THE DARKNESS | LIVE REVIEW
Solus, Cardiff University Students Union, Sun 17 Nov
It’s been a tough few years for former arena-filling powerhouse rockers, The Darkness, as a bludgeoning fall from commercial popularity sees the band revisiting the more intimate touring spots of the past. Regardless of commercial viability, Solus packs out in no time, so clearly there is still plenty of love going their way nowadays. Tonight’s openers, The River 68’s offer a blend of acoustic, country and bluesy rock which, while being catchy at times, hardly excites more than your usual support act. However, their stomping rhythms and exquisite vocal delivery delight the senses to claim a righteous warm reception before a swift exit.
Main support LostAlone, however, are quite frankly in a league of their own at the moment. A set heavily comprised of new material exhibits the soaring vocals of the eccentric Steven Battelle, along with their thundering rhythm section and immaculate, Queen-sized harmonies. Battelle’s charisma and confident stage presence highlights an untold frustration the band must be facing – endless tours supporting the greats has hinted for a while that LostAlone are set for the top. However, with a new record packing the quality of new single The Bells! The Bells!!, we could see them flourish unlike ever before in 2014.
It seems that The Darkness’ so-called ‘fall from grace’ in recent years has become more like a curse with a silver lining, as the incomparable four piece walk on to deafening cheers. As an array of oddities such as B-side Makin’ Out and recent single Every Inch Of You occupy the first half of their set, it seems that this band are loving their spotlight once again. A typically flamboyantly-dressed Justin Hawkins expectedly provides a truly unique stage presence: in return for a couple knowing the words to an incredibly rare song of theirs, he hands a promised £100 in cash to the pair halfway through the rendition.
The true touch of genius to tonight’s show stems from the performance of Permission To Land in its entirety, prompting a performance of endless quality. As Justin’s vocals reach impossible heights of perfection, his brother, Dan executes the record’s unforgettable guitar solos with a glint in his eyes. Final offering Holding My Own emotionally climaxes the night, with an encore of festive special Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End) closing proceedings with an enormous, cheesy grin-fuelled singalong. The Darkness have proved tonight that their magic touch is well and truly intact. Pure Genius.
words GEORGE FULLERTON photo GRAHAM HARRIES / GPHOTOGRAPHY