Darkness 2 Light - 01 July 2003 by Pauline Golds (Getmemusic.com A&R) And Now For Something Completely Different! A Critique of 'Serenity' A large part of my work with Getmemusic.com involves checking out new musicians. So when invited to watch “Serenity” play last week I went along with an open mind but inwardly expected to hear a young band much like any other. What I found was something very different and exciting! The first thing that struck me was the venue. 'Darkness 2 Light' is a new youth centre in Eastbourne, not the nightclub I expected! No alcohol, no smoking, my first reaction was “This is gonna be a bundle of laughs!” But as I looked around it was reassuring to see young kids riding the indoor skateboard ramps, surfing the net in a safe and controlled way, playing pool, drinking Coke and generally being away from the dangers of the streets. A DJ was playing loud dance music and the large video screen at the back of the stage was showing “The Simpsons” with subtitles. The lighting was effective and as good as any I have seen in many “adult” clubs. Then Serenity took the stage. The music was rock, well written and performed. The one drawback was the drowning out of the lyrics by the backing. So initially it was difficult to find anything that stood out from other contemporary rock bands. Then they played a song called “Superhero” which was accompanied by a video that was shown behind them on the big screen. It showed clips from “superhero” films and asked the questions “What makes a superhero?” “Is it the costume?”, “ Is it the ability to fight?”, “Is it being able to stop speeding bullets?” etc. Then finally the question “Or is being able to endure this?” and an image of Jesus being nailed to the cross appeared on the screen! I felt every hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I am not a Church goer and haven’t been since I was a kid but it was a very powerful image that touched something inside of me. By this time the kids were up and rocking with the band. The songs became interactive with the audience and the atmosphere was electric. I came away with a feeling that I have never experienced after watching a rock band before! A calm, peaceful feeling that is summed up in the band’s name. The whole experience was something that will stay with me for a long time. Serenity is, at present, completing a new album. Matt O’Neill, the writer and guitarist for the band has assured me that they will join Getmemusic.com in the near future, for me that cannot be soon enough. At GMM we pride ourselves on the fact that we want to give all musicians a chance regardless of genre, age, race or religion. Music is a gift to be shared by all mankind. It transcends the spoken word and reaches deep into the unknown part of us that makes us human. I look forward to when we can aide Serenity in sharing their music with the world. Well done and thank you. If you have been to a Serenity gig and would like to write a review [ click here ]

Next Gig None Booked If you would like to book Serenity [ Click Here ]