ALBUM REVIEW – THE DARKNESS – ”DREAMS ON TOAST“
- Janet Harding
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
THE DARKNESS
” DREAMS ON TOAST “
RELEASE DATE 28TH MARCH 2025
WORDS JANET HARDING
‘Dreams on Toast’, released on 28th March of this year, is the 8th studio album from the musical superpower that is the Darkness, with promises of being “the best album the band have made in years”. For me, you just can’t beat the Darkness anyway - soaring harmonies, that retro glam rock and the tongue in cheek swagger that drips from every tune - love them or hate them, you certainly can’t ignore them. So I was excited to hear this new offering. “ Produced by Dan Hawkins, ‘Dreams on Toast’ captures the band in their finest form, celebrating their influences, strengthening their sound, while also embarking on avenues never heard from the band before” - from the band’s official press .
From the first play through it’s got a ‘need to hear more’, catchy, addictive feel. That afore mentioned swagger hits hard in the opener, ‘Rock n roll Cowboy’ - a parody maybe? Certainly poking fun at themselves if not rock n roll as a whole. A super, edgy, rock n roll beat with jagged guitars, whilst Justin reels off a list of ‘stuff’ associated with rock and roll in a vocal that wouldn’t normally be associated with the well-known falsetto we think of. A huskiness, a throatiness with a slight roar, verging on a heavy metal scream at times.
In total contrast ‘I Hate Myself’ takes us right back to those glam rock influences, fizzing, bright and breezy with real 70s feels; that British accent punctuating over skippy beats, a funky brass section and harmonies very reminiscent of Queen. Ridiculously catchy, a real ear worm and you can just feel the flamboyance.
‘Hot on my Tail’ transcends genres; it’s got country rock at its heart yet woven throughout is pop rock; again filled with exquisite harmonies, soaring guitars and a ragtime piano section. The combinations of country, soft rock and classical work well together and I get an almost ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) vibe coming through. Very atmospheric yet light and brimming with shimmering sonics.
These interwoven themes, sounds and influences continue throughout this album. ‘Mortal Dread” is a banger that feels slightly more rock, then back to country feels with ‘Cold hearted Woman’.
As a whole this album brings pure musical joy, whether you're a fan of not, it just feels good, is catchy and perfect for turning up loud on sunny days. ‘Dreams on Toast’ manages to encompass high vibrational sounds, an eclectic mix of genres and is a celebration of influences; from skipping beats, extended instrumentals bordering on prog rock, to high flying pop rock anthems with a funky edge. Clever lyrics, strong melodies you can’t help but sing along to, complex structures and effervescent sounds. Very nostalgic yet still manages to feel current and fresh; this album champions the best of this marvelously flamboyant band with their eccentricities and ability to laugh at themselves whilst creating stand out music with the most special harmonies and heartwarming sing-along deliciousness at the same time.
4/5
TRACK LISTING
The Darkness - Rock and Roll Party Cowboy
2. The Darkness - I Hate Myself
3. The Darkness - Hot On My Tail
4. The Darkness - Mortal Dread
5. The Darkness - Don't Need Sunshine
6. The Darkness - The Longest Kiss
7. The Darkness - The Battle For Gadget Land
8. The Darkness - Cold Hearted Woman
9. The Darkness - Walking Through Fire
10. The Darkness - Weekend In Rome
FOLLOW THE DARKNESS
Comments