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.

'Hidden Universe' is released on Sondar Records on 30th March 2022.