It's sometimes difficult to tell if The Darkness is the embodiment of rock and roll or simply a ridiculous parody of it. This dilemma arises in part from lead singer Justin Hawkins' fondness of skintight sequin pants and the band's video for their 2003 hit "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," which inexplicably featured a spaceship and a giant red squid. Even the cover of the band's latest album, which depicts a train heading straight into the fires of hell and is reminiscent of Meatloaf's deliciously dramatic cover for Bat Out of Hell, suggests a certain level of satire.
The band's latest album One Way Ticket to Hell … and Back proves the band's legitimacy as a solid rock and roll outfit while still retaining the sense of irony that makes them so distinct. The album is definitely enjoyable, but there are still points on the album where the music sounds more like a parody of rock than rock itself. There's a fine line between classic Queen and classic Spinal Tap, but the band mostly manages to follow the tradition of the former.
"Excess" probably sums up the album best in both theme and sound. Every track is a tribute to the decadences and pitfalls of being a rock star — from drug use to casual sex to breakups, makeups and the irrational fear of going bald. Each is a complex mishmash of guitar, strings and Hawkins' distinct falsetto, which sounds like Freddie Mercury and ABBA at the same time.
The album starts out strong with the title track. "One Way Ticket to Hell … and Back" is a catchy, poppy, head-banging ode to cocaine use. The track even starts out with snorting noises. The Darkness definitely wants listeners to know that they are rock stars, and that rock stars do drugs and that this is just as funny as it is cool. The song could have come off as pretentious, but instead it's just blissful coked-out fun.
The fun continues with the next two tracks "Knockers" and "Is It Just Me?" Although Hawkins' voice has limited range, his high vocals are the pitch perfect match to these guitar and drum heavy arena rockers. The Darkness' music is packed with hints of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and of course Queen, but these four guys from Britain have managed to create a very distinct sound while incorporating the influences of their rock and roll idols.
It's obvious that The Darkness aspires to be on the same level as the legends of rock they so admire. The band does fulfill several of the rock and roll legend requirements, which include an eccentric lead singer, tales of sordid drug abuse and one nights stands and the all-important power ballad (the awesome "It Seemed Like A Good Idea At the Time").
The second half of One Way Ticket to Hell … and Back begins with "Hazel Eyes" an energetic, Scottish influenced track that sounds like something from the Braveheart soundtrack on steroids. This song is a grand and totally goofy impersonation of classic AC/DC, but that doesn't mean it's not good.
The Darkness may never make music as good as the titans of rock they so admire, but they have carved out an interesting niche for themselves in the music world. They create fairly wacky music that's still respectable, and more importantly, still good. Although there are points on the album when the music almost becomes a joke, they never cross the line into complete ridiculousness.
One Way Ticket to Hell … and Back is not an epic rock album, it's probably not even one of the best albums of the year, but it is an entertaining 35 minutes of catchy, energetic music that even the most critical music listeners will find themselves singing along to.
Grade: B
