ROLLING STONE ORIGINAL

They've got the moody name, the brooding sound, even a dark, shadowy video for their single "According to Plan," but nothing else about Austin's I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness seems to fit the New Wave rock band bill. For starters, the name was not, as it sounds, meant to reflect any goth tendencies. At least not according to lead singer Christian Goyer (formerly of Windsor for the Derby), who answers the obvious question by claiming that his eleven-year-old son came up with the band's moniker. "I'm not saying that's the truth, but that's my answer," laughs Goyer. "He's very mixed up."

The quintet -- consisting of Goyer on vocals, Edward Robert on bass, Daniel Del Favero on guitar, Brian Thomlin on guitar and Timothy White on drums -- was born from casual jam sessions among a group of friends and acquaintances from around the Austin music scene. "It was pretty laid-back for quite some time," says Goyer. "It built up naturally without much thought. Next thing you know, it's like, oh, we're going on tour? I guess we're a real band now."

ILYBICD first made their mark with their self-titled (and much buzzed about) EP, released in 2003 on Austin indie label Emperor Jones. Produced by Austin's reigning king of indie-rock, Spoon's Britt Daniel, the five songs had an edgy rock sound with infectious beats. But in the three years that passed before their full-length album Fear Is On Our Side was released, their sound has evolved: the monochromatic vocals, bass-driven beats, eerie synth keyboards and electric guitar riffs have inspired comparisons to the Cure, Talk Talk and Joy Divison.

Fear Is On Our Side, which was released in March of this year, also bears the mark of its producer, Paul Barker of Ministry. "Paul's obviously much more into layers of sound, which we wanted," says Goyer, who notes that plans are already in place to start working on their next album after touring the U.S. and Europe in the fall. Here, the band plays some live tunes for Rolling Stone:

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Watch "Today We Choose Faces."

Watch "According To Plan."

Watch "Lights."

Watch "The Ghost."