No doubt, which also destroys most of the caffene. Lighter roasts have more actual flavor, and pack a better punch. I've never understood the allure of espresso, as it has almost all the good things in coffee burned out of it, and it tastes like crap.
Espresso does not have to be a very dark roast like Italian or Spanish. There are lighter roasts used as espressos and they make a very different drink. It is more of a European thing, but it is spreading here too.
STBX does not burn their beans.
Most people roast to one pop, STBX till two and Pete’s till three.