scene.