The Darkness Leads to Light

The Darkness - if you're familiar, you probably know them from their 2003 hit "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" - a fantastic song that prompted many a clap-along back in my days at the University of Iowa - one that still gets people moving whenever it's played. And let me tell you, the falsetto so prolifically belted by powerful lead singer/guitarist Justin Hawkins on that track is even better live. In fact, The Darkness played for almost two hours last night at The Vic and the band was virtually flawless, putting on what was by far one of the best live shows I've ever seen.

photo courtesy of http://www.theactualdarkness.com

In addition to badass lead Justin Hawkins, The Darkness (hailing from Lowestoft, Suffolk) is comprised of Justin's younger brother Dan Hawkins on guitar, (a close look alike to Justin, sans tattoos & wicked facial hair), Ed Graham on drums & Frankie Poullain on the bass. These four combined on stage have the presence of an entire circus with Justin serving as the quirky, endlessly entertaining ringleader. He.Is.Incredible. They all are, really. The story of this band's rise, fall & rise again is certainly an interesting & inspiring read, and one that really makes you want to root for their success.

The announcement of a reunion tour was joyous news to many - especially my older brother Ian & I. Ian got me started on this group back when we were both at Iowa together - and about ten years later we finally got to see them live when we are both living in Chicago. Though the band has been through some tumultuous times, these days you'll find Justin, Dan & their mates having a ball & praising one another on stage. Towards the end of Sunday night's show Dan hopped off stage down into the crowd & Justin hopped down onto his shoulders. Dan proceeded to carry his brother on his shoulders in one giant lap through the aisles & around the perimeter of the theater as Justin whaled away on his white guitar. People freaked. I freaked. It was an insanely cool moment...only to be followed up by Justin climbing the stage speakers - jumping over into the side balcony - and belly flopping into the crowd below in his black & white striped catsuit. Priceless.

This post may not appeal to everyone, but give The Darkness & their music a chance. If you are a fan of Queen, 70's/80's rock & roll or Foxy Shazam, you can totally get on this train. Anyone who hasn't kept an eye on them might remember them as one-hit wonders - but that was merely by American pop radio standards. Dig a little deeper and you'll see that they're anything but. Some of my favorite songs of theirs include: Friday Night, Love is Only a Feeling, Love on the Rocks, Keep Me Hangin' On, Everybody Have a Good Time, Growing on Me, Every Inch of You...I could go on & on. If you find out they're playing nearby you must take the chance to see them. From the amazing vocals & guitar, to the incredible energy of the show, to Justin's high kicks, headstands, dance moves & hilarious commentary in between songs - I promise, you will not regret it!

A little video from Sunday night's show at the Vic

This video clip from Sunday night is a bit muffled but Justin's got some great dance moves in it