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Hidden Universe 4:150:00/4:15
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Why Did You Kiss Me 3:590:00/3:59
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Do what you wanna do 3:360:00/3:36
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0:00/3:23
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0:00/3:56
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Dog and Duck 3:090:00/3:09
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Good Enough 3:320:00/3:32
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Pathetic 3:510:00/3:51
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All the Way Home 3:360:00/3:36
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0:00/3:06
“Darren has the true story teller’s gift of telling us about other people and showing us ourselves.” - VENTS MAGAZINE
We know a lot of Darren's fans are cool and want to support him by downloading his music. So, if that's you, clicking on the button below lets you purchase the album for a minimum £7.50. For pick-n'-mix fun individual tracks are a minimum 75p each. That's less than on iTunes or Amazon etc. You save AND more of the money goes direct to Darren. And you can set your own price if you're feeling extra supportive.
Watch the full lyric video for title track 'Hidden Universe' by Jackson Pope here
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VENTS MAGAZINE
Review of Hidden Universe album
‘Hidden Universe’ may be the title of Darren Jame’s new album but there’s a whole universe of human experience revealed in the tracks. From love to anger, simple emotions to complex nuances, Darren has the true story teller’s gift of telling us about other people and showing us ourselves.
The title track itself is the lead single and soars in epic fashion. ‘We’re on our journey round the sun…’ what a great way to say we’ve known each other for a while – from the opening line you know you’re going to be treated to lyrics that don’t just line up the usual suspects. Lovely melody, massive chorus, plus a solo that shows Darren has the guitar chops to match his songwriting skills. Like most of the tracks the production is by Nick Brine, known for his work with artists like Oasis, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Williams, Stereophonics, The Verve and many others.
Second track – and second single – ‘Why did you kiss me’ has an almost latin-rock groove and a story I’d guess comes from real life. While ‘Do what you wanna do’ is an anthem that will have you punching the air and grinning while you sing along. One of two tracks produced by Andy Rosser-Davies (Onslaught) and Darren himself it motors along with tremendous verve.
Everyone will choose their own favourite from the ten songs on offer. From the swagger and fun of ‘Off to rule the world’ to the more wistful ‘All the way home’ there are stories and moods to resonate with all of us. ‘Pathetic’ has killer riffs and a ton of attitude, while closer ‘What’s more than love’ plays us out with a ballad that glows with genuine romanticism.
Released by Sondar Records on October 6th 2023 ‘Hidden Universe’ is an amazing collection of songs that deserves to be widely discovered. If you’re ready for an album that leaves you humming the tunes AND thinking about the lyrics – put this on your list.
[Click on the picture to go to the original review. Opens in new window.]
Singer Songwriter Magazine
'Hidden Universe' single review
Admit it. We all have a soft spot for a bit of Classic Rock! So if you're hankering to get a fix of soaring guitar and impassioned vocals without suffering big hair and spandex, this new single from Darren James may be just the ticket.
'Hidden Universe' is the trailer single for Darren's forthcoming second album. I don't have a release date for the album yet but if the rest of the tracks are even half as good it will be well worth waiting for. Producer Nick Brine has worked with The Darkness, Teenage Fanclub, The Stone Roses and many more. He knows his way round a console and his production here is spot on. Big guitars, intimate vocal and all the the atmosphere and mojo a great mix gives you.
All of which, of course, is worth nothing if the song isn't strong enough to shoulder the weight. Darren has come up trumps with a great lyrical concept and strong, memorable melody. 'Hidden Universe' is a song that gives you that little tickle from the very first bars - the rare thrill of hearing an instant classic for the first time.
I've used the word 'classic' a couple of times already, and it's not one I type lightly. Put me on the spot and I'm not sure I could even define exactly what I mean by the term. But Darren has pulled off the difficult trick of releasing a track that gives all the guilty pleasures of lofty themes, big guitars and soaring strings while still being relevant and of-the-moment.
You can let the song wash over you, enjoying it as pure sound. Or you can listen to the lyrics and discover a fine piece of writing. It IS big, and it IS clever. Full marks to Darren and his team.
I should also mention there's an accompanying video from Jackson Pope. An intriguing animation which has great fun with the space imagery. Apparently I'm not the only one to say this but watching the video I genuinely got the sensation I was watching a Bond movie opening credits! It really is a cinematic experience.
Treat yourself.
The long-awaited debut album!
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - 10 original songs. Produced by Nick Brine (Oasis, The Verve, Stereophics, The Darkness. He's worked with Bruce Springsteen ... the list goes on!)
Darren James is a Welsh singer-songwriter based in Cardiff. Born in Quakers Yard in the Merthyr Valley he began playing in various bands at the age of 16.
Aged 18 he moved to Swansea where he studied for a degree and PhD in psychology. He later moved to Cardiff to study for a doctorate in clinical psychology and as well as being a busy performer, writer and recording artist he works part-time in the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist.
Darren helped fund his way through University by performing in bands and teaching guitar.
His guitar playing is influenced by Hendrix, Clapton, Knopfler and Gary Moore. Songwriting influences include Paul Simon, Tom Waites, Chris Difford (Squeeze) and musical influences include Muse and Radiohead.
Darren says his songs are observational, story-based and draw on on real-life experiences. He tackles difficult subjects such as love, relationships, loss and happiness in a down-to-earth way.
His songs are uplifting, sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always tug on the emotions and are catchy, melodic and more-some!
Darren is an in-demand live performer around South Wales. He plays as a solo artist and also with his band. He has featured on Radio Cardiff and BBC Radio Wales and been a featured artist at the Folk on the Lawn festival for the past three years.