The Darkness were one of the first bands to bring back ‘70s arena rock with classic AOR FM radio sounds. Fast forward almost 20 years later and the Darkness are back with a solid hard driving new outing, Motorheart. Their North American tour supporting this album has just kicked off with several dates in Western Canada and the obligatory stop in Toronto.
Motorheart is exactly what we have come to expect from the Darkness over the past. Since their debut album Permission To Land hit the airwaves, The Darkness have been hammering out great riff laden albums over their 20 plus year career. Motorheart is their 7th studio album and it’s one of their stronger outings. If you are a fan of The Darkness, fear not, they still have that classic rock radio feel. This band seems like it has been lifted straight out of the 70’s and dropped into our lap, albeit with a fresh approach.
Motorheart kicks off with Welcome Tae Glasgae and if you didn’t know any better, you’d think they were from Scotland with the thick accents and bagpipes tearing through the song. However these lads are indeed from Lowstoft England. The opening bass riffs and accompanying bagpipes grab your attention immediately and you could be in danger of getting a speeding ticket if you are driving. Then the guitar kicks it up a notch and you are sure to floor the gas pedal as you get lost in the tune.
The album continues with the radio friendly It’s Love, Jim. Lead vocalist Justin Hawkins shows his amazing range as he hits some notes that many singers can only hope of achieving. Then we jump into the melodic title track Motorheart that harkens to the sounds of Sweet with a good dose of Queen added to the mix just to make things interesting. The Power and The Glory of Love is one of the weaker tracks on the album, but it still has some great riffs and vocals, so don’t skip over it because I didn’t find it too compelling. I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Now we get to a Jussy’s Girl which pays homage that 70’s hit radio sound that is prevalent through this entire album. And as the title alludes to, this does seem like a tribute to Rick Springfield. There is another lull with Sticky Situations, however it is beautifully put together with hints of Yes and Styx and more Queen, but a sound that is uniquely The Darkness.
They return back to the hard driving rock that could cause more traffic violations as you cruise down the highway with Nobody Can See Me Cry, Eastbound, Speed Of The Nite Time and You Don’t Have To Be Crazy About Me…But It Helps. This part is perfect for an afternoon drive on the Autobahn.
The second last tune is quite funny. A lot of songs talk about conquering love and ending up in an amorous embrace, however It’s A Love Thang (You Wouldn’t Understand) talks about waiting for at least the third date before jumping into bed as he’s clearly fallen in love and doesn’t want to move too fast. I think my favourite line on the entire album comes from this song; “If she asks me to undress her, I’d run a mile. There may be a walnut in my pantaloon… It’s our first date. Wouldn’t you rather wait?”
The album closes with a song that is sure to be a huge hit if radio today was the same as it once ruled the music airwaves. There is more humour about love and love lost. So Long is another example of Justin’s great vocal range and quirky lyrics. Motorheart is solid from front to back.
The Darkness is currently on tour in North America and have just descended on Canada with a stop in Calgary on Tuesday March 22, Edmonton March 23 and in Winnipeg on the 25th. Be sure to catch their wild and frenetic stage show. I’ll leave the closing remark to lead singer: Justin Hawkins shares, “You there, in the Americas – hear me, and hear me well: The Darkness know your pain, know that you have cried yourselves to sleep every night, bereft of quality English rock music. Well, desist from weeping and pull up your fully grown adult pants – salvation is upon you! As doctors, we UNDERSTAND the healing power of rock music and we have instructed our minions to make arrangements for us to visit your moderately distant shores. The cryogenically sealed Tupperware box of roadies has been set to “Thor” and the mighty winged chariot has been dusted off. Remember – one lick of Darkness sweat and you will be cured – you will literally walk again, without Covid or anything! But what price freedom and eternal life, I hear you ask? To you sir, about thirty bucks (plus local taxes and booking fee). Now get the fuck in!”
For more info check out http://www.thedarknesslive.com/
