(from Sweet Potato,  September 10-17, 1986)

North Carolina is one of two major suppliers of intelligent pop to this
country, and with the Connells another feather can be added to the crown.
In typical American fashion, Darker Days (Black Park Records) is getting its
domestic release months after Demon Records put it out in England.  With all
the mediocre "new wave" being supported by our major labels, you'd think a
band this good would have no trouble getting heard, but ain't that just like
life.  And they are that good.  I'd call the Connells a cross between Lloyd
Cole's Commotions and R.E.M.  Those with nothing better to do than re-read
Sweet Potato back issues will recall that I identified these guys as a band
to watch out for six months ago, and "Darker Days, " which elicited that
testimonial, sounds just as good here as it did on the More Mondo
compilation.  This is a stellar set, from start to finish.  If you've only
got time for one selection, get your local college station to play the title
cut, "unspoken Words" or the instrumental "Dial It," and then go out an buy
the damned thing, 'cause on selection just doesn't do Darker Days
ustice.  - Seth Barner

--------------------------------

(from Poplife magazine, no date)

The Connells, DARKER DAYS-
On this, their debut album, the Connells are at their best when the energy
level is high, especially on the opener, "Hats Off" and "Seven."  Singer
Doug MacMillan's breathy vocals have all the melancholia of the Smiths'
Morrissey with out the melodrama, and are best when he forgets to worry
about enunciating every last syllable.  On the second side, however, the
band's energy tends to flag and they resort to some of the by-now-hackneyed
R.E.M. jangle.  Not surprisingly, a few of these tracks were produced by Don
Dixon, who co-produced the first few R.E.M. records.  Other than that, this
is a very promising first album.  Look for them on tour this winter.  B+

-----------------------------------

(from Musician, October 1986)

The Connells
Darker Days (Black Park)
Because the Connells' playing is so rhythmically direct and melodically
allusive, the band's classically constructed songs offer more kick than most
post-garage bands muster.  Which is more than enough reason to hope for
more.

--------------------------------------

(from BAM, October 31, 1986)

The Connells: Darker Days (Black Park  Records)
Released in England on Elvis Costello's Demon Records, this debut disc from
the land of Mitch Easter has been widely compared to the Smiths, though I'll
take Doug MacMillan's clear, deep vocals over Morrissey's strangled whimper
any day.  And, particularly on the tracks "Seven" and "Unspoken Words," the
Connells prove themselves better songwriters as well.  A brilliant record,
produced, not surprisingly, by Don Dixon.  -BF

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