In recent days and weeks, popular music has seen two heavyweight mainstays alter their sound greatly.
Coldplay’s latest release, ‘Magic’, barely relates to the ‘Parachutes‘ days for its Clubland feel and, perhaps even more strangely, The Black Keys’ ‘Fever’ contrasts the raw tones of ‘Thickfreakness‘ by replacing them with synths. We all expect it from Coldplay; but not from the Ohio rockers. So where does this leave us now?
Arctic Monkeys‘ most recent album ‘AM‘ was a guitar ruckus for the most part but it seems to be one of the only records staking such pouting, leather-clad claims. Two piece Drenge, from a similar neck of the Yorkshire woods, are flying the flag for new bands who’ve turned up to 11 on the amp, but who else has?
Enter Darlia. They’ve been stirring spoons in grunge based brews for some time in the North of England, and it seems a national following are beginning to want their thirst quenched. Tracks such as ‘Queen Of Hearts’ and ‘Choke On Bones’ from their previous EP release ‘Knock Knock‘ captured moments echoed on early Kings Of Leon albums, Queens Of The Stone Age albums, Nirvana too; the proud, almost arrogantly English vocal that charms and slithers through the head-banging guitar melodies filling the British guitar fan with a sense of pride and excitement.
This April we can look forward to a new EP: ‘Candyman‘. The first track release, ‘Animal Kingdom’, excites for a number of reasons; its eclectic style means it would gratify the casual radio flicker and their biggest fan equally. Structurally, it’s almost set for sundown at festivals sponsored by fruity cider and in more detail, it signals that Darlia aren’t just one dimensional in their musicality and approach. Whilst they could more than comfortably stick to writing thrash, pumped up guitar songs and throw themselves all over their performances, here they haven’t.
This track epitomises the rate of progression bands are excelling at these days in studio and production. However unlike Coldplay, Darlia have moulded different aural tendencies whilst maintaining their identity. The drums sound like The Chemical Brothers wanted in on the track; the swirling, fluid melodies that are perfectly executed by the strings, and vocals mirror the vitality and themes of essence that are portrayed lyrically. The Black Keys may have tripped a few more switches in their music, but Darlia have allowed earthly surroundings – of abundance in their roots – to influence their songwriting.
For a band to pivot around styles and influences this early on whilst entirely retaining their credibility and image is usually a sign of good things to come.