Album: THE DARKNESS – Dreams On Toast
Release Date: 28 March 2025
Label: Cooking Vinyl – Canary Dwarf
Review Author: MetalMike71
The Darkness from Lowestoft, Suffolk in the UK are back with their eighth studio album since the debut Permission To Land in 2003. They are well known for their fun live shows and the singer Justin Hawkins‘ high pitched vocals. This album is their most diverse in the style of songs but it all sticks together very well and I think this is their best album after their debut.
The drummer is Rufus Taylor, son of Queen’s drummer Roger Taylor and I wonder if he has been giving some advice to them as there is quite a Queen feeling to some songs.
“Rock and Roll Party Cowboy” opens the album with raunchy guitars and a steady drumbeat. It is a cool rock ‘n roll song that gets stuck in the head. “I Hate Myself” is a fast song with a punky touch or maybe I should say an upbeat glam rock song. Very catchy and cool drumming from Rufus. They also sneak in some saxophone, but it works great! I smile all through the song despite the name of the song.
Next comes a very different song from The Darkness and here I think about the song “39” from Queen. “Hot On My Tail” is an acoustic , country/folk sounding song but it is an amazing song. I really like it. “Mortal Dread” opens with AC/DC style guitars and drumming. Straight on rock n roll with a great chorus. This will work well in the live set.
“Don’t Need Sunshine” is a pop/rock song with a fantastic melody and amazing sound. I love songs like this. Well sung by Justin and great harmonies. “The Longest Kiss” is another Queen-inspired song with its piano and stomping rhythm. Loveable and refreshing. Even the guitar sound in the solo reminds of Brian May.
“The Battle For Gadget Land” sounds like a 90s metal/rock song that could have come from Terrorvision or Foo Fighters. Maybe my least favourite song on the album. “Cold Hearted Woman” is a real country song with all the trademarks of that genre. Even if it is not a rock or metal song, I think it is a very good song.
“Walk Through Fire” is my favorite song on the album and it has really cool lyrics. The line “don’t think my mum even bought the last one” about their albums is hilarious. Great work, boys! This song could easily be on their debut.
“Weekend In Rome” ends this awesome album and it is a soft and acoustic / symphonic song with great singing from Justin Hawkins.
One thing I love with this album is the diversity of songs from ballads to country to rock n roll. I also think that Justin sings in a more mature way and does not use his high pitch vocals as often as on previous albums. It clocks in at 33 minutes so it is a very short album but very good.
Rating 9/10
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