Time Out New York - "Brooklyn singer-songwriter Darrin James touches on Robbie Robertson’s gruff soulfulness, Tom Waits’ vaudevillian menace and Paul Westerberg’s ramshackle charm in the bluesy rockers on his debut album, Thrones of Gold. James has a knack for perceptive lyrics and memorable tunes; his crack band supplies the laid-back grooves."

Blog Critics - "Its literate lyrics and subject matter are a big part of why Thrones of Gold stands as one of the best indie productions of the year so far." - Jon Sobel

The Deli Magazine - "The man's got Joe Henry versatility, a crackerjack studio band, and a great sense of craft... from a Lovett/Waits blues into a John Prine diatribe then rocketing off with an Elvis Costello pop gem. The record was made with a lineup featuring seriously tasty musicians making notable decisions that allow Darrin’s throaty vocals to take the foreground. It’s got it all. " - Walt Wells

Honest Tune Magazine - One track. That’s all it takes to make Darrin James' latest effort worth the entire album. The opening track on his Thrones of Gold, “Trivial,” with all its reckless abandon and rock and roll energy - think The Gourds meet The Faces - is more than worth the price of admission. In this day and age where rock and roll has fallen prey to oh so many gimmicks, its nice to have just one real, raw, rock song.Darrin James does this in just one tune, then shifts gears a number of times... making Thrones one darn fine record." - Chase Farmer

Americana UK - An intriguing debut for his own record label...Initial listens to this album indicated a blues leaning. His voice is gruff and rough and suited to the delta blues or jazz but this cd is far more than that." - Phil Edwards

Cowboy Trance Blog - The DJB sounds so completely authentic and true to its voice that it almost feels cleansing, and makes you wonder why in the hell great songs like these aren't everywhere, drowning out the vapid clowns that pollute the genre. The debut album, Thrones of Gold, doesn't sound at all like a debut, but rather like a sharp, soulful, and rocking veteran that Darrin James will surely become."

Pace University Press - "Born to sing the blues, Darrin James tears at the soul...There's an uncanny, effortless authenticity to it that is aloof and genius at the same time. The Brooklyn-based musician has a certain weary, detached air about him, as if he barely realizes the scope of his words and music while executing them in untroubled fluency. Despite such ease in his music, every song is tinged with raw emotion...undeniable talent and originality." - Julyssa Lopez

Dissolver Magazine - Thrones of Gold, the debut from the Darrin James Band, is a strong disk the whole way through, incorporating an inspiring variety of musical styles and lyrical themes. With a rugged voice and virtuoso guitar skills, James and his band make the most of his well-written songs." -Jon Gorey

Smother Magazine - "Sort of a mix between Springsteen and Neil Young, they're a rock format that’s highly engaging and completely exhilarating. Vocally it’s throaty and raw but manages to convey a perfect sense of melody. Highly enjoyable and I would most certainly recommend it." - By J-Sin

Isthmus Daily Pages: " Bluesy New York singer-singwriter Darrin James strolls down the same back alleys and dusty country higways that inspired Springsteen and Dylan."

Soul of Rock n' Roll Blog "grooving rock and roll, country flavor, and earthy blues with a soulful style."

Indie A'na Jones Blog - "The earthy roots rock that characterizes James’s music has the quality of something real and something tangible.... Thrones of Gold, blends country and soul. Conjuring the heartland - let’s call it Americana, let’s call it music for the everyday blue-collar man (or woman) – his course vocals and folky twang are a force to be reckoned with."

BabySue Magazine (May 2007) - "If you're in the market for some good, hummable music that touches on real human topics...Thrones of Gold just may end up being your favorite album of the year."

Da Blues (Dutch - May 2007) - "distinctive rock with refreshing and emotional lyrics."

International Songwriting Competition (2007) - The song Thrones of Gold, was a semi-finalist in the folk category at the International Song

American Songwriter Magazine (Nov/Dec 2006) - The song Thrones of Gold, won 3rd place in a Lyric Writing Contest from American Songwriter Magazine. The lyrics appeared in the Nov/Dec 2006 issue.

International Songwriting Competition (2006) - The song Had Enough of Me, was a semi-finalist in the jazz category at the International Songwriting Competition (ISC).