The Deal: Tennessee’s enigmatic trio releases debut self-titled album.
The Good: The three girls who make up Those Darlins, on first appearance, make you think they’re part of a punk band – unique style, a couple of tattoos and a hard edge that’s visible in their walk. When they start performing, the music is something more pop, but it incorporates elements of country, rockabilly, rock and punk. They’ll try out three-part harmonies, and all take turns singing. It’s energetic and fun though you can’t exactly put a finger on their genre. Nikki, Jessi and Kelley Darlin don’t tell their ages and you’d only have to assume they’re related by name. “Mama’s Heart” is definitely more country than the pop of the opening track, “Red Light Love,” but that’s not to say it doesn’t have twang of its own. It’s an old-school country influence in the girls’ music – they’d be more at home on stage with Johnny Cash or Waylon than Shania or Faith. They also find humor in the song “The Whole Damn Thing” – a song about being so drunk you eat an entire chicken.
The Bad: It’s not the most vocally strong album I’ve ever heard, but damn if it’s not catchy as hell. There’s character in their voices when you need them the most.
The Verdict: They’d be right at home at Puckett’s. It’s down and dirty music, but – just like the venue – also provides some kind of comfort that you don’t see often these days.
This article appears in Aug 25 – Sep 1, 2009.
