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
Less than one week after covering Maisie Peters at SXSW in Austin – and declaring her my “Best New Find” at the music festival – I had the pleasure of doing so again back home in Seattle at the Vera Project. Her sold-out show at the intimate, up-close venue proved to be everything, and more than her adoring audience anticipated. It’s guaranteed that pop music’s next big thing will never perform in a space this small again.
Singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen opened – and closed the set with his hit, “Broken”.