The Darkness - Permission to Land

Whether The Darkness present themselves as a novelty act or simply create the music they love, I would say that have accomplished both. In a nutshell, this album rocks circles around some of the other releases out there. In fact, as I listened to Permission To Land for the first time, I glanced over at my CD collection of indie-rock artists with cryptic names and equally pretentious album titles, and it made me think of what a rarity it is that you find a band really having fun with their music. The Darkness remind me that a good hook, a no-joke guitar solo, smashing drums, and echoing back-up vocals makes some damn fine sounds. And there is no denying singer Justin Hawkins signature falsetto croons - he is a cross between Freddie Mercury and that guy from Steelheart (remember “I neeeeeeeeever leeeeeeeeeet you gooooooooo”?). Also included is the standard bridge - repeat the chorus with just a banging bass drum, so the arena audience and the band can sing it clapping their hands over their heads. Two standout songs happen early in the album (“I Can’t Get Over You” and “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”), which both evoke emotion and the involuntary head-bob. The obligatory power ballad is in there too (“Holding My Own”), which makes you powerless to do nothing but scrunch up your face and sing along. Overall, if you want to shed your music snobbishness, have fun, and listen to some melodic rock, this will surely do the trick. I hope The Darkness can overcome their initial hype and continue to make good old fashioned rock. Or at least stay around long enough to bring back stadium shows with oscillating drum cages and tight leather pants. [www.thedarknessrock.com]