Pinewood Smile is The Darkness’ fifth studio album and their first in a couple of years. This may come as a surprise to those people who don’t know The Darkness beyond their roaring hit ‘I Believe In a Thing Called Love’, but what might be even more surprising is that the English four-piece are actually a pretty decent band. If you’ve perhaps dismissed them as a one-hit wonder from the early 2000s, then give this album a listen.
The Darkness to hard-rock are what Tenacious D are to folk rock, kind of taking the piss but also musically talented. Lead single ‘All The Pretty Girls’ is a great example of this. A funky, catchy song with a big chorus and some over the top instrumental beats, The Darkness can have you laughing, singing, and dancing. It’s a magical combination.
Lead man Justin Hawkins is in fine form on both vocals and guitar and new drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor brings some new elements, ensuring the signature The Darkness sound doesn’t get too stale. If you’re after a good time and don’t take your music too seriously, definitely give this album a listen.
