Britain’s most current hair rockers are back with a one-way ticket to hell and back, which is also the name of their new album. Since their smash album Permission to Land, it seems as though the rockers have been to hell and back after listening to the new album, which speaks of romantic torment of heartbreak and emotional breakthroughs.
Straying a bit from the formula of their last album, which included killer riffs and high-hitting notes, The Darkness is treading new ground. The record starts of with the title track “One Way Ticket to Hell . and Back.” Sounds of ancient flute that take you far away to a misty river creep through the speakers and are soon followed by what I believe is supposed to sound like someone snorting cocaine.
They win the award for most interesting and unique beginning of an album in my book, because it got my attention. As for the actual song, it was quite reminiscent of their rock’n’roll beginnings, to which you could head bang and hold your root beer high while jamming out.
The album is hit or miss. They have more than a handful of songs worth jamming out to in the car or putting on your iPod, but there are a few the could have done without.
The album is lacking in the cutting lyrics The Darkness are known for. Clichs are over used, especially during “Is It Just Me.” “Knockers” is quite cute and complementary with the lyrics “I just love what you’ve done with your hair … oh yeah!”
“Seemed Like a Good Idea At the Time” should go straight to the monster ballads collection. The boys’ softer side shines through their hard rock’n’roll exterior with this tune. A bit too sappy, which seemed to hinder their creativity and finished product.
If you close your eyes while listening to “Hazel Eyes,” you may think you are on the Scotland coast, watching guitarist Dan Hawkins (whose hair is blowing in the wind) playing a melodic solo on a cliff above crashing waves.
Leave it to The Darkness to write a song totally about male pattern baldness. I guess it’s an issue that needs to be brought into the open. What’s The Darkness’s stance on the subject? They say, “Heaven forbid it’s not for me you understand. Bald, slap-headed and hairless bald. He is destined to be bald, well tonight thank God it’s him instead of me.” They are sure thankful to have their long grungy locks.

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