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The Darkness
Permission to Land


4.5
superb

Review

by MyRamona USER (14 Reviews)
April 11th, 2006 | 123 replies


Release Date: 2003 | Tracklist


Ahhh, how I used to miss the old days, guitar heroes, glam rock riffs and actual guitar solos! From about 2000 onwards I was very much into hard rock, listening to the likes of AC/DC, Queen and G 'n' R. There's no substitute for the sheer power and incredible range of the vocals, the cranked up clangy distorted guitars, hair blowing in the wind whilst playing lightning fast solo's sort of affair. The last thing I would've ever imagined was a 'blast from the present reminiscent of the past'. However, The Darkness' debut released in 2003 is perfectly subject to that.

this record is fuelled with pure 70's/80's energy combined with the raw sound of modern guitar settings and heavy basslines. From the heart pounding fast pace opener 'Black Shuck' to the glam rock love song outro, this album holds a strong ground through constant listening.

'BLACK SHUCK' draws us in with a catchy hard rock guitar riff, then the drums come in pounding the bass at every beat, which leads straight to the first verse. The lyrics are similar to the genius and comical 'TENACIOUS D'. This especially noticable in the chorus 'Black Shuck- that dog don't give a ***!'. These guys curse a considerable amount. This is misleading as the genre of music suggests fun lovin' rock n roll. Not quite as simple as that - The sound is much harder than the most famous and acclaimed 70's/80's rock bands, and the lyrics are a lot more vicious and over emphasised than most bands. This isn't a bad thing though - it simply adds a lot of character to the music. this is clearly evident in 'GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY WOMAN' which was the second single off the album. It's probably the heaviest, fastest and most rocking song on the album, and most vulgar if you are offended by lots of direct hard cursing.

The album has it's fair share of love ballads, including the single 'GROWING ON ME'. The riff is a simple Darkness style progression, the lyrics to this song are especially humerous, as they are actually about genital warts. 'Cos everywhere I go you there, I can't get you out of my hair, can't pretend that I don't care - it's not fair.' the solo fits the song well as it is a moderate speed ballad, and gives Dan hawkins a Guitar hero ego ( especially as to how it's depicted in the music video). the other ballad singles are 'love is only a feeling' which was less successful than the other singles, yet is a great song nonetheless. 'HOLDING MY OWN' is very similar to 'GROWING ON ME' as the lyrics are once again misleading at first. Then we discover the song is about solo sex. Hmmmm.

The album is quite commercial overall, but then again since when was glam rock ever not commercial? How can you not make an item of yourself wearing nothing but a fullbody lycra cat suit? 'I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE' obtained the most radio play out of all the singles, but it does it with good grace. The song boasts three solo's, each increasing in difficulty and speed as they progress. This is unusual for most modern rock songs.

Now the songs I believe are in a league of their own. My personal favourite 'GIVIN' UP' is a track about a down-and-out talking about hard drugs being the only thing he cares about, and not caring whether he lives or dies. The lyrics are quite disturbing, but make you chuckle at the same time. 'But I won't apologise I'd inject into my eyes if there was no-where else to stick my skag'. the riff is very progressive and the guitar is very reminiscent of BRIAN MAY of QUEEN. the song has a break into an impressive duet by Dan and Justin.

'LOVE ON THE ROCKS WITH NO ICE' boasts the most interesting and well written riff on the album. Another moderate rock song which is similar to the later METALLICA, such as 'LOAD'. Justins vocals are most impressive, as he moves up in entire octaves by step during the chorus, which is very hard to do. Especially at the given pitch. 'FRIDAY NIGHT' is the most Queen-esque song on the album. It is very upbeat (and if I may coin a phrase) and is 'music that girls can dance to' the only filler track is 'STUCK IN A RUT'. this doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad song, it just doesn't stand out as well as the other tracks.

Overall, an amazing return to real rock music from the darkness. Thank you very much lads - we all needed it.

Tracklisting and ratings:
1.black Shuck 4.5/5
2.get your hands off my woman 4.5/5
3.growing on me 4/5
4.I believe in a thing called love 5/5
5.Love is only a feeling 4/5
6.givin' up 5/5
7.Stuck in a rut 3/5
8.friday night 4/5
9. Love on the rocks with no ice 5/5
10. Holding my own 3.5/5

overall rating 4.5/5



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Comments:Add a Comment 
MyRamona
April 11th 2006


1098 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I've pretty much discarded the track-by-tracks now, as I find it easier to write about the album in general and follow it up by a short, blunt tracklisting at the end. Cheers and I look forward to hearing from you!

The Jungler
April 11th 2006


4826 Comments


Finally, someone reviewed this. You did a good job too. The only thing I found wrong was you didn't capitlize alot of stuff that should have been capitalized (Song titles, Last names etc.).

I've only heard the singles off this and while I liked "I Believe" nothing else really appealed to me.This Message Edited On 04.11.06

fisky009
April 11th 2006


813 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Its good to see someone review this, cool album fun and rockin. I love love on the rocks, great song



Nice review.

Zesty Mordant
April 11th 2006


1196 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

wow, this is the first review? I'm positive one has been done before for this album.

Good review.

MyRamona
April 11th 2006


1098 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Hmmm, I don't actually know why I kept referring to the 80's, i think it's because i mentioned guns 'n' roses and singled out that era for some reason. Anywho i'll change it. cheers for the comments!

spoon_of_grimbo
April 11th 2006


2241 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

this album, no matter how cheesy and slightly overrated it is, holds some good memories for me. "growing on me" was the first song my band ever jammed out at band practice, and then we dropped it and went on to cover "i believe" and "get your hands..." (only possibly cuz our singer at the time was female lol).



and there's the time that me and all my mates were crashed out listening to this after one of the greatest house parties i've ever been to...



ah, good times.

Zebra
Moderator
April 11th 2006


2647 Comments


This was a good review, but I don't think you needed to capitalize the songs that you were describing.
I've only heard one single from the Darkness, the one where the lead singer sings really high. I don't know what to think about it, I didn't really like it that much but it wasn't all that bad the more I listened to it.

Two-Headed Boy
April 12th 2006


4527 Comments


It's ironic how he's losing his hair...

Yeah, if you gave I Believe in a Thing Called Love 5/5, there's no way in hell I'll be touching this anytime soon.

pattern_recognition
April 12th 2006


950 Comments


What a great, cheesy, fun album.
Black Shuck is the shit.

MyRamona
April 12th 2006


1098 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

The ratings weren't all personal opinions, the reason 'I believe' got a 5 is becuase it is extremely well written, even if it is very cheesy. I can't even remember the last time I heard a modern song with three solos, and an awesome riff. They're such a part-ay band.

Paul13
April 13th 2006


12 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

i beliece in a thing called love is the only song on the album i dislike. Growing on me is rather excellent as is Holding my own and FRiday night.

MyRamona
April 13th 2006


1098 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

"It's ironic how he's losing his hair..." - It's unfortunate but I don't see how it's ironic.



BTW - AV8RS, I believe in a thing called love is the most commercial and cheesy song on this album. you really should check it out at some point. It's an instant like or dislike album.This Message Edited On 04.13.06

<3 sian <3
April 15th 2006


1 Comments


TOE BEE IS MY FRIEND
i like this review, congratulatiiooons
xxsianxx

Two-Headed Boy
April 15th 2006


4527 Comments


originally posted by My Ramona:
It's unfortunate but I don't see how it's ironic.


Because he's in the hair-metal band for the current generation.

MyRamona
April 15th 2006


1098 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

lol well spotted! kudos to you sir!

Two-Headed Boy
April 15th 2006


4527 Comments


lol thanks, man.

btw I never got to tell you: class review, man!

Rory says no
April 15th 2006


23 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Big fat guitar riffs with high pitched singing and screaming solos. Not bad!

j.c
April 16th 2006


13 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

this is a fun piece of music! reminded me of almost every 70's 80's rock band good guitar work great singing and some slick drumming wot more can you want from a rock debut!

MyRamona
April 17th 2006


1098 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Cheers AV8RS ( for saying my review is class and commenting on my first ever review a while back) and thank you to everyone for all the feedback so far. Even more thanks for your bumps. :DThis Message Edited On 04.17.06

crazyaff
April 18th 2006


104 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

all i have to say is that this album is wae better than their second u know dat piece of shit called "one way ticket to hell and back"





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