British rockers The Darkness came thundering into Atlanta’s Terminal West this past Saturday night taking the stage with complete authority. Since it’s financially challenging for a European rock band to tour the States these days unless its filling stadiums or landing a spot on a triple bill of medium to large size bands, The Darkness’ run of US dates supporting their newest release “Pinewood Smile” was a rare rockers delight.
The Darkness, brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain, and newest member Rufus Tiger Taylor, formed in 2000 but didn’t hit my radar until 2003 with the release of their debut album “Permission to Land.” The sound was right in my wheelhouse in terms of melodic guitar-driven rock n roll, but I have to admit it took me a while to be won over by the sometimes “Tiny Tim” like falsetto used by lead singer/guitarist Justin Hawkins. Like some other distinctive vocalists in rock, such as Geddy Lee of Rush and Lemmy from Motorhead, most people either love ‘em or hate ‘em because these voices are so singular.
As for me, I love them; they all bring a unique vocal flavor to the proverbial rock n roll dinner table but it’s a taste you may have to develop over time.
We got into the venue just early enough to catch a few songs by Nashville-based openers Diarrhea Planet (a “crappy” band name by the way). They were entertaining enough and did not play so long you were screaming “Get off the stage”.
After a short 30-minute set change The Darkness came on the stage with Justin decked out in his leopard print jumpsuit and a cape – classic! You’ve got to love a rock band that does not take themselves so seriously. The band launched into “Open Fire” from the last release “Last Of Our Kind” and then straight into “Love Is Only A Feeling” from the debut “Permission To Land”.
The band sounded fantastic and Justin’s voice was spot on for the sold-out, standing room only crowd of 625. Seeing this band for the first time after listening to the records for 15 years painted a much more complete and clearer picture for me. I finally got it. The band represents everything that is RIGHT about rock n roll. Heavy guitars, catchy melodies with hooks, and a energetic and entertaining show which at times made me laugh my ass off due to some of the comedic conversations Justin was having with the audience. I think that dude could do stand up at some point.
The show is fun and their attire and stage antics demonstrate the guys don’t take themselves too seriously, yet their songs are well written and they are seriously good musicians. While they put on a show, The Darkness never go so far over the top to cause themselves and their music to be dismissed as a mockery.
The band continued to plow through the majority of the debut album busting out fan favorites like “Black Shuck,” “Givin” Up,” and “Growing On Me” as well as sprinkling in other great tunes from the band’s catalog like “One Way Ticket” and “Barbarians.”
Speaking of “One Way Ticket,” before the band kicked that one into gear, bassist Frankie Poullain was presented on stage with a nice, yellow, small-sized road case that he opened to theatrically reveal a shiny cowbell and drumstick which was just one of the many fun moments shared with the crowd that were there to have a great time.
Because the band was supporting its latest effort “Pinewood Smile” on this run of dates, they gave the audience a healthy dose of killer rockers from that record, including my favorites “Solid Gold” and “All The Pretty Girls.”
The band finished up the night with with a blazing rendition of “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” with Justin taking a trip around the club firmly planted on the shoulders of one of the band techs.
The night was packed with “No Ballad” killer rock n roll for almost 90 minutes start to finish. In my opinion it had everything you could want in a rock n roll show. Loud catchy riff-laden music, fun interaction from the band with the crowd, energy from both the stage and the audience, and even a decent light show for a small club. Check, Check , Check,and Check.
On the night the band played Atlanta, I had a tough choice to make. I could’ve seen The Foo Fighters with openers The Struts in a nearby stadium, the sister act Haim playing on a theater stage, or The Darkness in a smaller venue dedicated to music. Since I am a fan of all these talented bands, I weighed my options carefully, but in the end, felt like my rarest opportunity came in the form of The Darkness. And I felt pretty damn good about my decision when I walked out of the Terminal West after The Darkness finished.
If you are lucky enough to have a chance to see The Darkness play live, do yourself a favor and leave your problems behind for the night and allow yourself to rock out, laugh and generally just have a good time. The choice is yours. Make it count!!
Special Thanks To EMily Butler Photography (ALL Photos taken by EMily Butler)
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