April 8, 2004
The Tabernacle
By Angeline Vuong

The Darkness invaded Atlanta Thursday night as they rocked to a sold-out crowd at The Tabernacle. Hell, even Aerosmith and Cheap Trick had to see what the fuss was about, and both bands enjoyed the show in the balcony.

Once fellow Brits The Wildhearts hit the stage, 2004 seemed far away, and it was as if 1979 had just arrived. Their energetic show spun the floor into a frenzy. Despite the crowd surfers and moshers, the Aqua Net days came alive again with a barrage of big rig lighting, rock hands, arena-like tricks, and cigarette lighter rock.

But it was nothing compared to the commotion The Darkness incited. As an avid-concertgoer, I haven't had a fun time like this at a show in a year or so. However, if you didn't like AC/DC , Queen , and such back then, you're not going to like them now as lead singer Justin Hawkins reincarnates Freddie Mercury -- prances, catsuits, and all. Regardless if The Darkness become ridiculously famous (they're starting to get there in the UK), or if they wither away into obscurity and end up playing the 10 High to a thinning crowd, it doesn't matter. The band isn't re-inventing rock and roll. However, they are bringing joy back into music and putting smiles on people's faces with their pure indulgent excess, over the top stage moves, and a "rock out with your cock out" mentality.

After the instrumental "Bareback," The Darkness came roaring out onto the Tabernacle stage and launched into their CD's opening track, "Black Shuck." There's no question in Justin Hawkins' mind that he is 100% rock star, and it shows. His charisma on stage is as potent (if not more) as his choice wardrobe -- which included a glittery silver and hot pink catsuit that didn't quite function. Some fans were treated to an added surprise (if you're into that) before Hawkins realized that his unitard wasn't quite zipping up, leaving nothing left to the imagination.

The band ripped through all except for one track off of Permission to Land , and included two B-sides ( "The Best of Me" and "Makin' Out" for those who are curious) and one new track in their set list as well. Although Hawkins was ill -- he has a throat problem due to severe acid reflux, which led to the cancellation of the band's Cleveland & Pittsburgh dates -- the singer managed to flawlessly hit the mindnumbing falsettos that he is known for. His brother, lead guitarist Dan , along with bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Ed Graham , added to the 80's throwback appeal, as they egged on the audience to clap along and pump their fists in classic rock stance. Other stand out tracks included the crowd favorites "Growing on Me" and "Friday Night", along with the band's American single, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love."

During the final song, "Love on the Rocks with No Ice" , Hawkins, perched atop a roadie's shoulders, traversed the Tabernacle floor while blaring out a guitar solo in true rock style. By the end of the night, the crowd got their $12.00 worth -- and maybe even more, for those who had to buy scalped tickets.

And as to the fuss about the band ditching the meet and greet (of about 30 people) after the show to meet arena rock staples Aerosmith and Cheap Trick - how could you say no to Steven Tyler or Rick Nielsen ?? To vouch for The Darkness though-- they gave fans at least 4 opportunities to meet them: their Best Buy instore on Wednesday, before and after soundcheck, as well as after the show when they were leaving the venue. Contrary to what has been said, the Brits were surprisingly grateful to their fans; they even signed multiple items for people, posed for many photos, and offered passes to the first person that arrived at the venue.

Yes, the hype over The Darkness and their debut album Permission to Land is a bit much. And yes, they may be the most overrated band at the moment. So, many people who didn't get to catch the show may ask - Do they deserve all the fuss? My answer is probably not, but that didn't stop me from enjoying their album and having one hell of a time at the show.

The brilliance of The Darkness lies within that remaining ambiguity - Are they really serious?

Who cares? The band is about enjoying the moment and losing your so-called indie credibility. It's obvious that they love performing, and if they can make others happy while doing so, then why not? With over their top guitar solos and marvelously cheeky lyrics, I christen The Darkness my favorite (and most sparkly) guilty pleasure.

www.thedarknessrock.com ll www.thewildhearts.com