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DARKADIA
7:11:99 The Boardwalk
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Standing
on the corner of Bank Street where one of Sheffields finest
cinemas, the ABC has been demolished. It's replacement dwelling
never surfaced so as usual they have fenced it off, stuck
a car parking ticket machine in and it's money for nothing.
This part of Sheffield is in "dire straits". Adjacent was
a night club called Romeo and Juliet's now called the Corporation
and run by someone we have much respect for, Mutley - who
worked so hard to keep rock music alive when Rebels on Dixon
Lane closed its doors on the rock fraternity. Within spitting
distance across the road is the venue for tonight's Glam extravaganza
- The Boardwalk.
Robert
Plant played here recently but this page belongs to Darkadia
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Previously
known as D'Lear, donning Kiss style make-up, but
their new look is still larger than life.
The chorus line of song two: "You might not like us
now but you will", seems an apt comment because this band
do grow on you as they follow "She's Got Everything"
and "Entertain you" with "Ecstasy".
Mick gives a nod of approval as they've unashamedly incorporated
a Gary Newman riff from "CARS" into "Ecstasy". The reaction
from the crowd suggests Mick's not the only one impressed as
lead vocalist D'Lear invites them to the "Devils
Disco". The opening bars are introduced over a megaphone,
as he continues to combine visuals and theatrics to music. His
actor training as a youngster is paying dividends tonight but
brother Damien isn't exactly Mr Shy! |
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Wearing
personally customised boots that Ace Frehley ( KISS )
would have been proud of, his multi coloured Aria Pro 2 bass
hung low growling like a beast draped over a full length black
studded coat and constantly swooping low like a bird of prey.
Darkadia have a drummer, Mark - who also likes to shock,
individual make-up but very much together as a unit.
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guitars, drums and keyboards interplay with sequences
and effects to create a vibrant sound. I detect a bit
of a Prince style groove to this one but their live persona
is something you really have to witness to appreciate. |
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Up next:
"Move Me Groove Me", and the quicker they move this
one from the set the better. "Simulate" reminds me
of the theme music to the movie Assault On Precinct 13.
It's captured the imagination and interest of the audience
and gets an enthusiastic response.
"Just
a boy" sums up Darkadia - a song that features D'Lear
having a conversation with a doll and ends with a weird voice
asking "has anybody seen my train set?"
It should
have been full steam ahead from this moment on, with an audience
enthralled with their exploits and singing along to "Hold
Me Now" (a cover of a hit by the Thompson Twins)
- but they seem to get de-railed slightly and never really
got back on track. This was probably due to D'Lear
suffering from flu. We saw the band a few weeks ago at the
same venue and they were awesome so expectations were high.
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As yet
Darkadia are unsigned, which is unbelievable.
This is not a light aircraft waiting for a breeze to lift
it out of Sheffield airport but a jumbo jet that just needs
refuelling and pointing in the right direction. No more cruising
on automatic pilot next time guys!
The
Line Up:
D'Lear, Lead Vocals, Guitar &
Keyboards - Marcus Dale, Drums
- Damien Rider, Bass & Keyboards.
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..yours
in music the bailey brothers.
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photos by dav.
This band will
feature in Unsigned on Line @ www.baileybrothers.co.uk
and any
bands also wishing to feature should send tapes, CD's, photo's and
info to :
Unsigned On Line,
Bailey Brothers,
12 Brindley Court,
Killamarsh,
Sheffield, S21 1HE.
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