Household legends The Darkness return with their sixth studio album, Pinewood Smile: a ten-piece rollercoaster of a record which will send you into scenes of complete hilarity, unmitigated chaos and some of the most bizarre aspects of the human mind.
Anyone who knows anything about The Darkness will know they’re not ones to be taken overly seriously, and this record is certainly no such exception. Pinewood Smile sends you across the entire universe, covering everything from our dear friends at Southern Rail to the narrative of a larger woman stuffing her face with fries. Kicking things off though is ‘All The Pretty Girls’ and the band hold no limits, bursting straight out of the gate with some beautifully heavy guitar riffs which they’ve always been keen to incorporate. No track could be more suited to an opening and, as we’re reintroduced to Justin Hawkins’ unmistakable and awe-inspiring tones, there is a great deal of lovability and warming familiarity. Justin’s signature highs are of course also present and are certainly a key part of the foundation for what makes this band so damn infectious!
The parodies keep on rolling through the entire record, to the point that it’s hard to know where to begin. ‘Solid Gold’ has to be a pretty core example, only The Darkness would be able to masterfully use the catch of: “We’re never going to stop, shitting out solid gold” and make it work! The track is a solid (no pun intended) reminder of not only The Darkness’ many talents, but showcases some brilliant structuring through widely diverse verses, huge choruses and intricate solo works which are all incredibly cohesive, forming an anthem which will surely get you moving!
Another undoubted highlight that every Brightonian will appreciate comes from ‘Southern Trains’, a ‘subtle’ reference to a certain train service that we all know too well. Preachings of the various smells and types of people one may meet on their journey are not only hilariously accurate, but the song has one of the greatest key changes and instrumental solos that I’ve found in a long while, as the piercing guitar bounces effortlessly off of Justin’s otherworldly highs.
‘Why Don’t The Beautiful Cry?’ acts as the first break to the album’s upbeat chaos, and showcases a huge slower ballad, placing the spotlight even more so on Justin’s beautiful voice and some genuinely heavenly backing harmonies. The ballad soon digresses into a stunning chorus which acts as one of the more emotionally attached tracks on the record whilst still holding that smidgen of Darkness witticism. The album’s later tracks equally hold a similar slower feel which makes for a surprising turn of events. ‘Stampede Of Love’ is a true born closer to an album, a narrative of a woman eating her way through a buffet and Justin’s infatuation with her. A final burst into colossal heavy instrumentals is a great send off and a sample of some ludicrous riff work, while a final “Fuck You” ends the record in true Darkness fashion.
The Darkness may not be a band you’ve come across in a while but I can assure you that they are still going stronger than ever and have no desire to stop their crazy train of nonsensical, glorious rock’n’roll anytime soon. Pinewood Smile is an unconventional masterpiece of pure joy, enigma and absolute hilarity from cover to cover. It is bands like The Darkness who are the reason I wanted to start reviewing music, there is nothing greater than seeing musicians who really shake up their genres and there is no doubt that is what The Darkness excel at. The world needs more bands who aren't afraid to put a big middle finger to the establishment and just have fun doing what they do best.
Ben Walker
Website: thedarknesslive.com
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