Mini Albums are not really heard of nowadays, but then again Darlia are not exactly an ‘orthodox’ band. Their latest release is a ‘mini album’ entitled Petals, comprising of a mere 8 songs and with only 1 of the songs previously unheard, it seems like there’s not much to be excited about. Oh how wrong you’d be thinking that. Petals is huge, and it’s just a flavour of what’s to come from Darlia. Be excited as they’ve confirmed that a full length album will be heading our way within the next 6 months!
Beginning as it means to go on Petals begins superbly with their 2014 single ‘Stars are Aligned’ a song which sums up Darlia very well: bold, brash, rough around the edges but unmistakeably talented. On this track you can really see the dynamics of the band, with the vocals raging from calm melodic singing to Nathan almost roaring the catchy chorus. Alongside faultless vocals comes the formidable guitar riffs and drum beats all melding together to produce the concoction that is ‘Stars are Aligned’.
‘I’ve Never Been to Ohio’ is next up seeing Darlia attempt to once again show their boisterousness, yet still remaining melodic, this is something Darlia do well. Many bands considered to be within the same genre as Darlia have not yet mastered this, the outcome? A mismatch of heavy guitar riffs and harsh drumming drowning out any attempt at vocals. Proving that Darlia are not just 3 guys who can play instruments or sing, but true musicians.
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It’s always controversial amongst fans when a band create a new and ‘improved’ version of an old classic. ‘Queen of Hearts’ is easily Darlia’s most well known and loved song, and it was never going to be easy to improve. The 2015 album version of the song is calmer, more refined and without sounding cliché more ‘mature’. On this track Nathan’s voice is less hoarse and the guitar is slightly dulled down, surprisingly for the best. Is this Darlia losing that ‘rough around the edges’ reputation and showing us what’s to come from their full length album later this year? I really do hope so.
Petals unleashes two more of Darlias existing popular songs: ‘Candyman’ and ‘Dear Diary’. Both pack a punch and it’s clear why these two songs made the album, continuing with the boisterous and grungy tones, by you’d think Darlia have a set in stone style, however here’s where things change. ‘Say Your Prayers’ is the only previously unheard track on the album, it could be considered the trick up Darlia’s sleeve, an introduction to their softer mellowed side. Who’d have thought we’d ever hear Nathan Day singing soulfully with an acoustic guitar? Lyrically ‘Say Your Prayers’ is more of a sorrowful song than any of Darlia’s other work, however the chorus builds to be an uplifting ‘hold your lighters up in the air’ moment. A perfect set up for the ending to come.
‘Pandemonium’ should have never been a B-side, so it’s no surprise that it appears on Petals, however this time as an acoustic track, alongside an acoustic version ‘Candyman’. These two tracks are the perfect conclusion, and a true highlight of Petals. Needless to say they’re both executed flawlessly, both doing the original versions complete justice, but also with a brand new edge.
Midway through an almost sold out tour, Darlia are quickly rising through the ranks in the alternative music scene. Petals will hopefully give them the recognition they deserve in preparation for their up coming full length album. 2015 will be a significant year for this trio.
Words By Andrew O’Nyan