"Winchester-based s/s performs his own purposeful songs; his attractive writing style is tempered with both poetry and realism, his own instrumental accompaniments (guitar or fiddle) both thoughtful and masterful. Blessed with an unassumingly natural recording (from Swarb's home studio, no less), this disc turns out to be quite a grower in fact."
fRoots

"These songs are sung with a passion and poetry which gives the listener a sense of purpose to the material...it contains 9 strong tracks which should make Black a household name on the UK folk and acoustic music scene"
Darren Beech, FOLKING.COM

"A delightfully sparse recording allowing Black's enchanting voice the freedom to soar above his musical accompanyment and enabling the listener to focus on his elegiac lyrics. Charismatic and frenzied fiddle playing...lyrical astuteness throughout...blessed with an incisive flair for blurring the boundaries between the traditional and contemporary. Silent Poetry is a remarkable achievement that could quickly establish Black as one of the foremost songwriters and performers in British folk music."
Mike Wilson, GREEN MAN REVIEW

"From the off Darren convinces us of the importance of the subject matter applying all the prowess of a versatile and talented storyteller...gratifying sensitivity and propulsive flourishes...coupled with a voice that has a gentle burr and a resilient edge...Like the best folk songs these feel that they have a purpose beyond entertainment. They spark our minds and inform us of how rich and varied life can be"
Dave Kushar, SPIRAL EARTH

"Folk music is about telling a story. It's sad that in many an instance, the singer isn't able to connect with the listener and that story goes unheard. The power of Darren's voice pulls the listener into the story he's telling, holds them there and his story is told."
Jarvis Hammond, A YEAR OF FESTIVALS