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Non-Prog Concert Reviews

The Darkness

Live in Portland, Oregon, April 2018

Review by Larry Toering

The Darkness came to PDX and took no prisoners. It was a show that I did not expect to be quite as vibrant and well received from the second they hit the stage until it was all over. They played the Crystal Ballroom which is the only venue left in the country with a floating dance-floor. It’s a huge floor set up in an old building with floated framing around it. So, needless-to say if the crowd get into it enough it can not only be very difficult to shoot photos, it can also make you a little dizzy, as well.
They managed to win me over within the first couple of songs because the crowd participation was just as exciting as their act, making them a band to witness, indeed. It really is amazing how must interaction they get from the crowd. It might seem all routine but it’s genuinely awesome to witness and partake in the clear and present fun they have. Vocalist/front man, Justin Hawkins is a talent force to reckon with, and so is his brother Dan and the rest of this killer band.

Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
The highlight of the show was when the singer spotted the massive crystal chandelier in the middle of the ballroom and said, “I’m going to toss my pick at that.” He gave it three or four tries, and it really brought the house down in the middle of the set, making entire night one worth remembering and leaving this curious spectator a fan of what they do. It was honestly one of the best shows of 2018 I’ve seen yet, and that’s included some major acts. So it was all fireworks that evening.

Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
If you were to ask me this time last year for an opinion about The Darkness I wouldn’t have been able to give one beyond having only heard a few songs. After the show, though, I made-an effort to look more into their catalog, and it’s full of the great stuff they played, including tracks from their latest CD and the rest. It all appeared to enormously satisfy the audience. What a treat they are to see live - a must for all rocks fans who like humor, passion and honesty in their music.

Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.
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