by request
Artist Biography by Jason Anderson
Formed in New York in 1995, Darlahood did not have
to wait long for a buzz to build around the group. Almost instantly, the
major labels came knocking, as the band's solid musicianship and
excellent classic rock-influenced songwriting impressed many observers
in Gotham's rock music circles. After signing with the Warner Bros.
Imprint Reprise Records, the group got to work on their debut, writing
70 songs while living in self-imposed seclusion upstate. The list of
songs was whittled down to 12 as producers Clive Langer and Alan
Winstanley (David Bowie, Bush, Morrissey) helped Darlahood craft their
debut Big Fine Thing. Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Luke Janklow's
accurate yet soulful singing and guitar playing were at the center of
the power trio's music (that also featured the drumming of Joe Magistro
and David Sellar's bass work.) Big Fine Thing had a retro sound that
when combined with Darlahood's mind-expanding (read: drug-influenced)
lyrics, generated a throwback label for the band that wasn't exactly
accurate. Certainly Janklow and company were influenced by '60s and '70s
artists (like the Beatles, T. Rex, and Bad Company, just to name a few)
but there were enough modern musical elements within Darlahood's
riff-heavy rock to keep them firmly connected to and identified with the
'90s. Having said that, it is possible that Darlahood's performances
were slightly out of step with the times. If the guitar playing and
vocal harmonies had been just a tad sloppier, perceptions about the
group may have been different. The band demonstrates a live sound on Big
Fine Thing so tight, that their instrumental command overshadows the
material. This was a strangely (and sadly) out-dated approach during the
post-grunge, post-punk days of '90s alternative rock. Despite all the
unfashionable virtuosity, the first single from Big Fine Thing, "Grow
Your Own," received plenty of attention from modern rock radio program
directors, and the track charted nicely. The second single, "Big Fine
Thing," didn't fare as well, but the video -- produced by Nigel Dick
(Oasis, the Offspring) -- did receive some MTV airplay. Things were
moving along nicely for Darlahood who toured relentlessly in support of
the debut disc, most notably on an extensive leg opening for Collective
Soul. Work began on a new record, but years later nothing was completed
and ultimately, little has been heard from group after the Big Fine
Thing tour ended in 1997.
Tracklist
| 1 | Grow Your Own | 4:03 |
| 2 | 99% Bullshit | 4:20 |
| 3 | Sister Dementia | 3:55 |
| 4 | Big Fine Thing | 3:43 |
| 5 | Runaway Clocks | 5:06 |
| 6 | Watch Your Mouth | 5:07 |
| 7 | De Nature Boy | 4:27 |
| 8 | Not Again | 4:20 |
| 9 | New York City | 3:35 |
| 10 | I've Got Pictures | 4:43 |
| 11 | RSVP | 7:51 |
| 12 | Hey Baby (Take Me With You) | 4:40 |
