Dreams On Toast
The Darkness are a UK institution, a national treasure. It’s just that nobody has realised yet, unless you’re in the know. And we at CGCM are definitely in the know and appreciate everything (well, slmost) that band has done.
The Darkness has a had a tumultuous history but they’ve had a settled line-up for 10 years now, and it shows.Solid doesn’t come close to describing the band now.
Whilst they haven’t had the success of their debut, Permission to Land, they have been releasing top-quality rock since 2011, when the band reformed after a short spell of well-documented disruption.
Dreams On Toast is The Darkness’ eighth album and for me it’s their best since sophomore One Way Ticket to Hell…And Back.
It is most definitely a Darkness album but the variety on offer is something else. If you’re looking for straight-up rock for 33 minutes then please look elsewhere. This album has more variety than a large tub of Cadbury’s Heroes.
Kick off
Dreams On Toast kicks of in typical style with an in-your-face rocker, “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy”. As per usual Justin Hawkins’ lyrics are clever, funny and observant, and who else could rhyme ‘cowboy’ with Tolstoy’? A nice “fuck off” ends proceedings too.
“I Hate Myself” follows, and after the Quo-like opening it romps smartly into a head-nodding ride through a tale of regret. Heavy riffs overlaid with saxophone bring this great track to life. The sax solo is a winner, as is the closing guitar solo.
“Hot On My Tail” is a full-on country track. As we know, country songs like to tell tales of woe, but I’m guessing none have been written about breaking wind before sex. Until now. This is a great track and still possesses a Darkness catchy chorus.
Nobody likes getting old and “Mortal Dread” bemoans that fact. Solid riffing abounds, as if to remind us the band can still pull off hard rock. Yes, they can.
A quieter and more intense track follows in “Don’t Need Sunshine”, a pure, clean, emotive song. Justin’s falsetto vocals fit nicely in there too, which he cannot often be accused of.
Kiss
Now back to what some may call classic Darkness, and “The Longest Kiss”. A jaunty, jolly number heavily inspired by mid-70s Queen. The song is great fun with punchy piano riffs punctuated by matching guitar. A beautifully crafted song.
I must say “The Battle for Gadget Land” isn’t my favourite track, but it still has plenty of redeeming qualities. None more so than Justin breaking out his rapping technique, plus the “electric lute” solo. This lot know how to have fun.
More country for you now with “Cold Hearted Woman”. The misdirected lyrics are very clever and amusing. The tracks flows nicely and is a lovely palette cleanser following the raucous “Battle for Gadget Land”.
Penultimate track “Walking Through Fire” bemoans the life of a rock n roll band that has seen better days. The lyrics are pointed and I feel their tongues are only partially in their cheeks. It does, however, produce the best line of the album in “we never stopped making hit albums, it’s just that no-one buys them anymore”. Having said all that, this track is a chunky, galloping rocker.
Rome
Now the final track will definitely divide opinion, and I’m very in the positive camp. “Weekend in Rome” opens with a spoken word verse from Hollywood actor Stephen Dorff. From then, it’s a couple of very quiet verses of Justin proclaiming his love of Rome. It’s back to Dorff for more pontificating before an epic instrumental piece that could easily have been taken from a Disney movie. I know I’m not selling it to you, but please give it a chance.
It may only be 33 minutes long but Dreams On Toast has cemented The Darkness’ place amongst the UK’s great bands. It gives us what we always expect from them, and more. Add to the mix their incredible live shows and you really do have the full package.
BUY: DREAMS ON TOAST
Check out my other articles and reviews here. Sparky
