Darren Middleton - Translations (10/02/2014)
When any big band break up one or two of the members, it seems, always move onto other projects and/or solo releases. This has proven to be the case for former Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton (who joins former frontman Bernard Fanning) in going solo. Middleton, like Fanning, is no stranger to frontman duties having been the vocalist for Drag since 2000.
With the help of You Am I guitarist David “Davey” Lane (who plays bass on the whole album) Middleton has released his debut solo album Translations. It kicks off with the help of former Jet frontman Nic Cester who joins Darren on the opening track Can't Hide Sad, a nice little song to kick things off. Nic provides great backing vocals during the chorus adding a lovely touch to the overall sound.
Nic and Darren also team up for the second (of three times on the album) on Failing Now before Amy Findlay of up and coming all female rockers Stonefield joins him on the lovely track Let Go.
Lover's Shoes has to get a mention due to the fact that it reunites him with his former bandmate Bernard Fanning. Disappointingly though, the track is quite boring and dull and doesn't live up to the high standard the two of them set in Powderfinger.
Walk On Me featuring fellow singer-songwriter Pete Murray ends the album which, overall, is quite disappointing. The first few tracks start off promising enough but in the end the album just becomes more of the same. If you're expecting anything that sounds like Powderfinger you'll be severely disappointed. This is a very mellow indie-rock affair which if you're a fan of the genre you'll love but if not then best to skip this one.
Matt Barton
With the help of You Am I guitarist David “Davey” Lane (who plays bass on the whole album) Middleton has released his debut solo album Translations. It kicks off with the help of former Jet frontman Nic Cester who joins Darren on the opening track Can't Hide Sad, a nice little song to kick things off. Nic provides great backing vocals during the chorus adding a lovely touch to the overall sound.
Nic and Darren also team up for the second (of three times on the album) on Failing Now before Amy Findlay of up and coming all female rockers Stonefield joins him on the lovely track Let Go.
Lover's Shoes has to get a mention due to the fact that it reunites him with his former bandmate Bernard Fanning. Disappointingly though, the track is quite boring and dull and doesn't live up to the high standard the two of them set in Powderfinger.
Walk On Me featuring fellow singer-songwriter Pete Murray ends the album which, overall, is quite disappointing. The first few tracks start off promising enough but in the end the album just becomes more of the same. If you're expecting anything that sounds like Powderfinger you'll be severely disappointed. This is a very mellow indie-rock affair which if you're a fan of the genre you'll love but if not then best to skip this one.
Matt Barton