Live Review : The Darkness @ Rough Trade, Liverpool on December 12th 2024

The Darkness have been a fixture in UK popular rock’n’roll circles for numerous years now. Known for their spandex, ludicrous videos and songs, and dynamic range of vocals from charismatic frontman Justin Hawkins. So, when we were given the chance to cover their super special, intimate and early promo gig for forthcoming album ‘Dreams on Toast’ it was an opportunity we couldn’t believe we’d been afforded.  

This promo tour is purely seen at Rough Trade record stores across the country – of which only four cities are covered. There’s no support and we soon find out that the set is solely six songs off ‘Dreams on Toast’ their next album to be released but not until March 2025. The venue itself is a little purpose-built place above the record store with plenty of facilities, a good bar and a very up-close and personal stage. It holds about 400 people according to the info shared, and it feels that packed as the place fills quickly. With no support we’re all stood around in anticipation for about an hour, but there’s not a single ounce of frustration or anger in the crowd, just palpable excitement.

The band had played a matinee gig at the same venue earlier in the day, and we can quickly guess who of those in the crowd tonight were also there as well. Fanatical fans of The Darkness are something that go shoulder to shoulder with the more casual fan due to the accessible, fun and mainstream appeal that the band have always have as well. But tonight feels more like fans of the band in the crowd that simply those who’ve chance on a ticket and the atmosphere is all the better for it.

The band take to the stage and immediately we can see a difference – no spandex. Not one legging or singlet in sight. Instead, the members are kitted out in black tie, white shirt, black suit crooner outfits. It’s still them though…you can’t hide that kind of anarchic, cheeky personality of a band behind smart outfits. Justin explains the order of events, that we’ll see them perform six songs off the new album, and no one is to video anything – just enjoy the moment and don’t spoil it for us, them, others. The cheers ring out to this, and only the glummest of gig goers next to us seem put out.

The band then treat us to a sequence of songs that undeniably have the trademark flamboyance, dynamism and musicianship of The Darkness, but there’s also something more to these songs. Something more exciting and refined, something across them that feels like them trying new aspects and playing an evolution of their sound. Opener ‘Rock and Roll Party Cowboy’ is probably the most quintessentially The Darkness in riffs and structure of all the songs they showcase tonight. ‘Mortal Dread’ is likely to become a fan favourite though, as it showcases that glorious range of Justin’s – the snarly lower rock croon one minute and flitting falsetto at the catchy as hell chorus. ‘Battle for Gadgetland’ is the track that excites me the most as it seems so different what I would expect from them. It’s a punky, dense riff that peels away to a chatting/rapping Justin almost akin to Young Knives.

Justin takes a moment to note how the way in which they can still look to arenas and a new age of success is testament to both the long-standing fans and the new blood that keeps on finding them. It’s an incite into the humility, honesty and intelligence of a band that has never been drawn into Prima Dona traps. ‘Walking Through Fire’ has the crowd brought into full audience participation as we’re conducted by Justin in marching left and right on the spot at certain points across the choruses. Everyone does it. Not one person feels the need to be too-cool-for-school and that’s what The Darkness do for you and to you – they energise, invigorate and fill the crowd with joy. This track is also the most Queen-like I’ve ever heard the band play, and it’s genuinely delightful with the supreme musicianship and variety of vocals on full display. That Queen-vibe continues with already released single ‘The Longest Kiss’ which had already hinted at what we could hope to come in 2025. By the time we get to closer and new single, ‘I Hate Myself’, Justin has fully shifted into naughty school-boy mode with jacket off and tie round his head Rambo-style to deliver the rockabilly rock’n’roll future classic, complete with requisite catchy, sing-along falsetto chorus.

It’s like seeing a new band smashing onto the scene, but with all the grin-inducing familiarity that comes with a band you’ve loved and endorsed for years. As it turns out we’re treated to more than just the six songs. Not more music, but characterful and humorous chat, stories and even singing Happy Birthday to Dan Hawkins (complete with cake). What’s more, we get to feel that jolt of excitement first-hand for the forthcoming album and tour in 2025. Let me say it now…2025 could well be the year of The Darkness.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
The Darkness