Darlia - Louisiana, Bristol - January 29 2014 (Live Review)

Bristol’s Louisiana is the perfect setting to appreciate Darlia’s punk-fuelled grunge racket. The three young men on stage are edgy and a little nervous, but only until the first chord is strummed and the first drum skin struck.

Once they are into the swing of their first track, Blood Money, it is immediately obvious how at ease the band are with each other. Nathan Day snarls through the microphone, suddenly in command and a ferocious frontman.

Beyond the front two rows, an intrigued Bristol crowd are already beginning to nod heads and take less care of their drinks. Those at the front, though, stare expectantly up at the band.

Before they get to hear the singles that have brought them here, the band play through Vanilla and Candyman, which raise the energy levels even further.

During Days, the guitar flourishes begin to stand out and add a real edge to proceedings, while Pandemonium features a chorus that allows Bristol's famous gig goer 'Big Jeff' a chance to really throw his hair around. The musicianship is sublime throughout and particularly searing during Napalm, which threatens to incite a riot.

A three piece grunge band with real venom and power, with a blonde front man with a skill for coining shout along choruses? Comparisons will come, although there are plenty of interesting influences battling for supremacy. Darlia finish their set on a real high with the rip roaring Queen Of Hearts, leaving a won over crowd in their wake.

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