Darlia News

Darlia Share Important News

Back in 2014, Darlia were THE most talked about band. The trio originally from Blackpool served up a series of grunge-inspired singles including 'Candyman' and 'Queen Of Hearts'. Everywhere from the NME to Internet bloggers were talking about Darlia. Yet despite this hype, we had no album to savour. 

Now however, this might be about to change. In an email that we received today (09/03/16) Nathan Day the front-man of the trio hinted massively that new material and an album are on the way.

He said "Well, the silence has been agony! I just wanted everyone to know that despite the quietness I've been heavenly busy, absorbed in writing and recording". "Do not worry, NEW music has been put down and I gotta say I think it’s gorgeous. It will be out - hang in there. This message is to let everyone know that things are active despite the online communication (or lack thereof). I’ve recently written and recorded some of my fav stuff I’ve ever done and I honestly cannot wait for it to be out there". 

Source - info@darlia.co.uk

We know that this is pure speculation. But as a big fan of the group one can only wonder what this music will sound like, and when an album will be released. 2014 was a big year for Darlia. they played intimate shows across the UK and they supported The Wombats on a tour and to top ot off, they played at Reading & Leeds festival.

So, when will the album be released I hear you cry? Well, we know as much as you do. But one thing is for certain. It's in the works. Hopefully later this year an album will suddenly drop, but it could be early 2017. Nonetheless, we are eagerly anticipating this release.

Darlia: I've Never Been to Ohio

Darlia - I've Never Been to Ohio

There are many new and exciting bands around as we start 2015, however, few of them have the rare ability to combine heavy grunge riffs with certain elements of pop music. Darlia do this perfectly on their new single 'I've Never Been to Ohio' which is taken from the mini-album Petals which comes out next month. The verses are quiet with simple drum beats and a crunching guitar riff and then as Nathan Day yells "I've Never Been to Ohio" the song launches in to a huge chorus during which the guitar takes centre stage with the extremely catchy vocal hook behind it. Darlia have created a song with many elements within it which means it could potentially explode and appeal to a very big audience.

Darlia live at the Water Rats April 2014

Darlia live at the Water Rats April 2014

Darlia have been dubbed as one of the best bands to emerge in 2014. They are the saviour of British grunge with a raucous, poweful sound reminiscent of Nirvana but with a touch a emotion and soul, mainly supplied the melodic vocals of frontman Nathan Day. Darlia are the perfect balance between power and sophistication. The two EP's they have released (Knock Knock and Candyman) are a glimpse in to what we can expect from the Manchester based three piece. 

Darlia went on a tour of the UK in early 2014, climaxing in London's infamous Water Rats. The venue has played host to the likes of Oasis back in the 90's the heritage bodes well for Darlia! 

There were two support bands for the gig too, they were Dumb and Sun Machine, both of which were highly enjoyable. Dumb are an indie four piece from Birmingham who's "Supersonic Love Toy" was a memorable part of the set, the song is memorable because of the vocal hook, during the chorus, and also there was something about the vocals that was extremely unique, most indie bands tend to be similar, but the vocal style set Dumb apart from other up and coming indie bands.

Unfortunately I only managed to catch Sun Machine's last song of their set because I was out talking to the other band, but I did listen to them again and I would say that their music is very Tame Impala-esque. Quite psychedelic and possibly difficult to digest but still great sound.

Then Darlia take to the stage greeted by raucous cheers, they begin their 45 minute set with the brilliant Blood Money which is part of their Candyman EP and in flash filled with Nirvana and Pixies snippets the song ends and the whole set comes and goes as quick as anything. The stand out tracks would be Animal Kingdom, Candyman, Napalm and Queen of Hearts, all of which combine aspects of grunge mixed with a British kick inspired by such bands as Oasis with the snarl of Liam Gallagher encapsulated by Darlia frontman Nathan. The set list ends with the three songs that are part of the superb Knock Knock EP (see review in other blog post) all of which are pure grunge which send the audience into a frenzy, especially the thunderous breakdown during Choke on Bones, which is followed by Napalm and finally the ferocious set ends with Queen of Hearts which is a very fitting way to end a fantastic, blaring set. Darlia are one of the bands of the year, they have recently played at Glastonbury and a series of summer dates have been confirmed as well as a tour in September this year, I highly recommend that people go and see them! Also, the bands are very easy going, you can have a decent conversation with them too, which makes the whole experience even more worthwhile!

Darlia Knock Knock EP Review

Knock Knock EP (Darlia) 

The NME says that Darlia are British grunge's new hope and along with the likes of Drenge have started to gain more recognition for their dirty, distorted sound. I recently purchased their EP Knock Knock and here is a mini review about it.

Manchester via Blackpool three piece Darlia have a distinct love of dirty, filthy sounds from the early 90's grunge period in America, coupled with powerful dark lyrics it makes for a great sounding EP. 

First track on the EP is the brilliant Queen of Hearts which has an incredibly powerful chorus and the hooks are as massive as the lyrics are dark, the lead singer (Nathan Day) asks "Anyone up for a kill, I don't like the way they looked at me" which launches into the loud chorus. There are some Nirvana influences in this EP not only because Nathan looks like Kurt but the riffs and lyrics bind together to create a grunge feel which I think sounds fantastic. 

The next track is entitled Napalm, and again its high tempo and grunge inspired sound blend together to create a great song at hyper speed, with sounds of the Pixies and the slightly softer sound of early Wombats despite the loud shudder of the chorus, Choke on Bones rounds off this EP channeling Queens Of The Stone Age its very exciting with a thumping bass line and dark sounding guitar riffs which gives the song a distinct and spine chilling sound almost reminiscent of Humbug Arctic Monkeys with the unknown riffs creating an eerie sound.

Overall I think this EP is a fantastic mix of grunge and dirty sounding guitars coupled with loud vocals, I hope in 2014 Darlia go on to release an album they could become the most exciting band of 2014.

 You can purchase the EP now.