Deshonos
The Village, 30/08/08
By Angela Macari-O'Looney

Ranging from sweet and seductive to downright strange, the musical creativity of this motley quartet is outrageous but irresistible. They should however include a warning label on the cover of anything they produce, since some of their creations might shock the sensibilities of the conventional music lover!
It was suggested to me some time ago, to give Deshonos a listen on-line, since one of their members hails from my Village. This band take their influences from class acts, such as The Who, The Doors, The small faces, The velvet underground and David Bowie.

On my first listen I just thought ? 'Too weird and hard to define genre-wise'! However, with a little more of an open mind and a closer look, I discovered that there were hidden treasures lying beneath the surface; i.e. witty lyrics, ingenious melody lines and a lead singer you just can't ignore. Despite his Grizzly Adams appearance, Darby has a unique voice and puts each number across beautifully and you know he loves the power of winning an audience, which he doubtless has!
So when I saw the gig in 'The Village' advertised, I made a special effort to be there.


DESHONOS Review

With Darby at the helm performing lead vocals, Greg Marshall on lead guitar and backing vocals, Jonesy on Bass and Gar Ivory on drums, the band we'd all been waiting for arrived on stage amid a smokey veil of dry ice and with the appropriate measure of drama to induce excitement into the crowd.
'Pigs are coming' was the first song and begun with a drum roll and a slow verse. You hear a distortion - laden guitar riff, some lines of the first verse are sung slowly, then suddenly Darby shouts out 'ONE TWO THREE FOUR'! The catchy riff continues as he goes into the fast and cheeky chorus which has nice harmony and some kicking bass. Greg performs a screaming solo, with Darby himself playing his acoustic. This number got a huge response from the lively punters and as I stood up in the V.I.P lounge looking down, I was almost sorry I wasn't milling around getting squashed among them.
The drummer seemed like a quiet guy when I was introduced to him and the other members of the band earlier, but up on stage he certainly isn't at all shy! As Darby played to the gallery he started singing the words 'Do you want it' which I guessed were some words from the next song. It was called 'Cynthia'.
The bass was really strong here and it was fast with a catchy chorus, both Darby and Greg singing. Lots of audience reaction here! Jonesy performed a lovely riff, followed by Greg who went wild as he did a fabulous lead guitar solo.
'Choose to win' was another I'm not that familiar with but is known by almost all of the audience. Greg did close harmony; Gar frames this song with brilliant drum rolls. This number winds down, with a melodic and slow finish.
'One man band' is a very popular number. It is well written and Darby does a line of it unaccompanied. The audience sung this with him and with a sweet and very appealing melody, it blew me away. It's a whole different experience seeing Deshonos live! They are choc full of charisma and musical talent and you just get caught up in the mood.
In this particular number I hear a slight resemblance to David Gray. Darby uses his voice in a very commanding way and with Greg doing lovely backing vocals and a neat solo, the whole number is enjoyable
'Trippy woman' ? This has a swinging jazzy beat. There's a riveting lead solo with screaming high notes. I love the way Greg's fingers slide down the frets of his guitar before the finish. I like his style!
'Life goes on'
This number is on the latest c.d. Salt Sessions. It starts with a spooky, bending bass note and then goes into the pretty normal verse. Darby plays his beautiful acoustic guitar. Gar strips to the waist preparing to lay into some cool dramatic beats.
I love the melody of this number and I feel it to have the makings of a classic. Desp

DESHONOS lauch their SECOND EP on the 30t August in The Village on Wexford Street. Support and times to be confirmed.

FREE CD for everyone in attendance!!

We are back in the studio to record a new bunch of songs on the 26t, 27th July in Salt Studios in Sutton. We are due to record 5 new songs that may or may not have even been played at only one or two gigs! So ALL new stuff to put in your ears