THE DARKNESS — ‘DREAMS ON TOAST’

Writer’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Clad in sparkling suits, flared trousers, and a whole lot of leather, The Darkness return with their eighth studio album, Dreams On Toast, a lavish loaf of sonic slices from 1970s rock to neo-country exploration. Revelling in pomposity and self-awareness, The Darkness have finessed the ability to teeter on the edge of fun and revelry without disregarding the seriousness of the group's musical ability. Look no further than the title.

Starting with the thumping bass of ‘Rock and Roll Party Cowboy’, the track fully transports you into The Darkness’ earlier sound with a Queen-esque riff and comedic lyrics; it's-all-or-nothing-hellbent-on-a-good-time approach sets the tone for the album. A jab at wannabe rock stars, or perhaps a self-reflective jab at past bravado, it’s destined to be a crowd-pleaser and includes possibly one of the best lyrical couplets by any band, “I'm a rock and roll party cowboy/And I ain't gonna read no Tolstoy”.

It leads tremendously into the introspective ‘I Hate Myself’, a track whose joyously upbeat instrumentals and falsetto delivery disguise the beating heart behind the track, how self-hatred is often used as a defence against the negative opinions of others. Poised as a breakup song, it’s clear that Hawkins’ past of exuberance and burning bridges is addressed here, subconsciously or not. It’s clear why the track became a single as, much like the 70s-esque pop earworm that is ‘The Longest Kiss’, it’s wholly addictive; both earworms with catchy hooks remain in your head long after listening.

It’s clear self-depreciation is a theme throughout the album, from the fun poked at ageing rockers to self-protective loathing. Yet, it’s an undercurrent swept away quickly by upbeat instrumentals and impressive vocal delivery that doesn’t allow listeners to wallow in the lyrical meaning. From the comedic lyrics of album standout ‘Walking Through The Fire’, “I'll be honest, I'm under the moon / We're only doing this cause it's fun / Don't even think my mum bought the last one," to the chorus of ACDC-infused ‘Mortal Dread’, it’s the efforts of Dan Hawkins and Taylor that undercut the doom and gloom.

Perhaps most interesting on this album is the band’s ability to easily flit between genres. The Darkness’ influences are always clear, the likes of Queen, ACDC, and The Beatles echoing in numerous tracks, yet Dreams On Toast embraces a triumphant gallop of neo-country unlike ever before as well as dabbling in raw punk energy in rock-operatic ‘The Battle For Gadget Land’.

With an echoing, ELO-esque opening, ‘Hot On My Tail’ takes us down a country road that was perhaps unexpected. With notes of Queen in Hawkins’ forefront delivery, it is abashed in the eccentricity fans have come to expect of the band, with lyrics exploring romantic disappointment and a jaunty piano interlude. These continue in the later track ‘Cold Hearted Woman’, a seeming continuation of the aforementioned that continues the country-infused musicality with melodious acoustic instrumentation and even a fiddle thrown in for good measure. Both tracks herald the diversification of the band's sound, unafraid to explore avenues unexplored, and it’s something to commend. Is it what any of us expected? Definitely not. Are our feet tapping? Most definitely.

From neo-country departures to all-out raging riffs, The Darkness continue to mark their path in the rock genre that no one can put their finger on. With equal parts glam rock exuberance and self-aware lyricism, Dreams On Toast sees the band in top form, even eight albums later, satiating every musical appetite with piece after piece of musical delicacy.