Watching the video for DARKTOWN JUBILEE’s debut single Breakdown starring Steve Evets, you realise this is a band with something to say. A band that is truly special. Although their songs are highly melodic and catchy as hell, there is clearly something deeper going on beneath the surface.
The Manchester-based indie-rock band formed in 2010 and have been building a growing reputation ever since. The 5 piece band is made up of David Boardman (vocals and guitar), Stuart Day (bass), John Cosgrove (drums), Al Roberts (lead guitar) and Gary O’Brien (keyboards).
Singer/songwriter David Boardman is the creative driving force of the band and is also a highly respected fine artist. The prolific frontman has been writing since his teens and has written over 200 songs. Although highly melodic, a closer listen to the lyrics reveals a thoughtful writer exploring the darker side of the human experience. With Darktown Jubilee, David believes he has finally found the perfect platform to present his anthemic songs to the world.
“Between us we’ve been in several bands and supported such big names such as Elton John and 30 Seconds to Mars but until now we’ve not quite had the right line-up to take it to the next level”.
In previous bands David took the role of lead guitarist and songwriter but recent years have seen him step to the front of the stage as lead singer – a role that has allowed him to showcase his vocal talents and one that seems to suit him perfectly.
The debut album, “The World, the Flesh & the Devil”, which is released under the band's own Parade Recordings imprint, was recorded over a few weeks in the North West of England with the band taking a hands-on role with the production and arrangement alongside long time collaborator and producer John Kettle.
Listening to their music you can hear a variety of influences from the more classic sound of Springsteen and the Doors through to more contemporary bands such as The Killers, Snow Patrol and The Temper Trap. All five musicians live in and around Manchester and have been heavily influenced by the music to have come out of the area.
First single ‘Breakdown’ is a powerful, driving, guitar-led tune that is reminiscent of Foo Fighters and U2 in their prime - given an edge by an engaged, biting lyric that rails against the ills of our modern society. The excellent accompanying video by Virgin short film award winner Jason Wingarde stars Salfordian actor Steve Evets in the lead role.
