one4review | On 04, Oct 2024

A major new talent on the UK blues/country scene.

Being Support for a major artist is a tough gig. It’s seen as a right of passage for some, others an endurance test, not only for the performer but at times the audience, and they will let you know.
A vivid memory of such an event while watching a Support band who the majority of the crowd had taken an immediate dislike to as they were just so out of sync with the main act. The singer announced they had time for a couple more, to which a gruff Glaswegian suggested that they “Make it one!”

North London based Oliver Darling is not a name you may recognise but he’s been building a reputation as a blues and Americana singer/songwriter on the circuit. Also he’s in demand as a guitarist from the likes of Imelda May and Geraint Watkins recording and touring bands.

Darling doesn’t have to worry about fitting in tonight. Firstly, he is supporting Nick Lowe. Secondly, he has the right musical demographics assembled to appreciate his blues and Americana styling. Plus, the Sunderland Fire House is the perfect venue for this type of performance.

Sitting front centre stage, suit, Hawaiian shirt and a Gibson ED-120 1963 guitar, he starts with Beatles-esk True To You. The crowd approve.

Next is (You Should Be) Worried About Your Woman, a lovely county/blues number with Jackson Brown/Eagles lilt which shows off his guitar chops.

He appreciates the crowd coming to watch him tonight, the numbers increasing since he started as the music had drifted through to the bar area. He’s going down well. Nick Lowe also pops his head out from the wings and is tapping his feet in approval.

Blues number I’m Your Guy, Your My Girl follows and he’s really getting into his stride.
Tell Me What Your Thinking is the biggest surprise and a slight change of pace. While at heart a country song lyrically it sounds like the best 90s boy band song never recorded, and it’s brilliant.

Honey Bee is just a lovely Buddy Holly/Eddie Cochrane crowd pleaser, followed by the blues Big Bill Broonzy number In The Evening When The Sun Goes Down, which he turns into his own.

I Told You So, another original composition vocally is a cross between Neil Finn/Glenn Tillbrook, which wouldn’t look out of place on any of their albums.

Cast My Shadow is a singalong, and the crowd are up for it, a great alt country/Samantha Fish vibe.

Final track is another Big Bill Broonzy number Hey Hey, with a lovely guitar boogie feel, not dissimilar to something John Haitt would be playing as an encore.

While a short half hour set, Darling is long in talent and has played a belter.

Where he goes from now remains to be seen but the foundations are there for him to become a major voice on the UK blues/country scene.

Imelda/Geraint – If he continues on this trajectory you may be looking for a replacement guitarist in the near future 🙂

****
Reviewed by Steve H
Sunderland Fire Station
26th Sept 2024