The Darkness
The Waiting Room
Buffalo, NY
May 3, 2015
Review by Trent Richer:
The British rock band THE DARKNESS was formed back in 1999 by brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins. On May 3rd, the band stopped by The Waiting Room in Buffalo, NY to leave their mark. This was their second last date of their “Back in the USSA” tour. These UK lads pushed their way onto the scene and launched the band’s debut album “Permission to Land” in 2003. Five singles were released off this album, four which were performed at this show. “Growing on Me”, “Get Your Hands Off My Woman”, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” and their most successful song, “Love Is Only a Feeling”.
The warm up band band was a power trio by the name of RAVENEYE. That also was an understatement as they were not even close to warm…they were red hot! Their sound was heavy riffed garage rock. But power and energy is not just in their music. From slamming their guitar necks down mike stands, jumping on and off the drums, to getting the audience to play their instruments, it was nonstop action. And to top it off singer/guitarist Oil Brown jumped on bassist Aaron Spiers shoulders while both of them were performing.
Drummer Kev Hickman was a machine, driving the band, while at the same time had a smile on his face as if he had just won a million dollars. The band showed an incredible amount of energy while playing on their lily pad sized area of the stage. Brown was a card to listen to between songs. His fast cracks and jokes, said with his British accent, added to the character of the show. At one point he said,” this is a new song except you have probably never heard of us so they are all fucking new”. And then he launched into a thunderous guitar riff to start the next song. This is a band to see! http://www.raveneyeofficial.com
After RAVENEYE’s musical assault was done it was time to clear the stage for the headliners. Just before the band came on, the music of Queen was being pumped out. If you are a fan of Queen or more specific, a fan of Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, then you must see THE DARKNESS. THE DARKNESS is a little like Queen meets AC/DC. Justin Hawkins’ voice and flamboyant stage showmanship is very similar Freddy Mercury’s. He is his own front person but it is about the closest you will get to see Freddie now. Justin Hawkins and his band of merry men belong on a big stage with their show. One other “Queenism” that is interesting: THE DARKNESS drummer Rufus Taylor is son of Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor.
The band opened with “Barbarian” the opening track off their fourth studio album, “Last of Our Kind”. This was one of three songs performed off that album. The other two songs were, “Mudslide” and “Roaring Waters”. Justin was outfitted in a bright red jumpsuit and immediately took command of the stage and the audience. Their fans were rocking out and singing every word.
The band’s bassist Frankie Poullain looked like he just walked out of the 70’s band Steppenwolf. He had the coolest fro and porn stache. His flower power clothes coordinated with his Gibson Thunderbird bass! His thundering bass lines and showmanship was a great addition to the band and the band’s show. Not the shy and quiet type. He was fun to watch! He was struttin’ his stuff and occasionally running his bass up and down the mic. When Poullain left the band in 2005 it was not taken fondly. Most unhappy was the British magazine NME where he was regarded as their favourite member of the band. In 2011 Poullain rejoined the band.
One thing I did find interesting was how Justin made a comment that he was happy there were no photographers in the pit however he then added that they love them. Then he commented that his brother Dan Hawkins finds that pit photographers interfere with the show. He then centered out a media photographer from the audience and seemed a bit like he was mocking him. It was lighthearted but he got his point across when he said after the third song, “ok time to put away the big cameras”. I thought is all this really necessary? Why draw negative attention to people who are publicizing the show to those that are not in attendance?
He also singled out a person in the front who was texting. If you are one of the lucky ones at the front of the stage, enjoy the show, and put the phone away.
On a personal note my wife was photographing the show for MusicLifeMagazine and we were up at the front (off to the side, against the wall). Unfortunately we could not see guitarist Dan or drummer Rufus as they were blocked with these banks of ark lights that were constantly firing off. We ventured toward the back and the sound was much better than from our previous spot. The downside is unless you are very tall, good luck seeing more than the tops of a band members’ heads. We were there 90 min ahead of time and even so, the bar was very full. My advice is to arrive early.
If you like theatrical heavy rock, this is a band that you should add to your bucket list. To find out more about The Darkness, visit the band’s Facebook page or website: http://thedarkness.co.uk/
SETLIST:
1. Barbarian
2. Growing on Me
3. Mudslide
4. Black Shuck
5. Roaring Waters
6. Givin’ Up
7. One Way Ticket
8. Love Is Only a Feeling
9. Friday Night
10. English Country Garden
11. Every Inch of You
12. Get Your Hands Off My Woman
13. Stuck in a Rut
14. I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Encore:
15. Concrete
16. Love on the Rocks With No Ice
RELATED STORY: The Darkness Sets Sights on Conquering North America
All photos by Lee-Ann Richer
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