This was a showcase gig for local rock hopefuls, Darke Horse. Arriving on stage to the accompaniment of a grandiose orchestral intro and smoke bombs, the much-touted Darke Horse launched into a heady set of radio-friendly, jet-fuelled rock. Frontman Simon Kaviani looked to have been given a TV makeover - all sculpted hair, skinny tie and groomed beard - their management with a keen eye on some lucrative crossover appeal to both the pop and rock crowds. Their set was a real crowd-pleaser with something for everyone - the clapalong choruses, fast-fingered guitar solos, stick-twirling drummer and some good interaction with the crowd. They peaked with new single 'Flat Screen Suicide' which has been aired by both Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq and could easily propel them into the charts. The remainder of the set was peppered with a sufficient number of similarly chorus-friendly songs which could make the debut album a real unit-shifter.

Pete Martin

http://www.sandmanmagazine.co.uk/reviews/l048.htm