A Glorious Rock Antidote: The Darkness Returns Triumphantly with ‘Dreams On Toast’
When the world feels a bit heavy, there’s nothing quite like music to lift our spirits—and few bands can do that quite as joyously as The Darkness. Their latest album, Dreams On Toast, has blasted into our lives at precisely the right moment. Released through Cooking Vinyl on vibrant orange vinyl and CD, it swiftly climbed the charts, peaking impressively at number two. This, their eighth studio album, has quickly cemented itself as one of my favourites of their career and of 2025 so far.
From my initial encounter with The Darkness back on their Permission to Land tour supporting Deep Purple and Lynyrd Skynyrd, it’s been clear they were destined to remain a refreshing force in rock music. Dreams On Toast proves their enduring appeal. Whether listened to on a gloomy day as a much-needed splash of colour or on a sun-drenched afternoon as a soundtrack to joy, this album delivers every time.
The opening track, “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy,” sets the tone brilliantly, building anticipation before erupting into classic rock riffage reminiscent of Zodiac Mindwarp’s best. Justin Hawkins’ charismatic falsetto is present but measured, enhancing the album’s playful spirit.
Tracks like “I Hate Myself” burst forth with energy reminiscent of classic Quo, while “Hot On My Tail” explores folk-horror storytelling, adding depth to the album’s range. “Morbid Dread,” one of my personal highlights, captures a quintessential AC/DC vibe with its gang-style choruses, balancing nostalgia and freshness perfectly.
The diversity continues with tracks like “Don’t Need Sunshine,” a piano-driven ballad that effortlessly conjures summer vibes, and “The Longest Kiss,” a beautifully crafted Queen-inspired piece peppered with hints of Electric Light Orchestra.
The album peaks again with “The Battle for Gadget Land,” a dynamic punk-infused rock epic, showcasing The Darkness’s versatility. The nuanced “Cold-Hearted Woman” and the autobiographical anthem “Walking Through Fire” reinforce the band’s mature yet humorous observational lyricism.
Closing track, “Weekend in Rome,” gracefully ends the journey with its cinematic flair, encapsulating the album’s theatrical charm.
This album feels like an antidote to our turbulent times. Every song brings something fresh and invigorating, showcasing exceptional musicianship and clever lyricism. The Darkness has crafted an album full of light and shade, brimming with enthusiasm and joy—qualities often scarce in today’s media landscape.
Fans of classic rock, as well as newcomers exploring guitar-driven music, will find much to love here. As bands like Cats in Space continue to captivate a similar audience, The Darkness demonstrates again why rock music remains vibrant and essential.
If you’ve yet to discover Dreams On Toast, let this album be your joyful entry point into the electrifying world of The Darkness. Stream it first if you must, but trust me—this is one you’ll want to own physically.
Remember, music is the healer and the doctor—let this album be your next prescription.
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Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
