Mastering the Atmosphere of Dark Side
"Us and Them" is a centerpiece of Pink Floyd's 1973 masterpiece, The Dark Side of the Moon. Written by Richard Wright and Roger Waters, the song is famous for its jazz-influenced chord progression and David Gilmour's incredibly smooth, airy vocal delivery. Unlike harder rock songs, this track requires patience, breath control, and the ability to navigate extreme shifts in dynamics.
The primary challenge isn't hitting high notes, but rather maintaining a consistent, relaxed tone while leaving space for the music (and the famous echo effects) to breathe. Let's break down how to capture that psychedelic magic.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Echoes
The studio recording features a heavy delay effect on lines like "Us... Us... Us...". When singing, you must leave a precise gap of silence after the initial word. Do not rush into the next phrase; let the music fill the void.
Phase 1: The Verses (Soft & Airy)
The verses are sung in a gentle, almost spoken register. The starting notes are low and require a "breathy onset." This means you should allow a small amount of air to escape before your vocal cords fully close.
The Trap: Many singers try to project too much here. The verse needs to sound intimate, as if you are whispering in someone's ear. Keep your volume at a pianissimo (very soft) level, but support it with your diaphragm so the pitch doesn't wobble.
Phase 2: The Swell (Dynamic Shift)
As the chorus approaches ("Forward he cried..."), the song shifts from a lazy jazz feel to a grand rock anthem. You need to increase your volume significantly here without shouting.
- Vowel Modification: On words like "cried" and "died," drop your jaw to create a taller mouth shape. This adds resonance and warmth.
- Legato Phrasing: Connect the words smoothly. Unlike the staccato nature of the verses, the chorus should flow like a river.
Phase 3: The Choruses & Harmonies
The chorus features thick harmonies. If you are singing lead, focus on the chest-dominant melody rooted in D Major. If you are attempting the backing vocals (originally sung by Wright and Gilmour), you will need to access your head voice/falsetto range, reaching up to D5.
The final challenge is endurance. The phrases are long and slow. Practice your inhalation timing; take quick, deep breaths through your mouth in the rests to ensure you don't run out of air mid-sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody stays mostly within the 4th octave, hitting a solid G4 in chest voice. The falsetto harmonies go significantly higher.
Yes. The range is very accessible for most male voices (Baritones and Tenors). The main difficulty lies in expression and timing rather than acrobatic pitch.
Relax your jaw and neck completely. Gilmour sings with very little tension. Aim for a warm, round sound rather than a bright, piercing one.
