The Darkness: Permission To Land Again album review | Mark Meets Music

The Resurgence of The Darkness: A Nostalgic Trip Through ‘Permission To Land’

In today’s musical landscape, it’s hard to forget the enduring presence of The Darkness, with their enigmatic frontman, Justin Hawkins, who once donned the persona of Chameleon on ‘The Masked Singer.’ However, rewind to the year 2003, and you’ll find a different scenario – a band blending hard-rock riffs with falsetto vocals that left some critics with raised eyebrows, wondering if it was all a tongue-in-cheek act.

Fast forward to the present, and we have a flamboyant reissue of their debut album from 2003, ‘Permission To Land.’ This release, available in various formats, including five vinyl and four CD/DVD editions, serves as a timely reminder of the band’s significance. They emerged as a breath of fresh air, offering a lighthearted alternative to the earnest Detroit garage rock scene that dominated the era. The achievements of ‘Permission To Land’ speak for themselves – it became a global hit, earned three Brit awards, an Ivor Novello, went quintuple platinum, and achieved 1.5 million copies sold in the UK alone.

Two decades have passed since the album’s initial release, yet it still carries a timeless appeal. Tracks like “Growing On Me,” “I Believe In A Thing Called Love,” and “Love Is Only A Feeling” burst forth from the speakers like perennial jukebox favorites, deserving a place alongside rock legends like Thin Lizzy and AC/DC.

While the influence of their musical predecessors occasionally shines through – consider the unmistakable riff in “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” reminiscent of Urge Overkill’s “Sister Havana” – The Darkness’s unique brand of charisma prevents them from ever feeling derivative. The contrast between Justin Hawkins’s dramatic vocal delivery and his self-effacing lyrics cleverly deconstructs the macho-metal stereotype. Nowhere is this more evident than in the lovelorn reminiscence of schooldays in “Friday Night,” where Hawkins croons, “God, the way she moves me, to write bad poetry.”

Die-hard fans of the original album will revel in the wealth of additional content in this reissue. It includes B-sides and carefully selected live recordings from iconic venues like London’s Astoria, Knebworth (both in 2003), and Wembley Arena (2004). Notably, this collection features a raucous rendition of “Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End).” However, the most tantalizing aspect of this reissue is the inclusion of six previously unreleased demos.

The Darkness‘ frontman Justin Hawkinsis superfit for the bands tour dates

One standout gem among these demos is “Black Shuck,” a track that showcases Justin Hawkins at his larynx-shredding best. Another standout is “Love On The Rocks With No Ice,” which exudes the swaggering confidence of a band poised to claim their seat at the pinnacle of the pop music hierarchy.

These demos also serve as proof that The Darkness’s creative juices were flowing abundantly. Scorching versions of “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us” and “Live Til I Die” make an appearance, eventually seeing the light of day to promote the band’s later albums, ‘Hot Cakes’ in 2012 and ‘Easter Is Cancelled’ in 2019.

In essence, ‘Permission To Land’ granted permission once more, as this reissue delves into the vivacious world of The Darkness. It takes us on a nostalgic journey through their career, showcasing not only the band’s undeniable talent but also their irreverent and magnetic personality that set them apart in the world of rock.

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Permission to Land… Again (20th Anniversary Edition):

01 Black Shuck
02 Get Your Hands Off My Woman
03 Growing on Me
04 I Believe in a Thing Called Love
05 Love Is Only a Feeling
06 Givin’ Up
07 Stuck in a Rut
08 Friday Night
09 Love on the Rocks With No Ice
10 Holding My Own
11 Black Shuck (Demo)
12 I Believe in a Thing Called Love (Demo)
13 Out of My Hands (Demo)
14 Live ’Til I Die (Demo)
15 Love on the Rocks With No Ice (Demo)
16 Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us (Demo)
17 I Believe in a Thing Called Love (2002 Version)
18 Love on the Rocks With No Ice (2002 Version)
19 Love Is Only a Feeling (2002 Version)
20 Get Your Hands Off My Woman (2003 Edit Version)
21 The Best of Me
22 I Believe in a Thing Called Love (Single Version)
23 Out of My Hands
24 Makin’ Out
25 Physical Sex
26 How Dare You Call This Love?
27 Bareback
28 Planning Permission
29 Curse of the Tollund Man
30 Get Your Hands Off My Woman… Again (2004 Version)
31 I Love You 5 Times
32 Get Your Hands Off My Woman… Again (2004 Edit Version)
33 Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)
34 Growing on Me (Live at Knebworth, 2003)
35 The Best of Me (Live at Knebworth, 2003)
36 Makin’ Out (Live at Knebworth, 2003)
37 Get Your Hands Off My Woman (Live at Knebworth, 2003)
38 Stuck in a Rut (Live at Knebworth, 2003)
39 I Believe in a Thing Called Love (Live at Knebworth, 2003)
40 Love on the Rocks With No Ice (Live at Knebworth, 2003)
41 Bareback (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
42 Black Shuck (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
43 Love Is Only a Feeling (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
44 Get Your Hands Off My Woman (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
45 Friday Night (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
46 I Believe in a Thing Called Love (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
47 Buffet (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
48 Givin’ Up (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
49 Love on the Rocks With No Ice (Live at the Astoria, London, 2003)
50 Grief Hammer (Live at Wembley, 2004)
51 Givin’ Up (Live at Wembley, 2004)
52 Stuck in a Rut (Live at Wembley, 2004)
53 Dinner Lady Arms (Live at Wembley, 2004)
54 Growing on Me (Live at Wembley, 2004)
55 Makin’ Out (Live at Wembley, 2004)
56 Physical Sex (Live at Wembley, 2004)
57 Love Is Only a Feeling (Live at Wembley, 2004)
58 Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time (Live at Wembley, 2004)
59 Buffet (Live at Wembley, 2004)
60 Black Shuck (Live at Wembley, 2004)
61 Friday Night (Live at Wembley, 2004)
62 I Believe in a Thing Called Love (Live at Wembley, 2004)
63 Get Your Hands Off My Woman (Live at Wembley, 2004)
64 Love on the Rocks With No Ice (Live at Wembley, 2004)
65 Do They Know It’s Christmas (Live at Wembley, 2004)
66 Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) (Live at Wembley, 2004)

The Darkness: A Band Ahead of Its Time

The Darkness burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s with a style that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Their debut album, ‘Permission To Land,’ was a bold statement, merging the flamboyant glam rock of the 1970s with a modern sensibility. It was a fusion that felt audacious in an era dominated by grunge and alternative rock.

Fronted by the charismatic Justin Hawkins, The Darkness embraced excess and theatricality in a way that few contemporary bands dared. Their music was an exhilarating concoction of searing guitar riffs, soaring vocal acrobatics, and lyrics that oscillated between self-deprecating humor and earnest emotion. In a musical landscape marked by introspection and melancholy, The Darkness stood out as a beacon of unapologetic joy on the red carpet.

A Triumph of Sound and Style

‘Permission To Land’ was an album that not only conquered the charts but also won critical acclaim. It was a triumph of sound and style, with each track bearing the unmistakable imprint of The Darkness’s distinctive personality. The album’s lead single, “I Believe In A Thing Called Love,” was a raucous anthem that combined Hawkins’s falsetto wails with infectious melodies, and it quickly became an anthem for the band.

What set The Darkness apart from their peers was their willingness to revel in the excesses of rock and roll. They weren’t afraid to be over-the-top, and their music videos, including the one for “I Believe In A Thing Called Love,” were as much a spectacle as the songs themselves. In a world that often took itself too seriously, The Darkness reminded us that rock music could be fun and extravagant.

A Counterpoint to the Times

The early 2000s were marked by a resurgence of garage rock and a wave of introspective singer-songwriters. Bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes dominated the airwaves, offering a stripped-down, no-frills approach to rock music. In contrast, The Darkness emerged as a breath of fresh air, injecting a dose of flamboyance and humor into the scene.

Their irreverent take on rock and roll provided a much-needed counterpoint to the prevailing seriousness. Songs like “Love Is Only A Feeling” and “Friday Night” showcased their ability to blend sincere emotions with tongue-in-cheek humor. Justin Hawkins’s flamboyant stage presence and penchant for catsuits only added to their unique charm.

The Darkness’s Enduring Legacy

Twenty years on, ‘Permission To Land’ has secured its place as a classic rock album. Tracks like “Growing On Me,” with its infectious guitar riff, and “Love On The Rocks With No Ice,” a swaggering declaration of confidence, have become timeless staples of rock playlists. The album’s enduring popularity is a testament to The Darkness’s ability to craft songs that resonate across generations.

But it’s not just the music that has left a lasting mark. The Darkness’s fearless embrace of their own eccentricity and the sheer joy they brought to their performances have inspired countless aspiring musicians. They proved that it’s okay to be different, to embrace the theatrical, and to revel in the joy of making music.

A Glimpse into The Darkness’s Creative Process

One of the most intriguing aspects of this reissue is the inclusion of six previously unreleased demos. These demos offer a glimpse into the band’s creative process during the ‘Permission To Land’ era. Among them, “Black Shuck” stands out as a testament to Justin Hawkins’s vocal prowess, showcasing his ability to push his larynx to its limits.

“Love On The Rocks With No Ice” is another gem from the demos, exuding the swagger and confidence of a band on the brink of stardom. These unreleased tracks are not just historical artifacts; they are a testament to The Darkness’s continuous evolution as musicians.

The Darkness: A Band That Keeps Giving

The reissue of ‘Permission To Land’ is a testament to The Darkness’s enduring legacy. It’s not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a celebration of a band that has defied conventions and continued to create music that resonates with fans old and new.

As we revisit the album’s B-sides, live recordings, and previously unreleased demos, we’re reminded of The Darkness’s ability to surprise and delight. Tracks like “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us” and “Live Til I Die” may have been hidden gems for years, but they eventually found their way into the spotlight, further enriching the band’s discography.

In a world that often celebrates the brooding and the enigmatic, The Darkness remains unapologetically joyful and extravagant. They are a reminder that rock music can be a source of unbridled happiness and a celebration of life’s exuberance.

Conclusion: ‘Permission To Land’ Revisited

In revisiting ‘Permission To Land’ through this reissue, we are transported back to a time when rock music was unabashedly theatrical and exuberant. The Darkness emerged as a band that defied expectations and embraced the flamboyant spirit of rock and roll.

Two decades later, their music continues to captivate audiences, and their influence can be seen in the countless bands that have followed in their footsteps. ‘Permission To Land’ is not just an album; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of music to bring joy and laughter to our lives.

So, as we grant permission once more to ‘Permission To Land,’ let us savor the audacious brilliance of The Darkness, a band that reminds us that in the world of music, there’s always room for a little more light, a little more laughter, and a lot more rock and roll.