Darren Middleton, Northcote Social Club
Its a dimly lit atmospheric Northcote Social Club where Darren Middleton picks up his Les Paul to play a intimate gig in Melbourne’s outer suburb. The stage is low bringing the singer closer to his audience.
Having recently released ‘ Tides’ an album slightly different from his previous releases, Middleton is back on our radars and the relaxed casual atmosphere of the venue is the perfect place to host his latest offerings.
Middleton is a songwriter that provokes thought with his deep meaningful lyrics, yet as he performs there is a slight boyish charm that shines through and its refreshingly to witness. There is no air of arrogance, just a truth and honesty to the performance as he switches between his Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster and Maton with ease.
Running through new tracks ‘ Ghosts and Memories’, and ‘ Just let me go’ he manages to surprise the audience with a beautiful rendition of ‘ The Meter’ a song he wrote about ” Footy players, eating Vegemite and the meter of time” the violin performance from Kelly Lane is a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment.
Bringing out Ash Naylor to help him with the Split Enz cover of ‘ I got you’ the whole room erupts into a sing a long as everyone bounces along to the iconic track.
Under the blue lights of the stage Darren Middleton has put on a beautiful performance this evening, and as he leaves the stage to greet awaiting fans, a pleasant calm hangs in the air.
Words by Amanda Lee Starkey
Behind the lens Monique Pizzica
