live music
live review
THE DARKNESS
Solus, Cardiff University Students Union
Sun 17 Nov
words GEORGE FULLERTON photo GRAHAM HARRIES / GPHOTOGRAPHY
It’s been a tough few years for former arena-filling powerhouse rockers, The
Darkness, as a bludgeoning fall from 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 comprises 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.
of each month.
Live At The Auditorium
The Met, Abertillery. 7pm,
£2. Info 01495 355800. The
Acoustic Club present sets
from Formula 5, Harriet,
Lee Nichols, Passing Ghosts,
Pumpkin Trumpets, Shed
Life, Bart’s Amigos and dance
troupes The Aber Belles and
Erzulie.
Nomadic Ways Terra Nova,
Cardiff Bay. 6-9pm, free. Info
029 2045 0947.
Redlox & Fatneck feat.
Oort Kuiper Gwdihw, Cardiff.
9pm, £2. Info 029 2039 7933.
Playing as part of the Sure
Shot night.
Riff Raff Hobo’s, Bridgend.
10pm, £5. Info www.
hobosmusicvenue.com. AC/
DC tribute.
Sansbury Four Porter’s,
Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@
porterscardiff.com. Also on Fri
20, Fri 10 Jan and Fri 17 Jan.
Stornoway + Sivu The
Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13
adv. Info theglobevenue@
gmail.com. Oxford folk-rockers
headline.
Tattsyrup Kiwi’s, Cardiff.
10pm, free. Info 029 2039
8965.
The Siren Sisters Foyer,
Wales Millennium Centre,
Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info
08700 402000.
The Swinging Sixties
Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm,
£35. Info 029 2070 5391. Julia
Martin sings hits from myriad
vocal sirens of the 1960s, while
you eat food. Sold out though.
Tony Bowen Salt Bar, Cardiff
Bay. 10pm, free. Info 029 2049
4375.
Warehouse54 1st Birthday
Weekender Warehouse54,
Newport. Info 01633 259144.
Among today’s live highlights
are Tankus The Henge,
Fingertrap, Quiet Marauder
and Sir Japser.
Yes Sir Boss Queens Hall,
Narberth. 7.30pm, £6-£10. Info
01834 869323. Party-friendly
Bristol band play Span Arts’
Christmas party.
saturday 7
An Evening With Elvis
Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.
7.30pm, £12. Info 01873
850805.
Chris Summerill Duo The
North Star, Cardiff. 9pm, free.
Info 029 2062 4050.
Christmas With The
Salvation Army The Met,
Abertillery. 5pm, £5. Info
01495 355800. Featuring the
Abertillery Orpheus Ladies
Choir.
Christmas With The Village
Quire Pontardawe Arts Centre.
7.30pm, £6/£1 kids. Info 01792
863722. Folk ensemble present
a musical play of sorts, We
Know By The Stars, also featuring actor Phil Smith.
Festive Brass & Voices
Theatr Hafren, Newtown.
7.30pm, £8/£5. Info 01686
614555.
Festive Live Music M.A.D.E.
Gallery, Cardiff. Free. Info 029
2047 3373. Urban Brass 11am1pm; Roath Children’s Choir
5-6pm.
*Freakscene Xmas Special
The Moon Club, Cardiff. 3pm,
£8. Info info@
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