Irish quartet Inhaler headlined the Showbox Market on March 25th. After releasing their debut album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, just last year, the group will continue their world takeover with a tour taking them from USA to a huge swath of Europe. Very impressive. Now, let’s get out of the way that lead singer Elijah Hewson happens to be Bono’s son. But to make it at this level (and they will exceed even what they’re doing now), Hewson is really not here without talent himself. Thank you, Dublin for supporting great music.
Oliver Tree returned with a new album in 2022. His second release, called Cowboy Tears, has another crop of intriguing mix of producers on it. Travis Barker, Whethan and Marshmello are just some sharing production duties with Tree. Tree brought tracks from that album, and his first, Ugly Is Beautiful to Showbox SoDo in February. Ontario, Canada singer 347aidan opened.
Oliver Tree – photo by Alex Crick
347aidan – photo by Alex Crick
Oliver Tree – all photos by Alex Crick 347aidan – all photos by Alex Crick
Just off several appearances at SXSW in Austin, Paris Jackson performed at Neumos in Seattle. She’s on the road with Patrick Droney in support of her debut album, Wilted. In addition to being a singer and musician, Paris is also a model and actor. And then there’s the mystery of the raw shrimp on the mic stand …
Walking mask-clad into the Showbox, I didn’t know what to expect covering the Darkness. I didn’t know much about them, but had heard a song or two. When I rounded the corner near the coat check, I was hit with a packed house.
The Darkness‘ Justin Hawkins – photo by John Rudolph
There was an excitement, a buzz in the room of something fun about to begin. And the fun sure began. The Darkness took to the stage with so much energy and rocked with a ’70s glam rock sound that would have been at home at a T. Rex concert.
Hailing from my old stomping grounds, Suffolk, England, the Darkness’ sound is quite refreshing in an age of metal and other flavors of music. Too many bands start sounding way too familiar today. For some, singer Justin Hawkins’ voice might be a little different, very much a falsetto. Again, it’s that glam rock sound that’s been missing for too long.
Hawkins had no shortage of costumes, either. He started pretty casually with a white shirt and pants, but before too long his shirt came off, revealing a torso covered in ink. But then. . . of course that shirt came off! His next costume was a very tight tan, fringe-covered leotard and boots.
I have to say, I was very entertained. Look up the Darkness’ latest record, Motorheart. You’ll love it.
The Darkness – all photos by John RudolphThe Dead Deads – all photos by John Rudolph
