by Matt Kelchner
After releasing two excellent 7” releases, Philadelphia’s own Dark Blue will be releasing their first full length LP, Pure Reality, next Tuesday. The album arrives via the highly influential, Delaware-based label Jade Tree Records, who themselves are beginning a bit of a resurgence. Excitement has been building ever since the announcement of Pure Reality and Saturday night Dark Blue delivered a performance that lived up to hype surrounding it.
Void Vision
Openers for the show included fellow locals Void Vision and Melbourne, Australia four-piece Dick Diver. Led by Shari Vari, Void Vision combines a dark mix of new wave meets industrial with Vari’s soaring vocals and violin floating atop of it all. Despite minor hiccups, Void Vision provided for an upbeat and moving start to the night.
Saturday night was the debut of Dick Diver in Philadelphia, one that’s been a long time coming. Half way through their set, they explained that the approval process has taken years for the band. With all the build up behind the show, Dick Diver made the most out of their time. Full of lush harmonies, chugging rhythms and pop melodies, Dick Diver proved to the crowd just exactly why they have generated so much buzz in their home country.
(Dick Diver, all photos by Matt Kelchner)
With the stage dimly lit in red and blue lights, Dark Blue took to the stage in front of a fairly packed room. The band is fronted by the lively and energetic John Sharkey III, former singer/guitarist from Clockcleaner and Puerto Rican Flowers. Rounding out the group is Andy Nelson (Ceremony, Paint It Black, Puerto Rican Flowers) and Mike Sneeringer (Strand of Oaks, Purling Hiss, and about a million other bands). Sneeringer unfortunately was not able to play Saturday night. Subbing in for him for the night, as well as the previous night’s show in Brooklyn, was David Wagenschutz (Ink & Dagger, Lifetime).
(Dark Blue)
Their set Saturday night wasn’t the longest one, but it didn’t need to be. Each song was played with such fervor and energy, which was intensified even more so with the moody lighting. Tunes off Pure Reality like “Never Afraid, Never Alone”, “Dear “Iris” and “Here On My Street” came to life and Sharkey’s searing guitar battled with his booming vocals for much of the night. Wagenschutz’s drumming looked downright menacing draped in red and Nelson danced in and out of the shadows. All around it was a show more than worthy to be the release of such an amazing record. Be on the lookout in the future for more from Dark Blue. I’ve got a feeling you’ll be hearing about them for quite some time.
