Guest review by Captain’s Bar events manager, Say Something Music label owner and promoter Scott Evans
Pop songstress Darla Jade needs little introduction to anyone who listens to music in Stoke-on-Trent, she has been finessing her electro-pop sound since 2020 and amassing a huge number of followers and listeners.
Backseat Driver is her third offering of 2023, the excellent All For Nothing and Buy More Time having been released earlier this year. Co-written with long term collaborator Imad Salhi and producer George Gleeson on a writing camp in Rome, the production is the usual high standard we are now familiar with from a Darla Jade release.
Without doubt, Backseat Driver takes its influence from synth based 80s music – the track would not sound out of place in an episode of Stranger Things or a Breakfast Club remake, that’s for sure. The song has a backing of pumping synth bass, solid drums and a driving guitar which all perfectly paint the picture of tearing down the motorway, with a nice additional touch of hitting the brakes.
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Darla delivers her vocals with energy and engaging harmonies. A memorable chorus that will be an ear worm for sure. Lyrically the song shows Darla’s vulnerability in being scared to let go of control and trusting someone to have her best interests at heart, “Somehow I feel you’re going to kill us both” is a great line to emphasise that feeling. The song has a very clever lyric with plenty of dual meanings. “I can’t give up control” is just a straightforward admission and understandably, with Darla on a fast track to success in quite an unforgiving industry – most of which she created herself through incredible hard work – letting go and trusting other people with handling her career must be quite the challenge.
As a whole, Backseat Driver is another slice of pop brilliance from Darla and one that is sure to go down very well live. Darla continues to lead the way in putting Stoke-on-Trent on the music map and we couldn’t be prouder. Darla is undoubtedly the jewel of Stoke music scene’s crown.
Having released two EP’s to date, her music has travelled around the world and consistently turns heads, garnering her regular BBC Radio 1 support. Her music has even been played during episodes of TOWIE and Love Island over the summer. She recently performed a live session at legendary Maida Vale studios for the BBC.
Bethan, founder of The Leopheard, added: “With Backseat Driver, Darla Jade has once again proven that she is destined for success. Through guitar driven melodies and nostalgic synths, she delivers a magnetic presence and electrifying sound characterised by catchy pop elements and cutting lyricism. Her drive, determination and dedication to her craft makes it impossible not to root for her as she continues to make waves in the industry.”
You can catch Dara Jade live at The Underground on October 6 supporting Finney’s album launch alongside Foxa Riot.
In the meantime, listen to Darla Jade Backseat Driver here:
