The Darkness – UK Cakes, fresh from the oven
Setting out on another tour is a strange and wondrous thing. And, if you’ve just remembered where the important things are hat should be in your bag, a bit annoying as well. More »
Saxon release new album ‘Sacrifice’
Saxon? The name jumped out at me like a hit from the past. It’s been a long while since I listened to any of their stuff, and the band are most linked More »
Steel Panther @Norwich UEA
Just a few gems of video and photos I had lying around in my piles of stuff to do. Best gig I’ve been to for ages – metal, filth, floof and tight More »
O.W.L.S. – Fiddlers Elbow, London 16.11.12
A little time has passed since my ears were last beautifully dirtied by the nice people of O.W.L.S. , so this night out was well anticipated. A four-band dose of live music is More »
BritRockArmy
Phillip Rogers is a dedicated sort of man. Earlier this year he took his convictions in his hands, examined them closely, and found them worthy of doing something about. What followed was just More »
Motörhead – The Wörld Is Ours Vol 2
Recorded at three different 2011 festivals, this DVD and/or CD set is a memento of, an introduction to, and an ‘arse, I couldn’t make it to’ Motörhead’s live performances. With an 80,000 More »
Motörhead – Win Live DVD and CDs
Motörhead, noisemakers extraordinaire, are releasing a second live extravaganza on DVD and 2 CDs on 24th September. The Wörld is Ours Vol 2 – Anyplace Crazy as Anywhere Else was recorded in More »
ChameleonsVox – The Cockpit, Leeds – 11.5.12
The Chameleons are a band whose music has been closely woven in and out of my life since I started uni and first heard them, back in the mid-80′s. I’m not a More »
Album! The Darkness Announce…
Hot news! ‘HOT CAKES’ and will be released on… MONDAY 20th AUGUST (UK) TUESDAY 21st AUGUST (North America) (and dates either side of that, depending on your country’s specific ‘normal’ release day). More »
The Rite of Spring EP – O.W.L.S.
O.W.L.S. have an EP out today. Their first. It’s available almost everywhere, so you need to go and get it. There’s a wonderfully controlled wildness about O.W.L.S., which is rather apt, don’t you More »
O.W.L.S – Prince Albert, Brighton 24.2.12
A night eagerly awaited. A band containing both Toby Macfarlaine and Richie Edwards could only be a very good thing, in my opinion, and I know I’m not alone. Plenty of Stone More »
Foxy Shazam USA Tour
Blimey. I think that’s the best tour date poster I’ve ever seen. (and, of course, I like it. A LOT. That’s gonna run and run…) More »
Foxy Shazam – The Church of Rock and Roll
Foxy Shazam. What, you may say, is all that about? Well might you ask. For those who haven’t been baptised into this Church, settle back. Those that have, you’ll know all about the More »
The Darkness, Hammersmith Apollo, 25th November 2011
By Adrian Gray November had been a stressful month for me. This was mainly due to my unwavering desire to avoid learning anything about what songs might and might not be played More »
Pop Will Eat Itself – Norwich Waterfront 26.10.11
PWEI were a great favourite of mine back when the world was mine and my oysters weren’t polluted, so it was a pleasure to see them come to Norwich, especially as I More »
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – UEA Norwich 23.7.11
Saturday night, and I’m off to see this Canadian ‘post-rock’ band at one of the fine local establishments. This is not a band I’m at all familiar with, so I went with More »
Darkwatch #1
I thought we’d have a bit of a round up of recent Darklife. Not that anyone has missed anything, I’m sure, but someone might pop by who wants to know what the More »
Rebirth, Relaunch, Rededicate
I asked recently for fans’ thoughts on the Rebirth of The Darkness, so it’s only fair to do some work myself! So… well. Oh LORD… we are so close to the Relaunch. More »
The Darkness – 2011
The official website has a holding page – As Promised. The mailing list is up and running. The Facebook page is adding likes by the minute. THEY’RE BACK. All those months and More »
Celine and Nite Wreckage / The Savage Nomads
Alaska Studios, 20.8.2010 Nothing like a gig in London to go to – and this one was redhot, though I didn’t know it at the time of asking. I knew nothing about either More »
Ed Graham sells Gold Disc
Ed is selling his gold disc for Permission to Land on ebay There will apparently be more to follow! More »
Anders L.A. – ‘In Unison’
By Lucie. The last time I reviewed Anders’ music, he was a child. Two years later, he’s still a child, but with an increasingly and impressively adult view on the world; you More »
Karaoke For Beginners – 8.8.09
giginthepark, Halesworth, Suffolk Back in the Park again. Another hot sunny afternoon, and I love this event. It rocks! A little shopping in the town yields a pair of gold lamé lined More »
Streebeck – ‘Catch As Catch Can’
By Lucie Walker. If there’s one current band that understands the meaning of evolution, it’s Streebeck. ‘Catch As Catch Can’ is startlingly different to the simplistic ‘Without A Baedeker’ in many ways, More »
ROCKAGANDA – Parlor Mob
by Lucie Walker Once in a long while, a truly impressive band comes along. I know, they’re horribly few and far between these days, but Parlor Mob is one of them. Their More »
Soccer Six(sister) 2009
Chelsea FC, 24.5.09 I quite like Soccer Six. I like football, so that’s usually win/win. A day out, and some interesting sights on the pitch. Cool! I had a great time last More »
Hot Leg – Red Light Fever
Tongue tied is not my normal state. I do rabbit on, and when I’m reviewing something I get all flowery. I like words – but this time, they haven’t liked me and More »
Sixsister take the Temple to the Stone Gods
Wearing as many hats as I could – not least because Norwich lay under a still, cold white blanket – I set off to interview the Stone Gods. Full of LURGY, but More »
Frankie’s Strictly Come Darkness
Frankie Poullain has been missing presumed shaved for some time. But lo! Is that a book I see before me? Frankie MUST be alive, to have a cleaner… Rejoice therefore, for More »
Nemo: Your new favourite band.
Listen up Electro fans, you can get your hands on a free track from the geniuses that are Nemo. Some of you may already know them from The Mighty Boosh as lead More »
SixSister on Tour – Hot Leg and Hot Nights
Justin Hawkins’ first gig since the demise of The Darkness, with his new band. Proud Galleries, Camden, August 6th. That was my goal as I set out on an overly airconditioned More »
Hot Leg tracks – Trojan Guitar & Heroes
I know, I meant to do this earlier – but real life gets in the way of my love affair with all things begat by Darkness. However, I have a few spare minutes More »
Kerrang Radio host Stone Gods
A one off, see flyer below. Stuart Cable, ex-Stereophonics, is drumming that night but a permanent replacement for Ed is still to be confirmed. More »
Ed departs Stone Gods
From the band’s official MySpace: “It is with very heavy hearts indeed that we have to announce the permanent departure of drummer and founding member Ed Graham from Stone Gods. Unfortunately Ed More »
STONE GODS – WATERFRONT, NORWICH
29th June 2008 Saturday 28th Well…..It’s slightly out of the ordinary to start a review of a gig before you have even been to it, but I’m going to do it anyway. More »
Justin Hawkins bares his Hot Leg(s)
Justin Hawkins has quietly launched his new band onto the calm waters of MySpace and Facebook – no fanfare, no fuss. Expect, though, for this to change when all is fully revealed, More »
Stone Gods – ‘Silver Spoons and Broken Bones’ (album)
By Lucie There’s a little rockpocket full of people waiting for this album; the ones who diligently paid to see Thin Lizzy last year for a few minutes of their support, the More »
The Interpreters – True Norwich Rock.
http://www.myspace.com/interpreters The Interpreters are another band from Norwich who are slowly starting to take the music scene by storm. Similar to the indie that is dominating the charts at the moment but More »
Phantom Lacuna – Keep an ear out!
http://www.myspace.com/phantomlacuna Upon hearing this band with their heavy guitars you automatically think, ‘Oh no, not another metal band’. Then the screeching guitar kicks in and makes you feel guilty for thinking this More »
Stone Gods Live Dates – June 2008
Some Dates Save up those pennies and look after those pounds, ’cos the month after next we’ll be rockin’ your town… Stone Gods U.K. June Tour Dates are as follows, people: June More »
The Darkness -’Platinum Collection’
It’s out now, then, this… *Best Of* ? As if by magic, 18 months after the demise of The Darkness, this arrives. Both albums and the Christmas single are on it. Question More »
Oh, for the love of…
Valentine’s month. I hope you get something from someone you wished for. If not, you can have a bit of our love to keep you warm. January was exhausting – we’ve got More »
Serpico review
by Lucie plus guest writer Paula To go with our divine little interview with the Serpico boys, we’ve had a listen to the music they have on their pretty little MySpace page More »
El Policia – Future Delights
by Jo Ok, that’s 2007 out of the way. Let’s have a ponder about 2008, shall we? What’s in store? Aha! Here we are… El Policia. These teen rockers are already making More »
Stone Gods 11.1.08
by Guest – Babzz Stone Gods live @ Eurosonic festival 11-1-2008 Groningen, Holland A fan’s first Godstricken experience… It just seemed a very short while ago that I sat in a boring More »
Ten Foot Dolls
by Lucie There’s nowt quite like a little delve into the world of a grunge-goff-alt band… How are things in the Ten Foot Dolls HQ? Well our guitarist is leaving after our More »
RE: all things stoney and God-like
by Lucie Oh yes, they have arrived. After months of Darkling anxiety, The Stone Gods fell upon us in a distinctly pleasurable manner, mainly in the form of 1.14 minutes of song. More »
Led Zeppelin, 02 Arena
by Guest – Laurie Whitecloud The Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert December 10, 2007 The loverly Mistress Jo asked me to write a review of this gig for Optimum Impact. What could I More »
End of an era
December? Again? A sad time for us, as Lou has decided that she wants to move on to pastures new. We’d like to thank her for all her hard work and More »
December Again
Merry whotsits to you. I’m camping out under the duvet this year, am worn out with the year’s exertions. It hasn’t been a great one, the sooner it’s over the better. More »
Jeff Wayne’s War of The Worlds LIVE
by Lucie It seems like a rather bizarre thing to go to a concert knowing exactly what you’re going to hear. But that’s what I and several thousand other people did on More »
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
by Guest – ‘Plucky’ Carling Academy, Oxford. Tuesday 11th December My knowledge of SAHB is not extensive. I know that Alex Harvey himself has been dead for many years, and before this More »
Stone Gods 24.11.07
by Guest – Gill H Well it was a cold and windy Saturday evening when I and three of the lovely, and incredibly dedicated, ladies from the Stone Gods fan site walked More »
Stone Gods
by Jo 4 nights. 500 miles. a Tshirt, and a messy car… Travelling Light – Leicester 22.11.07 As one does… armed with only a choc bar, a change of boots and some More »
Gaining a new religion
by Jo – for and on behalf of all of you who contacted me about this So, been debating on whether to write this or not for ages. But, on the eve More »
AC/DC ‘Let There Be Rock’ by Susan Masino
by Guest – Terri Ingamells I’ve read a lot of books about rock and roll since I was able to read and some of them, I’ll be honest, have left me wondering More »
VAN HALEN – STAPLES CENTRE -LOS ANGELES 20/11/07
by Guest – Angie Daly I HEARD YOU MISSED US – WE’RE BAAAACK!! In the pitch darkness, the resonant wail of a single screeching, grinding guitar fills every inch of the huge More »
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Motorhead and Alice Cooper
by Guest – Gill H The Dream Fulfilled – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Motorhead and Alice Cooper Saturday, 17 November 2007. Wembley Arena, London. In 1976, a long time ago before More »
Do it in the Dark – Justin Hawkins
by Jo Justin’s latest work for charity took us by surprise and the goolies – he kept this fairly quiet, but now it’s up on his myspace. It’s all in aid of More »
How’s it hanging?
Hope you’ve got plenty of layers on and sitting near a radiator to enjoy the autumn glories. K, a bit more action for you this month. Enjoy the peace. The world More »
ROCKAGANDA: Patchwork Grace profile
by Lucie ROCKAGANDA – Patchwork Grace We’re rather fond of PWG here at OI. If you were awesome enough to buy our album, you’ll already know the ansgty choon ‘Nancy’, and if More »
State Rock Side – or something..
by Laurie – Guest review 100.7 FM Jack Radio Fest Coors Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA August 19, 2007 REO Speedwagon The Stray Cats The Pretenders ZZ Top Due to a misprint on More »
Echo and The Bunnymen
by Jo 4th August – Gig in the Park, Halesworth, Sussex A fine event, this one. Local cool stuff for local people, by volunteers and other ace beings. For an entire weekend More »
Summer Nights
Throbbing with the sweat, heat and noise of festival s around Europe. The ones not being flushed away in torrents of mud and sewage, that is. To report… Juswatch Update in More »
Dolls Eye Weaver – ‘Shaving Cuts’ EP
by Lucie This record reads like a working class pop-rock Bible, the fast-paced riffage sounding like a grown-up version of Sum 41, with the vocals giving away the very English theme. Some More »
Travis live at Westonbirt Arboretum, 29/06/07
by Lucie Travis is one of those bands I’ve never been sure whether I should admit I love. Some people seem to think Fran and co are at odds with most of More »
Anders L.A.
by Lucie A tribute to – Anders L.A. Anders is a well known and equally loved figure in the world of Darklings, and no doubt in small sections of his native Denmark. More »
Muse at Wembley – 16/06/07
by Lucie Around 60,000 people were hoping for this to be the gig of the century. I haven’t quite got around to surveying all the results of this theory now that it’s More »
Motley Crue – Manchester Apollo 12th June 2007
by guest writer, Aimee Woodward So we travelled down from Scotland to Manchester (over 7 hours on the train due to lightning causing signal problems at Penrith) and prepared to see the More »
Nicolai Prowse
by Jo Betsey Trotwood, 2nd June 2007 18 months, waiting for this one. Since the much mourned demise of Do Me Bad Things, Nicolai’s been writing, working, recording, This then is the More »
Flaming June
The month of May was disregarded, terribly sorry for the omission… Summer’s here. Festivals are about to start. Fun and frolics in the sun we’ve missed so much and some ace music More »
Manic Street Preachers
by Jill Preston Guildhall, 20.05.07 The trip to this gig had the potential to be a gridlocked nightmare, falling as it did on the second night of the Radio One Big Weekend. More »
The Mission
by Jill Manchester Academy 2, 16.05.07 Reminiscence time. Twenty-one years ago I lived in a flat in Liverpool, upstairs from early Mission super-fan Ray Ramone. If the band played in town, the More »
Rockumentary + boys’ equipment on fire
by Lucie Anticipation brews on Darkling Island (shortly to be renamed?) as news of a rockumentary reaches our eyes. Aye, the as yet unnameable new band of the century (Richie Edwards, Dan More »
The Young Knives
by Jo Norwich Waterfront 1.4.07 The strange threesome attack Norwich for the first time – and love our Morrisons! Hurrah! This was something I’d been waiting for, circling and approaching with caution. More »
Nemo – Car Crash Eyes
by Lucie More people should know about Nemo, simply because they’re fucking ace (yes, I’m bringing ace back). This glorious month sees the release of the Lahndahn electro-rawk quartet’s second single, Car More »
Roadstar – Glass Mountain
by Tezza The anticipation is over, Roadstar have realised their 2nd album, Glass Mountain, and there are only to words to describe it…… FUCKING AMAZING! Anyone who has ever spoken to me More »
The Likeness
by Laura The Likeness are 4 men from my home county of leafy Cheshire. Simon Hall (Who is a hypnotherapist in his other life and goes by the moniker ‘Psy’) plays Justin, More »
Aurally pleasured by Justin Hawkins
by Jo Justin has landed! Or pounced. The Hawk has turned into a panther (silly arse, he’s a lion) and slinked his way back into our ears, causing purrs of deep contentment More »
Jeff Collins
Rockfield Rocks in Print by Jo Something of a departure, this. I don’t think we’ve done anything book related before, have we? TADAAAA.. the first, and a special one it is. ‘Rock More »
The Horrors – x2
The Horrors – x2 by Jill and Jo 24th March – Manchester Club Academy Looks like it’s pretty much OK to come out of the Goth closet these days. I mean, everybody’s More »
Travis with Brinkman
by Jill Warrington Parr Hall, 22nd March 2007 “I’m sorry that you turned to driftwood But you’ve been drifting for a long, long time” What a lot of top gigs we’re suddenly More »
Making yourself a laughing stock
by Jo The BBC, not Justin.. whatever you thought about him entering, this was a… some words fail me. After hearing all the songs, and wincing in parts, it became clear that More »
SixSister goes to Surrey
by Jo Top Gear of the Pops. A disaster in the filming? Not quite.. Thursday night. Happily plonking along on the laptop, not a care in the world beyond the next day’s More »
Confused and possibly dazed
by Jo This is an updated article.. Since this went out , the band via Richie and Toby have issued statements apologising for something that wasn’t their fault in the first place. More »
Towers Of London at Bristol Academy 2
by guest writer, Sez Towers Of London, eh? A lot of mixed reactions are often received when mentioning the Towers – often such comments as if they are a joke. Let’s face More »
The Fratellis at The Carling Academy, Birmingham
by Lucie Oh, the anticipation! The rapture! The promise of sweet sweet rock! It was one of those gigs where I wanted to rewind and start it all over again as soon More »
James Morrison – Manchester Apollo
by Jill It’s a very couply crowd at the Apollo tonight, packed to the gills with gangs of girls dragging less enthusiastic-looking male partners. The age range is huge; I spot families More »
CSS – Norwich Waterfront
by Jo CSS – Cansei der Ser Sexy Bit chilly out last Monday night, but we popped along anyway to see CSS at the behest of Mr 2. MONDAY???? first day of More »
Eurovision
by Jo Justin has got together with his mate Beverlei Brown in a bid to be the Royaume Uni’s entry into the Eurovision Song Contest this year. The decider is on Jus’ More »
Toby MacFarlaine
An e-dalliance with Toby MacFarlaine by Lucie Interviewing via t’internet is never ideal, but it can occasionally be productive. And I think this was. Never have I conducted such an in-depth and More »
Arctic Monkeys, Warrington Parr Hall
by Jill 28/02/07 Looking Good On The Dancefloor “This town’s a different town today This town’s a different town to what it was last night” The long cold queue of the night More »
Nine Inch Nails with Ladytron
by Jill Manchester Apollo, 25th Feb 2007 Black As Your Soul The first thing apparent on walking into the Apollo tonight is the a range of people that this band has attracted. More »
The Season
Marvellous stuff happening, this year. The veil enrobing <strong>THE</strong> new band is slowly and teasingly being lifted, in the manner of a seductive Arabian belly dancer of rawk. I can’t help imagining More »
Dan Sartain
Dan Sartain – The Cockpit – Leeds by Emma 4 February 2007 I had absolutely no idea what to expect from guitar-toting Alabama kid Dan Sartain, however nothing could have prepared me More »
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from all of us at Optimum Impact! So now that we are all sick of the sight of turkey and our resolutions are mere days away from being More »
Malcolm Middleton album review
by Emma A Brighter Beat Kicking off with the ever-optimistic We’re All Going To Die, Malcolm Middleton’s third solo album A Brighter Beat delves further into the darker side of life. The More »
Sounds Like Violence
Added by Jo What’s being said about the band’s first album.. WITH BLOOD ON MY HANDS Release Date: Feb 12th 2007 ‘With Blood On My Hands’ is a fitting title for SOUNDS More »
Justin says…
by Jo Well, lots of things. He’s a well-established member of Myspace now, attracting friends like no one’s business. Conversing with the slightly shocked fans, blogging, being the silly arse we wanted More »
The Wildhearts -
Added by Jo ‘Christmas Vs The Wildhearts’ – Wulfrun Hall – Wolverhampton – 21 December 2006 This might be brief because I’m writing it two weeks after the show and am – More »
OI compilation album
by Louise Yes, that’s right. The first ever Optimum Impact compilation album “Six, Thuds & Rock n Roll” is finally upon us! For a mere £5 (inc. p&p) you can get your More »
We think it’s all over – it is for us
by Lucie and Jo Jo’s bit. Having agreed with pretty much all of what Lucie said below, here’s my very personal take.. So, this is it. It’s all over. The final act More »
Streebeck – ‘Without a Baedeker’
by Lucie Now I’m not a difficult person to please in general, but where music is concerned I’ve grown to be highly critical since becoming a rawk journo. So I surprised myself More »
Malcolm Middleton single review
by Emma Not exactly what it says on the packet, Malcolm Middleton’s latest single A Brighter Beat due out 22nd January 2007 is the first track taken from his third album of More »
Good Shoes single review
by Emma Just how cute can Good Shoes get? The Photos on my Wall due out on Christmas day is yet another impossibly delightful track from the wonderful UK newcomers. Their sound More »
Dan Sartain single review
by Emma Dan Sartain is a superb storyteller, and has a great talent for making every word that flows from his mouth sound really important, leaving the listener feel compelled to pay More »
Viva Voce single review
by Em Due for release on 11th December, Faster Than a Dead Horse is the latest single from the third album Get Yr Blood Sucked Out. Viva Voce form a tight partnership More »
This Et Al
This Et Al – Leeds Cockpit – November 28th by Emma This Et Al Interview – Leeds Cockpit – 28 November 2006 This Et Al are a hotly tipped young band hailing More »
Enter Shikari
Enter Shikari – Leeds Cockpit 7th December 2006 by Emma I always find that a great opener to any interview is when you walk in and are immediately offered a beer! More »
The Levellers
Added by Jo Victoria Hall – Hanley – Stoke on Trent – 09 December 2006 I missed the 3 Daft Monkeys. Again. I have got to start making an effort to get More »
Dan the Saviour
by Jo A fanfare for the uncommon man.. Daniel Hawkins, this week the saviour of news- and floof-starved darklings the length and breadth of the universe, blogged, and said universe partied. The More »
A letter to Hawkins
by Jo not Brezhnev… Organised and collated by Cora, this consists of Darklings’ messages of support. That thing’s 11 metres long, I hate to think what the postage cost was… More »
Latest thoughts
by Jo The following was written on a train, but much of it appeared on a thread while I was gone.. a case of like minds rather than a rehash. It’s certainly More »
At last! News!
by Jo http://www.myspace.com/thedarknessdan It’s been very strange year, everything in my personal and band life has kind of turned upside down. I’d just like to thank fans of The Darkness for More »
Tiny Dancers EP review
by Emma Lions And Tigers And Lions Lions And Tigers And Lions is the debut EP from Tiny Dancers, released on 20th November 2006 on Parlaphone records. Tiny Dancers don’t really fit More »
Juliette and The Licks single review
by Emma Sticky Honey I just don’t really get Juliette and The Licks. Sticky Honey however, is actually pretty damned good! This is the latest single to be released on 20th November More »
Protest The Hero single review
by Emma Heretics & Killers Heretics & Killers is the latest single from Protest The Hero’s face-melting debut album Kezia and is due for release on 13th November to coincide with their More »
Rose Kemp EP review
by Emma Violence No, it’s not the scary Walford Mitchell brother although the EP title would fit…it’s the honey-voiced underground musician Rose Kemp. Title track and single Violence is melancholy and edgy, More »
Senses Fail single review
by Emma Single Review: Senses Fail: Calling All Cars As Senses Fail embark upon the 2006 Taste Of Chaos tour they are due to release the first single from their second album More »
Spider Simpson single review
by Emma Heavy Metal Machine Spider Simpson release the first track from their debut album on 4th December and are set to make a dent in the rock scene, if you would More »
The Hold Steady single review
by Emma Chips Ahoy! Rather than a celebration of fast food, Chips Ahoy! Is actually a racehorse in the latest single due to be released by Vagrant records on 13th November. The More »
The Maccabees single review
by Emma First Love First Love can be yours from 13th November and is a compelling tale of, funnily enough, the throws of first love. The Maccabees with their dainty bells and More »
Streebeck – ‘Without a Baedeker’
by Davey Now I’m not a difficult person to please in general, but where music is concerned I’ve grown to be highly critical since becoming a rawk journo. So I surprised myself More »
Alexisonfire – Taste of Chaos
by Emma Manchester Apollo – 12 November 2006 From one dressing room to another… immediately after a great interview with Senses Fail, I caught up with Dallas Green, of the amazing Alexisonfire More »
Senses Fail – Taste of Chaos
by Emma Manchester Apollo – 12 November 2006 Backstage at Taste Of Chaos lives up to the name… there are like a million bands to soundcheck, a maze of winding staircases, dressing More »
Justin leaves
by Jo So, the day has come we didn’t want to see. Justin announces he’s left The Darkness. Not leaving, left. According to the short announcement, the rest of the band are More »
Where we are
by Jo So.. an odd couple of months. Justin went into The Priory, and as far as we know, is still receiving treatment. Precisely what for is also unknown, but drink, drugs More »
The Boyfriends album review
by Emma Released on October 2nd, The Boyfriends’ self-titled debut album is a collection of thoughts and wonderment by writer and frontman Martin Wallace. Bold and brave are the lyrics and subject More »
Dan Sartain album review
by Emma Join Dan Sartain Behold the new album from Dan Sartain! The young ‘Ivory Godfather’TM releases Join Dan Sartain on 2nd October 2006 to high acclaim. Dan’s slick tones and exceptional More »
Gossip single review
by Emma Standing in the Way of Control Gossip are all set to release the title track from their forthcoming album on 2nd October 2006, and are setting their sights on success. More »
Hicks Milligan-Prophecy single review
by Emma The Good, The Bad And The Iceberg Atomic Duster Records see the release of debut EP The Good, The Bad And The Iceberg on 16th October. So, what are my More »
IV Thieves single review
by Emma The Day is a Downer IV Thieves debut with EP The Day is a Downer on 9th October 2006. The Texan quartet deliver a small collection of hooky although less More »
Juliette and The Licks album review
by Emma Four On The Floor Four On The Floor is the second album from Juliette and The Licks and is released on 2nd October 2006. With the aid of rock’s favourite More »
Sean Lennon single review
by Emma Dead Meat God I so wanted to love this track before I even took the CD from its sleeve. I wasn’t disappointed – not in the slightest. Opening with a More »
Sound Team single review
by Emma Born To Please Sound Team are a six-piece from Texas and are about to release their debut single Born To Please as they embark on their first UK tour commencing More »
Sparklehorse single review
by Emma Don’t Take My Sunshine Away Sparklehorse are back after a long five years and have released three singles during September 2006, all combined on a single CD released on 18th More »
The Authentics album review
by Emma Blondes Make The Best Victims? Sleazy dirty rock ‘n’ roll anyone? The Authentics could be just what you are looking for. Opening with a crash of the drums and thick More »
Musicfinity.com – The Ultimate Site for New Music
by Jet www.musicfinity.com A new and innovative website to be launched early November by Broeknrule records is set to transform the world of marketing for bands. People are finally starting to realise More »
ROCKAGANDA: Head Automatica profile
by Davey Plugging The Best New Acts. Head Automatica in sharp focus It’s all very well and good claiming to be “different”, “alternative”, “quirky”. But it’s so often a lie. Truth is, More »
Tindersticks – 17.9.06 Barbican Hall
by Jo This was one of the ‘Don’t Look Back’ series organised by ATP, where a variety of artists play a one off gig. The setlist is the track listing of their More »
The High Society
by Louise The High Society – my second victim at Trashstock. Formed at the arse end of 2005 and boasting not one but two ex King Adora members, The High Society are More »
Devilish Presley
by Louise At this year’s Trashstock (two nights of awesome sleazy/glammy rock, held on 18th & 19th August, at Nottingham’s Junktion 7), I pinned down a few bands for interviews. My first More »
The Pleasures
THE PLEASURES by Louise At silly o’clock on a Sunday morning, five post-gig boys allowed me the pleasure of interviewing them. This was the final night of The Pleasures’ three-night UK tour More »
Five O’Clock Heroes – Bend To The Breaks – Album
by Emma Bend To The Breaks The packaging for this CD is clever and has amused me before I even touch the CD inside. Bend To The Breaks will be released through More »
The Authentics – Supercharge – EP
by Emma With grilling opening guitar and a dirty fast-rock sound The Authentics seem to be picking up where other bands have left off several years ago. They have been compared to More »
Dan Sartain – Replacement Man – Single
by Emma As if right from out of a Western Dan Sartain sings with a threateningly calm coo, distinctly dark and menacing tones seeping through. Relacement Man, out on 18th September, is More »
The Rapture – Pieces Of The People We Love – Album
by Emma Released on September 4th, Pieces of the People We Love is the second album from critically acclaimed New Yorkers The Rapture. Their mix of jazz, funky dance beats and hollowy More »
Happy Birthday OI!
That’s right, dudes, this month marks the two year anniversary of OI’s very first issue! Do help yourself to a glass of Moet. 2004 seems like forever ago now. Them were More »
Winter in July’s Heartland
by Jo A hot time, in July, and it’s a mad rush home from school to pick up the black and glittery clothes, hurl them in the boot, and zoom off to More »
Diary of a stressed-out rock fan
by Sherilee (sixsister 3) Well, July finally arrived, the month that my little darling became a toddler. I decided to cater for the birthday celebration solely by myself (yes, homemade coleslaw, potato More »
Heartbreak High’s recommendation
by Emma The delicious Scott Major tells Optimum Impact what music he’s into at the moment. Scott played lovable rogue Peter Rivers in the original Heartbreak High series, and has since starred More »
GiginthePark 2006
by Jo 5th August I’m there for the Saturday of this weekend extravaganza. Today’s running order.. Sevillian Raindance Rowan and the Crops Failed Rosalita The Kites Beamer – (who pulled out) crushdeluxe More »
The band’s comment
by Jo Taken from www.thedarknessrock.com http://www.thedarknessrock.com/forum/index.php?topic=2351.msg115492#new A message from the band « on: 16.8.06 at 04:31:34 PM » After Justin saw a doctor last week and was recommended to “cancel all professional More »
SixSister on the telly! Maybe…
by Jo It was a dark and stormy night… oops sorry, couldn’t resist.. It was, though, in Norwich, the night before this Six trotted off to London to see Justin in action More »
Very dark doings
by Jo Ok then.. only one more confirmed live date to go, this summer… The Skanderborg Festival, Denmark, 10th August, and then we’ll just have to wait.. We have something about the More »
Ilosaarirock 15.7.2006
by Heidi Few hours of sleep after Liverpool and I was on my way to see The Darkness again. I was too excited to sleep for the first couple of hours of More »
Dirty Pretty Things’ New Single
by Davey ‘Deadwood’ (single) I’m not a fan of these trendy type groups, all style and no spunk, but ‘Deadwood’ is a surprisingly vigorous offering from Carl Barat and co, bouncy and More »
Graham Coxon’s New Single
by Davey ‘I Can’t Look At Your Skin’ (single) A tad more energetic than Coxon’s previous efforts, ‘I Can’t Look At Your Skin’ is a Jam-esque Cockney jig, and a middle finger More »
Alexisonfire – Crisis – Album
by Emma Released through Hassle Records on August 21st, Crisis has a hell of a lot to live up to. Alexisonfire, known to anyone who knows me well as my absolute favourite More »
Milburn – Album
by Emma Milburn have recently released single Cheshire Cat Smile, a quirky pop-rock tune which fits nicely into the niche populated by the likes of Arctic Monkeys. Their debut album is due More »
The Needles – Summer Girls – Single
by Emma Summer Girls is released on 14th August 2006 through Dangerous Records. This is a fairly mild mannered track with a deliberate old rock style that will sit well with a More »
Good Shoes – All In My Head – Single
by Emma Good Shoes are truly delightful. The single All In My Head is a wonderful and wildly extravagent tune which rides out like a fairground rollercoaster complete with bends, twists and More »
STORM 2006
by Sherilee (sixsister 3) July was the month I went to my first live music festival in nearly two years and even though I was only able to stay for 2 hours, More »
Razorlight – In The Morning – Single
by Emma Razorlight have made an excellent choice in new single from their current album. In The Morning is an upbeat, jingly and amusing song which speaks for the majority of the More »
Adem ‘Launch Yourself’ single
by Davey Straining away from the man with the mould once again, Adem returns with his second solo single, ‘Launch Yourself’. The song is chock full of oddities, busy with percussion, half More »
Saves The Day – Sound The Alarm Album Review
by Emma It’s an accomplishment that Sound The Alarm was completed at all considering the amount of chaos and upheaval the band have managed to work through with the departure of original More »
Moneen – The Red Tree Album Review
by Emma Moneen – The Red Tree Recent release The Red Tree is an outstanding album from the fantastic Moneen, following up the Switcheroo split EP they released last year with Alexisonfire. More »
The Longcut – Norwich Arts Centre
by Jo 22.7.06 My god, the hottest night in history, and we’re indoors. The massive stone walls of this former church are not providing a chill, they’re holding the heat in and More »
The pleasures of touring with German glamrockers
by Louise Last month I went on a mini-tour of the UK with German glamrockers; THE PLEASURES. It was their first time gigging in the UK and it was cool to see More »
A perfect venom
by Louise Her name is simply; Steph. She’s a London based singer/songwriter, managed and produced by the legendary Stuart Epps, who’s worked with Led Zep, Elton John, Oasis, Robbie Williams and George More »
Trashstock 2006
by Louise If you’re looking for a weekend of rock debauchery without the camping, the mud and the hefty price tag of a festival, then look no further! Some genius has invented More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Blast From The Past Thin Lizzy Ahh, Thin Lizzy. One of the few bands you can’t fault. A leviathan in the world of rock, an immortal force, Thin Lizzy started More »
The Basement + The Isles +Sertoli
by Emma The Basement – Leeds Cockpit – 16 July 2006 A quiet Sunday evening in Leeds, not many people around. We went to the Cockpit to check out Irish folk rockers More »
White Rose Movement
by Jo Norwich Arts Centre 6.7.06 This is a band that I saw supporting The Rakes not so long back.. was impressed then, so the opportunity of seeing them again was greatly More »
How Time Flies
Welcome one, welcome all to this, the July edition of Optimum Impact. July. Already! I can barely believe it was a whole two years ago that three of us went gallivanting More »
Sign ‘Thank God For Silence’ LP
by Davey Good god, you could just inject this kind of rock straight into your veins for an instant shuddering high. That’s what Sign’s LP feels like. Fronted by the enigmatic Zolberg, More »
Protest The Hero – Kezia Album Review
by Emma Kezia is the debut album from Protest The Hero following a couple of previous EP releases. Within seconds Protest The Hero launch a full on attack and the first thing More »
Saves The Day – Sound The Alarm Album Review
by Emma It’s an accomplishment that Sound The Alarm was completed at all considering the amount of chaos and upheaval the band have managed to work through with the departure of original More »
Moneen – The Red Tree Album Review
by Emma Recent release The Red Tree is an outstanding album from the fantastic Moneen, following up the Switcheroo split EP they released last year with Alexisonfire. Moneen have made a massive More »
Rescue The Astronauts EP Review
by Emma Your Scissors/My Seatbelt Your Scissors/My Seatbelt is the first EP available to buy from Derry sweethearts Rescue The Astronauts. The four-track disc produced by Neal Calderwood is a fine introduction More »
City and Colour – Dallas Green
by Emma Interview – Dallas Green (City & Colour) – York Fibbers – 24 May 2006 Wednesday, 24th May 2006 in York, and I was lucky enough to bag my dream interview More »
Sweet Seduction
by Louise I first saw Sweet Seduction playing at the finals of the UK Unsigned Rock event, held in Birmingham on May 26th. The classic riffs, gritty vocals, and energetic performance impressed More »
Diary of a stressed-out rock fan
by Sheri Diary Of A Stressed Out Rock Fan Well, what fun was had in June – I think not! Those who used to use the forum back in the days when More »
Monsters Of Rock!
by Vik (Spid) It’s been away for a long long time, but on June 4th 2006 it made its return, and what a return it was. Not only did they have Deep More »
Extremely Pleasureable Glamrock
by Louise The Pleasures In December I discovered a band for which I instantly fell. The glitz, the glamour, the trash, the sleaze, the pretty colours, the sparkles…it all stole my heart. More »
Instrument of the Issue
by Davey Instrument Of The Issue Gibson custom Justin Hawkins Signature Les Paul When I was struggling to think of an instrument to focus on this month, Justin Hawkins’ weapon of choice More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Blast From The Past The Stranglers I would normally consider myself a bit of a rocker, but The Stranglers is one of those groups I’ve grown up with, all thanks More »
Rally To Hell
by Laurie (with Dori) This is an personal account of two dedicated darklings who were able to go and talk to Dan and Justin.. don’t be jealous, that’s not what they wrote More »
Rock in Rio
by Tiago Andrade The Darkness At Rock In Rio Lisboa – May 27th. 2006 When the bands for Rock In Rio festival were announced, the major band for the second day was More »
Happy June
And so far, it is! The sun is shining, the festivals will soon be upon us, and there’s a brand new issue of OI for your delectation. This month we have More »
Screaming Tarts – The Album
by Louise Volume 3 Who’da thunk one CD could be filled with such vast and varied and wholly substantial ROCK? Screaming Tarts is a fine specimen, a credit to the fanzine world. More »
The Pleasures EP
by Davey ‘Cuming Out’ EP Glamorous attention whores The Pleasures released their EP ‘Cuming Out’ in 2005. With their mini UK tour rapidly approaching, this is a naughty little taste of their More »
Robin Black Rockin’ The UK
by Louise What’s more exciting than going to see Robin Black on their first UK tour in over two years? Going to see Robin Black on their first UK tour in over More »
Nicolai Prowse
by Jo AAGGHHH! He’s back! Running up fast, anyway.. Nicolai’s been a very busy boy. Writing, recording, working hard. Let’s have a look, shall we? There will be a website shortly, but More »
Little Shop of Horrors..
by Jo Now then, amateur dramatics is not usually our thing to review, but when there’s an offer to see two of our beloved crushdeluxe in the company of another member and More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Those Swedish kings of rawk, Europe I simply HAD to do an article on Europe. The following is an average Europe-related conversation: “Hey, do you like Europe?” “Who?” “You know…*hums More »
Kula Shaker 16.5.06
by Jo Norwich Waterfront One of my favourites! Back in Norwich after too many years. Reformed, with new songs, and a new album later this year. Right at the last minute I More »
Richard Ashcroft
by Jill Blackpool Empress Ballroom 9th May 2006 It took a heroic drive up the M6 to get us to this one on time, flying through the miles to this iconic Northern More »
TAKE THAT REVIEW –WEMBLEY ARENA – MONDAY 8TH MAY 2006
by Caroline Graham After a long ten years and countless speculation Take That are back!!! The crowd of mostly women aged between 15 and 45 had been warmed up nicely by Beverley More »
Snow Patrol
by Jill Manchester Ritz 2nd May 2006 Not much good at making it for support bands, us. Pretty good at getting in, getting a beer, finding a spot and having the main More »
The Needles
by Davey ‘Dianne’ (single) A jerky, angular single from Aberdeen’s finest, ‘Dianne’ does The Needles proud, throwing them into techno-colour light (none of this lime shit) for all the world to see. More »
The Crimea
by Davey ‘White Russian Galaxy’ (single) Oh yes, I like The Crimea. This single is cool, quirky and melodic, like the slightly rougher side of a Travis-esque emery board. Davey MacManus’s charm More »
Sisters Of Mercy
by Jill and a bit of Jo Manchester Academy 4th May 2006 “OK hippy scum, here it comes” Well, having managed to miss yet another support band we rolled up to a More »
Black Wire – Glasgow Barfly
by Keith Supported by two bands, The Ad’s (Glasgow) & Every Move A Picture (San Francisco), both of whom weren’t bad at all (indie based guitar/rock/pop), Black Wire took the stage at More »
Old pleasures are the best
by Jo News from the dark side.. Echo and the Bunnymen, the tightest band you’ll ever see, are on tour soon. Both the new single ‘Scisssors in the Sand’ and album ‘Siberia’ More »
We Are Scientists with iForward Russia!
by Jill Manchester Academy 7th April 2006 A heaving, sweaty, sold out Academy is buzzing with anticipation tonight, eager for the appearance of everyone’s current top band, the New York three-piece We More »
More of their bits
by Jo I’ll have to do a running commentary, things happen so fast… First off, Australia was conquered, and as far as we know, so was Japan.. unfortunately Dan ‘lost his homework More »
Sydney rocked
by Jessie Flamboyant rockers “The Darkness” took Sydney by storm recently on Thursday 13th April. Playing a sold out show at Luna Park’s Big Top and an hour and a half set, More »
Atlantic divide
by Dre Recently Spin Magazine published an article called One Way Ticket to the Cutout Bin. Here is a piece of that article. SPIN Magazine, April 2006 – One-Way Ticket to the More »
April Showers
Which is what’s happening right now on a cold grey day.. so i’m here in front of a cozy PC adding things on here for you all to peruse. There’ll be More »
King Furnace
by Jet Track Listing: 1. Crash, 2. Blemish, 3. Making of me. A fantastic CD, the only problem I have with it is that thyere aren’t enough songs. I was just screaming More »
EPs and Mini-Albums
EP’s and mini-albums… by Emma Good Shoes – We Are Not The Same EP Pop-punk quartet Good Shoes released their feisty We Are Not The Same EP on March 20th through Brille More »
The Levellers with Damien Dempsey
by Jill 53o, Preston Saturday 25th March 2006 It’s great catching up with old mates, isn’t it? I used to go and see the Levellers quite a lot in the 90’s, not More »
Instrument of the Issue
by Davey Instrument Of The Issue Matt Bellamy’s Laser Manson Severely underrated classical rockers Muse are famed for the tortured guitar screams they produce in their music. Lead singer and guitarist Matt More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Dutch prog rock combo Focus Curse my youth. I keep missing out on the most awesome bands, Focus being the most recent discovery (bless you, John). Like fellow prog rockers More »
The Raconteurs
by Jill Carling Academy, Liverpool Monday 20th March 2006 This shouldn’t be happening. A new band. No album release. In fact, the only release so far a limited edition 7” single. Nothing More »
White Rose Movement
by Jill White Rose Movement with The Violets Night & Day Café, Manchester Sunday 12th March 2006 Freezing cold. Sporadic snow showers. A proper old winter’s night. The gritters are out on More »
The Mighty Boosh
by Jill Warrington Parr Hall Wednesday 8th March 2006 Don’t doubt the rock credentials of this show for a moment. There’s a huge studenty-indie-goth-glamrock element to the audience: we could just as More »
Milan 17.3.06
by Mélanie Mazda Palace, Milan, 17.03.06 Brussels was 4 days ago and we are already here, queuing, waiting for the Italian security to open the doors of the Mazda Palace… How did More »
Belgium 13.3.06
by Mélanie Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, 13.03.06 There are things you think about a lot before deciding to do them… And there are other things you don’t even think twice before saying More »
Amsterdam 23.03.06
by elusive So – the last gig of the European tour. Amsterdam. My envelope of “forthcoming gig tickets” is empty, and it seems only yesterday that it was stuffed full. Better make More »
Odd thoughts
by Jo So.. thoughts on the tour? Well, every darkling thoroughly enjoyed the shows they went to, even if one or two had issues with the sound at some venue or another. More »
Dublin, London, Brighton
by Trina Here we go again … Dublin, 4th February 2006 So, here I am again, at the ninth Darkness gig of my gigging career (ok, so I started late), in Dublin’s More »
Hamburg 11.3.06
by Eli (supported by Cora) The Darkness-Concert review The first German TD-concert of the OWTTHAB-tour took place in a club called “Große Freiheit”,a smaller venue for about 1000 people. Beginning: 19:00 pm. More »
The Darkness at Birmingham
by Davey Birmingham NEC, 19th February 2006 I nearly didn’t make it to this gig. Stood in the middle of Birmingham, freezing my scrattocks off, I was fearing the worst; that my More »
On tour with The Darkness
by Tigerlily My tour began on Friday 3rd, when I jumped on a train, then on a car and finally on a plane to go to Dublin, Ireland. Arrival at 23.45, local More »
The Darkness at Manchester
by Jo (Pics by Lou!) Manchester Evening News Arena – 18th February ’06 I couldn’t get to many of the gigs, and this is the only one where I’ll get to see More »
Humanzi – Long Time Coming (single)
by Emma Long Time Coming, released on 13th February, is the first ever full scale release from Irish rockers Humanzi. Humanzi have sparked a whole new wave of excitement with their electric More »
Fony – Waco (single)
by Emma Waco is the first single due for release from Fony’s forthcoming album Mercy After Fiction and kicks off with good twangy guitar and bursts into a strong riff and there More »
Sandy Dillon – Pull The Strings LP
by Emma The seventh album released from Avant Garde artist Sandy Dillon is due for release on 24th April, and is interesting to say the least! Title track opens the LP and More »
The Bleeding Hearts – ‘You Bring Me To My Knees’ (single)
by Davey Surprisingly upbeat and honest, ‘You Bring Me To My Knees’ is a light hearted indie pop anthem, with a subject matter everyone can relate to – saying “I love you” More »
Jeff Klein – The Hustler (album)
by Davey Jeff Klein, one of the most honest and intimate songwriters around, still riding the wave of success following his second album ‘Everybody Loves A Winner’ is all set to release More »
Robin Black
by LouisePurveyors of some of the catchiest rock tunes ever, Robin Black combine sleaze, leather, leopard print, blue hair, make-up, and of course, masses of talent to create something vibrant and raucous More »
The Boy Least Likely To – with BC Camplight
by Jill Thursday 23rd February Night & Day Café, Manchester “I’m happy because I’m stupid” A gig I almost didn’t make. It sold out literally moments before I tried to book. Then More »
Warming up and ready to go…
by Jo It was a bloody cold night, never mind dusty… home from school, where I’d taught Art all day… ever painted with a feather? Interesting. Try it. Shower, change into a More »
Introducing: Rescue The Astronauts
by Emma Introducing Rescue The Astronauts You may recall that in November we announced the untimely split of The Mascara Story, and promised you news of frontman Daveit Ferris’ new project. Well, More »
Stretch Arm Strong
by Emma Stretch Arm Strong – Leeds Joseph’s Well – 16th January 2006 Stretch Arm Strong descended with a fury upon the small but packed Joseph’s Well and what a performance! It More »
Richard Ashcroft – Break The Night With Colour – Single Review
by Louise He’s been away for a while, but now he’s back, and judging by this single he’s on top form. Richard Ashcroft has a knack of sculpting beautiful music. This, his More »
2005 and all that
by Jo 2005.. year of the breakdown – dropping down into the darkness and pinging back up It all started well enough, for them. A good rest over Christmas after that tour, More »
Blast From The Past – War of The Worlds
by Lucie Blast From The Past Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds (1978) Cast list: Richard Burton as The Journalist David Essex as The Artilleryman Phil Lynott as More »
Alkaline Trio Gig Review
by Lobby ALKALINE TRIO LEEDS UNIVERSITY Waiting outside the venue in Arctic temperatures for almost an hour after the doors were meant to open is not a good start to the night. More »
Imperial Vipers – Promised Land – Single Review
by Emma Woah there – have I slipped back in time about thirty years?! Imperial Vipers have an unrushed classic rock sound unmistakeably inspired by some of the legends. Think Zeppelin, sit More »
The Bled – My Assassin – Single Review
by Emma Crank up the volume this is a track that needs to be played loud and proud! Taken from the second album Found In The Flood, My Assassin is a hardcore More »
Reggie & The Full Effect – Take Me Home, Please – Single Review
by Emma Reggie & The Full Effect is a breath of fresh air! Cracking live performances as proved by the recent slot on the Taste Of Chaos tour and majorly appealing tracks More »
Get Amped – Tyrannosaurus – Single Review
by Emma Get Amped are about to burst onto the rock scene with the release of their debut album Postcards From Hell, but up until now you may not have heard of More »
Magnet – Fall At Your Feet – Single Review
by Lucie Even Johanson (alias Magnet) continues to produce his unique brand of introspective chill-out music with this latest single, ‘Fall At Your Feet’, taken from his critically acclaimed ‘The Tourniquet’ album. More »
Athlete – Twenty Four Hours – Single Review
by Lucie Cute-as-a-button indie clan Athlete melt some hearts with this tune to brandish your lighter in the air to. Their second album ‘Tourist’ breathed new life into the band, drawing a More »
The Pariahs – Album Review
by Lucie A third helping of dirty scuzz-rock from the Toronto fivesome, as this self-titled album provides more of the same kick-arse enthusiasm for all things rawk as its predecessors. This is More »
Coldplay – Talk – Single Review
by Lucie It’s hard not to be impressed by this single, although I’m rather embarrassed to admit it. ‘Talk’ isn’t a whiny ballad, which is refreshing in itself, and it even begins More »
Diamond Dogs – Bound To Ravage – Album Review
by Lucie Diamond Dogs are just a bunch of teases. They’ve been honing their sound for over a decade, and keeping this debut UK album from us for all that time! Disgraceful. More »
Kaiser Chiefs – Modern Way – Single Review
by Lucie Being someone who would normally despise such a trendy band, I never had the highest of expectations for the Kaiser Chiefs; and ‘Oh My God’ confirmed for me that they More »
Erin McKeown – We Become Like Birds Album Review
by Emma Multi-talented and critically acclaimed artist Erin McKeown released her third album earlier this year. We Will Become Like Birds is a serene recording with a simple elegance that compliments McKeown’s More »
Serena Maneesh Album Review
by Emma The self-titled debut from Norwegian rockers Serena-Maneesh is an eerie and experimental offering, showcasing a wealth of style and variation. Both vocals and the distorted screams of the guitar float More »
Korn – See You On The Other Side Album review
by Emma Long awaited See you On The Other Side rips into play with the fantastic single Twisted Transistor and sets a precedent for the rest of the extensive album. Korn are More »
Kaiser Chiefs – Employment DVD Review
by Emma Kooky Kaiser Chiefs have taken the idea the usual format of music DVD releases and turned it on it’s head. Enjoyment is a ninety minute film with tracks from the More »
My Awesome Compilation
by Emma My Awesome Compilation – Q & A I caught up the MAC guys at their gig in Leeds on 27th November and as always had a really good laugh! I More »
Armor for Sleep
Armor for Sleep Interview by Emma Armor For Sleep Interview – Leeds Cockpit – 13 December 2005 Armor For Sleep are a band that I have an awful lot of time and More »
Funeral For A Friend – Taste Of Chaos
Funeral For A Friend – Taste Of Chaos Interview by Emma 6 November 2005 Taste of Chaos was one of the biggest and most sought after tours that the UK has seen More »
SixSister go to London
by Jo (no camping, and no Timmy the dog) We don’t get out much, but when we do, it’s for something that fucking rocks. Top Secret ‘fan’s playback’ of the new Darkness More »
Sevendust – Next – Album Review
by Emma Get ready to rawk! Thrashing guitar, heavy pounding drums and a vocalist with a menacing growl – quality! First track Hero is a great opener, although the following tune and More »
Magnet – The Tourniquet – Album Review
by Emma The Tourniquet is the second album released by highly acclaimed Norwegian artist Magnet, aka Even Johansen. Bathed in dreamy melodies, The Tourniquet features some truly moving and beautiful tracks, such More »
Tracy & The Plastics – Culture for Pigeon – Album Review
by Emma This album, out to buy now, is an electro lover’s dream. ‘Tracy’ has created her own alter egos, Cola and Nikki on drums and keyboard, who together form an eerie More »
Simple Plan – MTV Hard Rock Live – Album review
by Emma October 3rd was the release date for this live album from the Simple Plan boys. Opening with much loved pop-rock anthem Shut Up, Simple Plan are quite clearly rocking the More »
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals – Jacksonville City Nights – Album Review
by Emma Jacksonville City Nights is the second album Ryan Adams has released this year on the Lost Highway label. Ryan Adams is an acquired taste, a sweet and soulful collection of More »
Bloodhound Gang – Hefty Fine – Album Review
by Emma Funny from the very first line, Bloodhound gang effervesce right through the album Hefty Fine. The album opens with a fantastically grinding bass line and tongue in cheek lines galore. More »
Maximo Park – Apply Some Pressure – Single Review
by Emma Apply Some Pressure is a re-release as Maximo Park are high in demand! Taken from the debut album A Certain Trigger, this track is one of three top twenty singles More »
Five O’Clock Heroes – White Girls – Single Review
by Emma White Girls is the disco-tastic single from Five O’Clock Heroes, released on 31st October. White Girls is a funky disco melody with snappy vocals and an easy-going jangly riff. It More »
Millionaire – I’m On A High – Single Review
by Emma Millionaire sweep through the cobwebs like a hurricane with new single I’m On A High. This track is a nice guitar-thick tune with slick vocals sliding from high pitched to More »
Bloodhound Gang – F,U,C,K – Single Review
by Emma The boys are back in town and it’s time to cover the kids’ ears! Bloodhound Gang never hold back and will say exactly what they want, and that’s why we More »
The Glitterati – Back In Power – Single Review
by Emma 24th October was the release date for Back In Power, taken from the band’s debut Glitterati that has seen them rise up to the MTV ranks and begin to get More »
The Automatic – Recover – Single Review
by Emma Welsh quartet The Automatic are here to demand your attention with their debut single Recover released on 24th October. Recover is a funky and quick track with edgy vocals and More »
The Kills – No Wow – Single Review
by Emma Just another ‘The’ band? Nah! The Kills bring something original to the table with their eclectic mix of electro beats and funky rythms. The single is released with various remixes More »
The Fallout Trust – Before The Light Goes – Single Review
by Emma Before The Light Goes was released on 31st October on At Large. This is their second single and is quite a mellow and intelligent track. The Fallout Trust are a More »
Goldie Lookin Chain – R ‘n’ B – Single Review
by Emma Oh dear, we’re in for trouble! GLC are back with the second single from album Safe As Fuck and they are certainly on top form. R ‘n’ B is a More »
Alkaline Trio – Mercy Me
by Emma Due for release on 21 November, Mercy Me is the second single from the album Crimson. Mercy Me is a great easy-going track, upbeat and with lovely clean melodic vocals More »
Humanzi – Fix The Cracks – Single Review
by Emma Humanzi’s next single, double-A sider Fix The Cracks/Get Your Shit Together is released 7th November, and is an eye-opener! Think Alamos … if you like them you will probably like More »
Simple Plan – Untitled
by Emma I have a certain amount of respect for Simple Plan and their mild brand of pop/punk rock. It so far has proved to be a recipe for success for the More »
Fall Out Boy – Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down – Single Review
by Emma Fall Out Boy have managed to create a universally loved song in Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down. This is a pop-come-punk diamond of a track that catches the ear of listener More »
Funeral For A Friend – History – Single Review
by Emma Funeral For A Friend release History on 14th November, making an excellent choice for the third single from the huge album Hours. History is a beautiful and poignant track with More »
Korn – Twisted Transistor – Single Review
by Emma Ha ha! Korn are back on top fucking form and I couldn’t be happier to say that! Twisted Transistor is the first single from the forthcoming album See You On More »
Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire Interview by Emma Leeds Cockpit – 23 October 2005 The mighty Alexisonfire…my favourite band in the entire universe! I was pant-shittingly nervous and utterly delighted to be interviewing them before their More »
The Darkness return
by Jo The Darkness return (which means the return of the darklings. Be afraid.) YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!! At last, a huge mass of tense, nervous darklings relaxed when Rob put up the announcement that More »
OWTTHAB single reviews
by Fans! Was weeing myself with excitement this morning. Had to have the radio on as the computer was being an arse, so everyone got to watch me bouncing on my chair More »
Hallowe’en movies special
by Emma Scare yourself stupid for Halloween! Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year…not all of you will make it out, so here are a few suggestions for the perfect seasonal More »
Instrument of The Issue
by Lucie Instrument Of The Issue Angus Young’s Gibson SG Angus and his SG are as iconic as Freddie and his half mic stand, or the McDonald’s arches, and inspiring to any More »
Blast From The Past – Queen
by Lucie Blast From The Past! Queen – ‘A Night At The Opera’ (1975) As a young ‘un, when it comes to the world of rawk, I’ve had to scrabble together a More »
Zombie Fest For Halloween
by Emma What are YOU doing for Halloween? Halloween is approaching and at last the time has come to embrace all that is ghostly, ghastly and spooky! So what will you be More »
Send More Paramedics
by Emma Send More Paramedics – Leeds Joseph’s Well – 5 August 2005 ZOMBIECORE ANYONE? Send More Paramedics rock it to the maximum! I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this More »
Rob Shaw – profile
by Jo Ah, Rob Shaw. What can we possibly say about our little strawberry blond friend? A Yoda to the stars, dispensing wisdom (sometimes) and judgements to the happy bands of darklings. More »
Darkness bits and pieces
by Jo Well, not literally. It’s been quite busy in darkling land. Justin and Dan have flown off to LA to rehearse and record orchestras, then mix the whole lot so that More »
British Whale – This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us
British Whale – This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us by Fee Rating 10/10 This single marks the welcome return of Justin Hawkins, the most charismatic front man of rock More »
What’s On?
by Emma What’s on? Forthcoming unmissable events… Korn August 23-24 Manchester Apollo, London Brixton Academy Death From Above 1979 August 23 London Charing Cross Mean Fiddler Leeds/Reading Carling Weekend August 26-28 Trivium More »
Rescue The Astronauts EP Review
by Emma Rescue The Astronauts – Your Scissors/My Seatbelt Your Scissors/My Seatbelt is the first EP available to buy from Derry sweethearts Rescue The Astronauts. The four-track disc produced by Neal Calderwood More »
Gratitude – Album Review
by Emma Album Review: Gratitude: Gratitude Gratitude was released on 20th June and is the debut album from US rockers Gratitude, label mates with the fabulous Funeral For Friend. Gratitude are supporting More »
The Mascara Story
by Emma The Mascara Story Interview – York Fibbers – 15 August 2005 Cheeky Irish boys…very attractive cheeky Irish boys…is what I was faced with when I went to interview The Mascara More »
My Awesome Compilation
by Emma My Awesome Compilation – Leeds Joseph’s Well – 28 July 2005 What a night! I had wanted to catch a My Awesome Compilation gig for ages and so when I More »
Bullet For My Valentine
by Emma Bullet For My Valentine – Leeds Cockpit – 7 July 2005 2005 is Bullet For My Valentine’s year, no doubt whatsoever. My last Bullet review from February closed with the More »
Once in a lifetime
Once In A Lifetime by LC “Well, how did I get here?” That line from the Talking Heads song was on a constant loop in my head that beautifully sunny June day. More »
Rampaging with Frankie
Rampaging with Frankie by LC Saturday, 9 July 2005. It seems longer than just over a month ago the news was announced that Frankie Poullain would no longer be bassist for the More »
What’s On?
by Emma What’s on? Forthcoming unmissable events… Korn August 23-24 Manchester Apollo, London Brixton Academy Death From Above 1979 August 23 London Charing Cross Mean Fiddler Leeds/Reading Carling Weekend August 26-28 Trivium More »
Ben’s guitar corner
by Ben Dickinson Hello again my peeps! This time my guitar corner’s about finding the right guitar. First thing is to do some research, what music do you play, what style do More »
Mother and The Addicts
by Jo / Mother Mother and the Addicts, Norwich Arts Centre Well, I was escorted away from my books one night, not entirely willingly as I was completely knackered and had lots More »
The Basement ‘I Just Caught A Face’ single
by Davey Now this is a rare thing; folk/country inspired indie pop from Ireland. You don’t much of that to the pound in this day and age, and I must say it’s More »
Funeral For A Friend
by Emma Leeds Refectory/ Manchester Academy 30 June 2005/ 8 July 2005 What a lucky girl am I…Funeral For A Friend not once but twice in a week! And what a top More »
Electrelane – Axes – Album Review
by Emma To call Electrelane experimental is one big bloody understatement. A few seconds shy of an hour, I found Axes to be hard work. Unless you are a fan of 6-9 More »
The National – Alligator – Album Review
by Emma I previously said about The National that I am reminded at times of Bowie in style. Having now listened to the third album release I now think the style is More »
The Explosion – Black Tape – Album Review
by Emma The Explosion have burst onto the punk scene and made quite an impact this year – the single Here I Am has gained regular play on radio and music television More »
Queen Adreena – The Butcher And The Butterfly – Album Review
by Emma The Butcher and the Butterfly is the third album release from Queen Adreena and is regarded as the best of the trio. Queen Adreena carry a haunting eerie feel throughout More »
FULC – Embrace.Destroy – Album Review
by Emma New mini-album, Embrace.Destroy is the latest release from FULC, up and coming UK rock metal quartet. Embrace.Destroy consists of six tracks, and starts off with two softer tracks spilling raw More »
Idlewild – I Understand It – Single Review
by Emma Released 2 May, I Understand It is a harmless ditty from Idlewild, most likely to be hitting notes with fans of REM and the like. It’s quite catchy and laid More »
Suffrajets – Sold – Single Review
by Emma The Suffrajets are back in action following a recovery period – the girls’ tour bus was involved in a serious road traffic accident earlier this year – and on top More »
The Kills – Love Is A Deserter
by Emma Love Is A Deserter was released on Domino on 30 May is taken from The Kills’ second album No Wow. The track keeps in form with previous hit The Good More »
We Are Scientists
by Lou ‘Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt’ The first UK single from New York three-piece ‘We Are Scientists’ was released on June 27th and quite frankly should do bloody well! The title More »
The Blue Van
by Lou ‘Revelation of Love’ is the first UK single from Denmark’s hottest new export; ‘The Blue Van’. And don’t their influences shine through like a blinding light?! The Kinks, The Small More »
Switchfoot: Dare You To Move
by Emma Dare You To Move is the first UK release due 18th July from multi platinum selling US outfit Switchfoot. It will be followed up swiftly by the album A Beautiful More »
engerica: My Demise
by Emma New to the scene trio Engerica are preparing to whip up a storm. New single My Demise will be released on 25th July and is not the first taster of More »
Millionaire
by Lou ‘We Don’t Live There Anymore’ is a seductive track that’s dripping with dirty, grungy licks and an overall air of bad-ass cool. Hoarse guitars grate their way through a sleazy More »
Levellers – Truth & Lies
by Lou It’s great to see bands standing the test of time like the Levellers have. Formed in 1988 and still going strong with their trademark upbeat-folk-indie-pop-bit-of-something-for-everyone sound. Defining vocals front a More »
Electric Eel Shock – Beat Me
by Lou Being previously unfamiliar with Electric Eel Shock’s sound, I’m very pleasantly surprised and can confirm for the other EES virgins out there that it’s just as the name suggests; high More »
Funeral For A Friend
by Emma Interview – Leeds Refectory 30 June 2005 Now you will notice that this month’s zine features my review of two of the recent FFAF tour dates…well Ben and I caught More »
Bullet for My Valentine
by Emma 2005 is Bullet For My Valentine’s year, no doubt whatsoever. My last Bullet review from February closed with the words ‘This was undoubtedly the single most amazing gig I have More »
Funeral For A Friend – Gig Review
by Emma Funeral For A Friend – Leeds Refectory/ Manchester Academy 30 June 2005/ 8 July 2005 What a lucky girl am I…Funeral For A Friend not once but twice in a More »
KAZZA’S WEEKEND OF ROCK ™
by Kazza Green Day, Milton Keynes Bowl, Saturday 18th June My Weekend of Rock began with a hot, sweaty traffic jam into Milton Keynes. Once past the security Nazis however, the discomfort More »
SixSister go to Kirkley High
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What’s On?
by Emma What’s on? Forthcoming unmissable events… Greenday June 18-19 Milton Keynes Bowl Audioslave June 20-24 London Brixton Academy, Manchester MEN Arena Ginger June 17-July 2 Glasgow Barfly, Newcastle Archers, Wrexham Talbot, More »
The Rogers Sisters – Three Fingers – Album Review
by Emma Three Fingers is the second album from New Yorkers The Rogers Sisters, follow up to the debut Purely Evil that received high acclaim in 2003. The Rogers Sisters are an More »
The Boxer Rebellion – Exits – Album Review
by Emma Exits is The Boxer Rebellion’s debut album, following the first single release All You Do Is Talk. Exits doesn’t fit cleanly into any of the categories of current rock music More »
The Marble Index – Album Review
by Emma Canadian outfit The Marble Index are refreshingly honest in their music. They remind me of the Violent Femmes in that they are fearless to experimenting with their sound and it More »
Hulk – Cowboy Coffee & Burned Knives – Album Review
by Emma Brussels trio Hulk are knocking on the door of the big time with their forthcoming album release Cowboy Coffee… available from 27 June 2005 on Suburban Records. Hulk were lucky More »
Funeral For A Friend – Streetcar – Single Review
by Emma Released 30 May 2005, Streetcar is the sterling follow up to the forthcoming Hours, follow up to the magnificent Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation. Streetcar is an upbeat track More »
Simple Plan – Welcome To My Life – Single Review
by Emma Welcome To My Life is due for release on 20th June on Lava/Atlantic Records, and is taken from Simple Plan’s successful second album Still Not Getting Any (released February 2005). More »
Corporation Blend – For All My Sins – Single Review
by Emma Are you ready for Corporation:blend? Prepare yourselves for a wild rampage of cyber keyboard and riproaring guitar as Rob Owen, Ash Howard, Andy Harrison and Dexy K unleash themselves upon More »
Bodyrockers – I Like The Way – Single Review
by Emma I Like The Way is a hard hitting dance and rock mix making big waves on the clubbing scene. Its more of the dance, less of the rock and absolutely More »
Darkling does Dubai!
Darkling Does Dubai! by Jo Friday 25th March 2005 (as usual, apologies for any mistakes in this – any misquotes or errors in the setlist are down to me and my over-excited More »
American and Australian Darklings
If you’d like your reviews/photos to be immortalised forever here on OI, let us know via email, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks!
The Darkness cancel April 2013 Antipodean Tour.
From the band’s Facebook page.
Hi Australia and New Zealand.
We’re sorry. We wanted you guys to be the first to know this, but the promoter jumped the gun and then we couldn’t get access to Facebook in time.
There’s really not a lot we can add to the below. We hate cancelling shows and letting people down, but this is beyond our control.
Hope we see you soon.
J, D, F & Ed X“It is with great regret that we are having to cancel The Darkness’ planned April dates in Australia / New Zealand. As some of you maybe aware, Ed has had some prior history with hip problems, which resulted in extensive surgery a few years ago, and caused him to miss some US dates in 2012. Unfortunately, over the course of the past few weeks’ touring, Ed has been feeling that all is not right in that department, and has been advised to undergo some rest & tests before potentially taking a backwards step and making matters worse.
He will continue with the last few European shows and will then take some time out immediately to ensure him back to 100% fitness. This very sadly results in the immediate cancellation of the Antipodean tour. We will of course look to reschedule dates into our scheduling and itinerary as soon as possible but have nothing solid to be able to make work currently hence this being a cancellation rather than a postponement. All ticket holders can get refunds from the point of purchase.
The Darkness also feel that to visit countries which do not get enough shows by them as it is, and not have the full, proper and original band line-up, is simply not the right thing to do. To that end there won’t be any possibility for stand in’s or alternative Ed’s for these shows and we won’t be touring with any ersatz model! We hope to have details of re-scheduled shows very soon. The Darkness sends its most heartfelt apologies to everyone involved”.
Competition – Signed Darkness Tshirt
There’s a signed Tshirt competition happening on Facebook, should you want one. Use Darkness lyrics to tell me why you want it!
The Darkness – UK Cakes, fresh from the oven
Setting out on another tour is a strange and wondrous thing. And, if you’ve just remembered where the important things are hat should be in your bag, a bit annoying as well. It still feels odd to be off on a Darkness tour – brilliant, but odd in a wide eyed and still disbelieving way. Having a Darkness headline show all to ourselves is a something to be held to our collective breasts and cherished. There have been plenty of gigs, mind. Just none (two) of them here, and none (oh ok, TWO) just Darkness.
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball had the lion’s share of Summer and Autumn. I’m not a great fan of stadium gigs as I prefer to be in a dark place, with walls and floor and banging acoustics, not outside with wind dictated sound and even big screens looking like matchboxes, never mind the stage. Gaga views were restricted further by the extended stage walkways – made for a fabulous extravaganza with boundless energy and amazing dancing – but even from the (non monster pit) front barriers I saw all that on a screen. It was an amazing show. I fully endorse Gaga’s stand against prejudices and for the right to be who you are. But… The show will look better on DVD. I’m glad I went, but I ONLY went to see TD. Now, they rocked, from the view available. They did a solid, professional job, got the crowd on their side rocking and singing, and Justin dropped his trousers. They never underperform.
America, then, to fill in a few US gaps after Christmas. That’s where it got back to normal. Reports and videos show the wildest, rockiest shows yet. TD have never been a band to stand idly around, but they seem to have outdone themselves with more energy than ever. Justin hurling himself around and Dan coming to the fore have got people talking, and they love it. Is this new confidence? A conscious decision to kick ass harder? Or a natural reaction to crazy crowds? Maybe there’s a sense of ‘second chance, let’s go do it harder, faster, louder this time’ ? I can’t wait to see it, at last.
Will I, though? Tonight, I’m in Sheffield for the first gig. It’s seated. There will be no crowd surfing or balcony jumps. The crowd walk will be a little tricky. There will be SEATS. If I had known that before I’d bought my tickets I would have thought twice. I’d still have gone because it’s The Darkness, but for ME to even consider not going, unless I physically can’t, is a wrong state of affairs. It’s going to be a strange experience. I’m expecting great music, passion, superb playing, banter and silliness and the sense of being home. I’m also expecting the atmosphere to be a slight step away from the norm.
Oh, what the hell. They’re here. A TD gig is a thing of strange and unconventional beauty, so I shall gladly go and fill my soul with it. More later.
Saxon release new album ‘Sacrifice’
Saxon? The name jumped out at me like a hit from the past. It’s been a long while since I listened to any of their stuff, and the band are most linked with memories of school and my best friend. He was a metalhead, I was an ex-mod goth – we covered a lot between us. Anyway… my good friend Andy was a big fan and it’s down to him that I ever heard them at all.
A new album, their 20th, is being released on 4th March. Sacrifice was produced by frontman Biff Byford, who has plenty to say about the back to Saxon basics approach. ‘I wanted to focus on the raw aspects which made us great in the first place’ he states. Indeed, if you were a fan back in the 80′s, you’ll find a lot that’s both familiar and classic to rediscover. If you weren’t, then you do need to be a metalhead to appreciate it fully. It’s steeped in traditions of lyric, legend and guitar that have wound themselves round several decades and albums. Listen, and ye shall find. New fans should find everything you need to know about the genre right here, given a fresh lick of amp power for the now generation.
Some release formats have extra acoustic/orchestral and re-recorded tracks, so look out for these. Saxon are on a UK tour in April and May – check out their website for more details. There’salso an offer on there to go on tour with them. Interesting…
Steel Panther @Norwich UEA
Just a few gems of video and photos I had lying around in my piles of stuff to do. Best gig I’ve been to for ages – metal, filth, floof and tight trousers. What’s not to like?
and
The Darkness – 2014
I don’t normally link into other site’s articles, but this is exciting news on Billboard! And important, as it gives more certainty of long term Darkness to come.
Geek Alert
I’m sure this is Darkness guitar tech porn to some of you. 
Reproduced by kind permission.
Then and Now
This time last year, The Darkness were ready, willing and able to go and give bits of the world a few pieces of Dark to hold on to and cherish. Fresh from 2011′s November UK comeback tour, with a host of new songs and the promise of an album, the plan appeared to be ‘Let’s go strike them whilst the iron’s hot. They’ll never know which direction we struck from, but they WILL remember who hit them’. And so it came to be. America was gloriously stunned by the Samsung commercial, beautifully placed in a prime Superbowl ad break. It was also stunned by several stupendous gigs, over the year and across the states. The Antipodes got their share of the glory and are still Tiswassed by the whole thing too. Festivals were rocked, countries graced, and plenty of headbanging done. Here in the UK we had Thetford and Glasgow as headliners, but we are biding our time.
Video poured from the screens, as Every Inch, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us and Everybody Have A Good Time were all released and created stirs across Darkworld and beyond. Clever animations and damn bizarre storylines gave things to admire and laugh at in equal measure. Plenty of little snippets of video from on the road were most welcome, too. Music both soothed and lashed the ear with the finest riffs and accomplished vocals. One thing The Darkness never got any grief for is lyrics – they remain as eloquent as ever with the gift of saying a lot with a few finely twisted words.
Finally, the album came. One fine day in August was amongst the finest in 7 years. August was full of excitement, plaudits, fan bundles, apps, tshirts and stickers. And noise! Favourite track choosing is still a minefield, so personally I’ve largely given up trying to choose. Why bother when there are more important things? Like.. which order will they come in, on random? Which is the track that suits the day? That’s an easier choice. Hot Cakes belongs on those ‘Best of 2012′ lists.
As the main thrust of The Darkness’ year was sent on its way, The Darkness were also being thrust forward. The real big shock of the year was their support slot on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball world extravaganza – or a good part of it. Since the beginning of August until December they were out on the road playing to tens of thousands every night. It seemed like a travesty to some, but it would have been a travesty had they not done this. I saw two of the gigs, and they were superb. The Darkness were perfect for their slot. The crowds were responsive – in some areas, mental! and took to the rock in front of them like ducks to water. It was a great feeling to see another, entirely different, artist’s fans singing and dancing to your own favourite band. Pretty damn fine to see them wowing huge crowds. I’m not a fan of big stadium gigs, or of seeing The Darkness in daylight, but I couldn’t fault their performances in those arenas to those fans. I’m glad that so many fans got to see them in places that they won’t or can’t visit as headliners for some time, and their comments showed their own delight.
Tonight, a new year’s work starts in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. From now until April, there’s another long road across 3 continents to cart 4 men what do rock, some guitary things, many big speakers, lots and lots of wires, and some other fine men who know what to do with it all. Let Them Eat Cakes is ON (I like mine with lemon and sugar, please). Good luck, and may your tourbus WiFi never fail.
Frankie’s Bells
A little something from Thetford Forest.
O.W.L.S. – Fiddlers Elbow, London 16.11.12
A little time has passed since my ears were last beautifully dirtied by the nice people of O.W.L.S. , so this night out was well anticipated. A four-band dose of live music is not to be sniffled at in any event, but when it features this band, the night’s going to be a good one. Even if I had lost myself, my nose ring and my oyster card in the 400 yards between tube station and venue…
First up were Evacuees, just after I got there. Perfectly reasonable band, reminded me a little of Glasvegas. Can’t say they hit me where it hurts, but that’s not to say they weren’t any good – just maybe I was nattering too much.
Next were Zodiac N Black. Before they came on, I was told they were well worth watching, and Mr Macfarlaine’s words are usually to be heeded on these subjects. Off my bum and into the crowd… Well, of course he was right. They rock like heck, with energy and aplomb, and are REALLY GOOD. What more do you want me to say? They know perfectly well what they’re doing musically and venues definitely need to be filled with their metalling. A little video… and more details at the bottom.
That’s the better quality of the vids – my camera is broken so filming done on the iPad – but see OI’s channel for the other.
A short break for vodka, guitar lead/cable/wire swaps and it’s time for O.W.L.S. I’ve described their approach to the cleanliness of sound before, and I can’t say that’s changed at all. Starting with Only Joking, we were straight into hardness. No pussyfooting around here (Toby’s footwear excepted)! Go To Your Happy Place is a singalong of dark proportions, Hurt Janine an oddly delightful, joyous thing, Vitamins and Kibosh as moshy and headbangy as I remember. She Can Open Doors is below. I just watched it without sound, accidentally, and the rocking still shines through.
The sound pouring forth was something with a harder edge than back in February, with a surer performance. This had more punk and more assurance. February was no means lacking anything, but after a longish break, such a great performance was brilliant. O.W.L.S are brilliant, in a darkly shining way.
Get your vinyl copy of double A-side single Hurt Janine/Vitamins as soon as you can, as it’s a strictly limited edition.
Velvet Star were on last. Hmm. Sorry… not my thing.
Let’s get everyone out there to see both O.W.L.S. and Zodian N Black. You can see the former on 9th Dec at Emma Scott Presents, The Flapper, Birmingham.
Contact Info:
Facebook – O.W.L.S.HQ Zodiac N Black
Twitter – @OWLSHQ @Zodiac_N_Black
BritRockArmy
Phillip Rogers is a dedicated sort of man. Earlier this year he took his convictions in his hands, examined them closely, and found them worthy of doing something about. What followed was just a bit of a whirlwind…
Finding little joy in the UK music scene, he decided that it needed a bit of an arsekick. Where on earth was a home for unknown and unsigned bands? Who was championing the cause of the talented but largely unheard? Hmm… and in the best traditions of those blessed with vision, courage and a bit of madness, he did something about it.
BritRockArmy is the result of the musings, and the start of something else. Reviews and interviews are breeding like rabbits on the blog. Just a few short months after the first post, there’s an event showcasing bands, including acoustic sets, happening at the Birmingham Roadhouse on Sunday 11th November (see flyer below). A compilation album of donated tracks is in progress – the tracks are being whittled down, and this is proving to be a hard job. ‘BritRockArmy – Uprising’ (temporary title!) is to be a double album, and voting for the 15 bands to appear on Part 2’s People’s Choice is underway on Facebook .
BritRockArmy marches on behalf of everyone in music – we are all in it together, and one part can’t exist without the other. If you have anything to say, need a place to play, want to praise/promote/play your trade, then there’s room to do it.
A great example of following your dreams. Long may BritRockArmy fight for music’s unknown soldiers.
The Darkness – ‘Let Them Eat Cakes’ Tour 2013
First sightings of official news:
On The Road With The Darkness, Part 2: The “Riding the Wave of Nostalgia Tour”
(BTW, this is not officially Darkness-sanctioned! – Laurie)
Day 1 – Nashville, Tennessee, May 22
“Long-distance information , get me Nashville, Tennessee…” – Yup this is Music City, indeed! I have flown into town after a weekend in El Paso, TX and am ready to get my Darkness groove on. My friends Dre and Becca arrive at my hotel to get me for the road trip, and soon we’re off on a venue-finding mission and then off to our friend Patti’s house.
The gig is at an old auto manufacturing plant, hence the name Marathon Motor Works. We’ve taken quite a long time to socialize/have dinner/get ready, so we arrive while opening band Black Box Revelation is on. This is a two-man band from Brussels consisting of a singer/guitarist and drummer, and they are not Foxy Shazam, but they will do. Their songs are very White Stripes meet Led Zeppelin. My friend Leslie and her bestie Phil arrive late as well, and soon we are parked second row ready for THE DARKNESS!
I’m sorry, Nashville, but part of the crowd seemed like they were too cool for school. Even Justin had to coax them to make some noise by saying Dan wouldn’t play a note until they did, and the only time everyone seemed to let loose was for IBIATCL and the encore, which has been revised to Hazel Eyes and LOTR. But for us hardcore fans, this was a stellar show from the boys! They include a new song called “With A Woman,” and other set list changes were dropping Can’t Believe It’s Not Love/Out of This World, She’s Jut A Girl Eddie, Physical Sex and Bareback, and adding Every Inch of You and Everybody Have A Good Time. Justin’s dive into the crowd and crowd surfing prompted him to announce that someone had grabbed his testicles and any misshapen children would be named “Nash” (and Leslie, Dre and I happen to know the culprit! Hahaha!) Justin and Frankie also drop on bended knee to Dan as he plays on the riser at the end of Hazel Eyes, and that was new and fun to watch!
I know some really devoted TD fans who waited years for The Darkness to return to Nashville (Leslie, Tyler!) and they were not disappointed. I’m really happy that they got to meet the band afterwards. YAY! Frankie informs us that the band will be doing a photo shoot for Q magazine in New Orleans’ French Quarter, so be on the lookout for that, kids! Now it’s time to get back to Patti’s and wake up early for our drive to New Orleans.
Day 2 – New Orleans, Louisiana, May 23
Urgh. It’s raining as soon as we get outside of town, but luckily it all clears up by the time we get to the venue, which is the House of Blues. Dre, Becca and I meet up with Dori, Sam and Missy, and then it’s time to RAWK!!
It’s a no-brainer that New Orleans knows how to party, so the vibe is immediately electric and the band is awash in adoration from the get-go. The whole band seems to respond in kind and are just what can only be described as “on fire!” J I think this is one of my favorite gigs on both U.S. Tours this year. Justin opts not to crowd-dive this gig, but after his walkabout he decides to pose directly on the barrier and have fans help hold him steady during the sing-alongs on LOTR. Let’s just say some fans got a glimpse of him up close and personal! 
We have a day off the next day, and enjoy the sounds and sights of New Orleans. We make a side stop at the Royal Orleans hotel, which Led Zep once wrote a song about on the album “Presence.” That was way cool and one of the workers there let us go to the rooftop pool and observation deck to check the city out. What service! Then it was time to hit the road once again. Quite disappointingly, the only alligators we saw were in the gator bites we had at a restaurant on Bourbon Street!
Day 3 – Austin, Texas, May 25
Why hello there, Texas! Austin also has a reputation for being a party city (this seems to be a trend!) AND it has a big music scene as well. The gig tonight is at a place called Stubb’s, which is a BBQ restaurant with an outdoor amphitheatre. We’ve not booked a hotel yet, so it’s straight to Stubb’s for some BBQ and drinks and waiting and waiting.
The radio station sponsoring the gig is having a meet and greet and three of our new friends are picked to go, and one of them wins a signed Epiphone guitar! Sweet! I also learn that Justin had asked the meet & greeters that if he climbed on the balcony, would they catch him if he jumped? I say I can totally see him doing that. We’ll see….
We and all of our new friends all score a place along the barrier, so we’re all happy. It’s hot and there is no breeze at all but that’s part of the fun. The opening band is an all-girl band called Girl In A Coma and they’re a pretty decent punk-ish band, but everybody wants THE DARKNESS! If I thought New Orleans was electric, Austin had them beat by a country mile. At least 15 people got thrown out for crowd surfing, and there was lots and lots of pogo jumping, and what can I say but it was a hell of a set!
The boys were dripping with sweat by the end of the first song, but it was oh-so-fun! Every Inch of You has become a fun song to rock to and scream “Suck my cock!” along with Justin. Concrete is easily my new favorite, though. There’s just something about that song performed live and in your face and makes me want to bang my head. There was a touching tribute to a friend of the band’s named Fred before LOTR, and Justin has since Tweeted asking if anyone has video of this tribute to let them know. I didn’t have video as my phone died, sorry lads! And Justin DID climb onto the balcony and dived into the crowd…not surfacing for long enough for one to think “Oh geez, I hope he’s okay!” before merrily popping up onto the crowd and crowd-surfing to the stage. Thank GOD!
Not only was it an awesome way to end my part of the tour (Dre and Becca went on to Dallas), but I also got to see THEE one and only Rock Blonde AKA Angie, and her new husband Bill. We’ve always known that Angie was spiritually Texan anyway, and it was great to see her so happy in her new home state of Texas, ya’ll! I’m also really happy that she and Bill ran into Justin outside of Stubb’s and they got to say hello to the lads, minus Ed J
I was supposed to have gone on to Rocklahoma and Dallas, but duty called and I had to return home. And just so you know, guys, my friends and I are NOT the only U.S. fans who hit more than one gig. There were quite a few people met on this tour who went to as many shows as they possibly could in February and May, and that speaks volumes to the dedication of fans who have waited 8 years to see you perform in our country again. Thank you, The Darkness, for returning once again to the good ol’ USA and we hope to see you again soon!
I remain,
Laurie
Motörhead – The Wörld Is Ours Vol 2
Recorded at three different 2011 festivals, this DVD and/or CD set is a memento of, an introduction to, and an ‘arse, I couldn’t make it to’ Motörhead’s live performances. With an 80,000 crowd quoted for Wacken, they’re not exactly small and insignificant ones, either. Wacken’s dominates, being the whole set, and by virtue of its production. The film isn’t in parts, the sound wavers a little – but it gives an accurate idea of what it’s like in a festival crowd and from stage. It’s real, just like it really was, and works for me. I’ve seen footage of gigs before and thought ‘it wasn’t like that at all’ so it’s rather refreshing to see something more honest. Reality gigging! It’s a long set in the rain for fans, but there are thousands throwing horns all the way through and their enthusiasm is unflagging. Opening with Iron Fist, there are 17 songs – Metropolis, One Night Stand, In The Name of Tragedy, Bomber, Ace of Spades and Overkill being just a few. It’s quite a thing to see, legends in action.
Both Sonisphere’s and Rock in Rio’s sets are much shorter, with much slicker film production. A good contrast, especially as Sonisphere’s set is in daylight, which seemed… unusual. Motörhead are a band for the dark, with afternoons a hidden, lost place – surely? It seems not! Both sets look and feel as good as Wacken’s, in a different way. Ste he could not have had. But let’s not get bogged down in video production details. Both approaches have a place, and show Motörhead’s performances in equally good lights. Good hard solid rock throughout, delivered without frills or fuss but with consummate ease. No pretence, no need of any. Sonisphere’s gig was the day after ex-member Wurzel’s death, as announced by Lemmy, so must have been rather a strange day for band and fans alike, but a greater tribute he could not have had. It was a good watch, and the CDs will make damn fine driving music on those dark rainy nights. Look out for the Festival Impressions W:O:A extra – it made me laugh, has lots of beer and a few interviews.
Watching HAS made me want to go and see them live, as I’ve never had the chance. So, job done! Oh, and I’ve fallen in love with that bass.
Out now, from the usual places.
Motörhead – Win Live DVD and CDs
Motörhead, noisemakers extraordinaire, are releasing a second live extravaganza on DVD and 2 CDs on 24th September. The Wörld is Ours Vol 2 – Anyplace Crazy as Anywhere Else was recorded in 2011 at Sonisphere (July), the headline appearance at Wacken Festival (August) and Rock in Rio (September).
If you want to get your rock mitts on this little package of mayhem, just answer the following questions.
1. Who designed the iconic Motörhead logo?
2. What is a motörhead? (Oh come on. That one you can do in your sleep.)
3. Hawkwind released ‘Motörhead’ as an A-side single. What was the B-side?
Easy as headbanging, innit. Send your answers to optimum.impact.rocks@gmail.com, pm OI’s Facebook page, or DM me on Twitter. Lovely. Ready for a bit of the hard stuff?
Anyone wanting to also experience this in a more physical way can get dirty in person on the European tour in November and December.
Entries are restricted to the UK, and my decisions are final, etc.
The Darkling Sonnet
Just a bit of fun that grew out of a tinker – bit tricky sticking to the original scansion. I liked it so I thought I’d keep it somewhere safe.
How do I love thee? Let me count the riffs.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
Justin’s voice can reach, when soaring out of sight
To the ends of hearing and highleaping grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most rocking need, by volume control found.
I love thee freely, as men strive for sound.
I love thee surely, as men turn from crap.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my dancing, and with my singing out of tune.
I love thee for a rock we seemed to lose
With rock’s lost saints. With my breath I love thee,
Smiles, tears, of my fandom; and, if Hope choose,
I shall love thee better after album three.
Many apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
The Darkness – Hot Cakes Album Review
2012 in the UK has had some momentous moments, one way or another. One of the more startlingly wonderful ones is due on 20th August – a new album from The Darkness. Previously a thing of Darkling dreams/longing, it’s now a thing of reality. REAL reality won’t happen until I have the precious bits of plastic/vinyl in my hands, but they’re so very nearly here!
Whilst the interminable wait ticks by, minute by minute, I cheated. Thank the Lords of Rock for Rolling Stone’s stream, which is on (manual) loop.
YouTube, streams and the official releases have been your friend over the last months. Fans are familiar with the thrust of the whole new thang, if not with the fine detail. By now, Hot Cakes has become a favourite acquaintance with whom you are about to become very much more intimate. You’re going to delve and explore what you thought you knew, savour the discovery of the unknown, slowly peel away layers of sweet rock to uncover more enticements.
Back to Darkness basics. This is a far cleaner and stripped back production than OWTTH…AB, as promised. Nick Brine’s expertise comes in very handy when applying clarity and restraint to the natural Darkness leanings to excess. It works beautifully – controlled musicianship with the underlying promise of glorious chaos highlighted. There’s a delicacy of touch, in Forbidden Love particularly, that’s delightful to witness.
In fact, that song’s a treasure. Seems like a slip of a thing, but it has plenty of strength. Living Each Day Blind is an epic rocker made for the stage, easy to get lost in. Classic rock lives on in Keep Me Hanging On, which was the personal surprise of the album – great vocals. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us brings its normal moshy anthemic joyousness, rising to the trademark crescendo of sound and voice. Concrete – a crowd favourite for over a year – wonderfully headbangy with stupendous rock screams to finish. With a Woman has a damnably catchy chorus and great lyrics and should be a live hit with the way it builds. She’s Just a Girl, Eddie is another crowd favourite already. Street Spirit has long been a little Darkling treasure, and fully deserves its inclusion. The original is fairly iconic, but this version will become the definitive version for a different audience. It’s a song that asks to be screamed out with frustration, despair and longing, and pretty much gets it.
The two releases – Every Inch Of You and Everybody Have a Good Time have intros that instantly mark the songs as TD’s own brand – no mistaking them for anyone else’s. Very different in tone, as a pair they are TD embodied. Fun, serious, defiant, feelgood, loud, potty mouthed and utterly relative to everyone’s lives. With some nice dirty guitar solos and falsettos thrown in, whom else could it be?
The stream includes the long version of Cannonball which has some more delicate touches than the full blown live extravaganza, but is brilliant in its own right. There is also an acoustic demo versionof I Can’t Believe It’s Not Love, which quite frankly is one of the best songs they’ve ever done. It could be performed in any version and still stand up, and the lyrics are some of the most adept. The other demo version is of Love Is Not The Answer, which is on the album ‘proper’ in the final cut version which shows off Justin’s vocal prowess beautifully – but I think that this acoustic version actually suits the song and its sentiments better. Or maybe just suits my temperament? I prefer it anyway.
Pat Pong, one of the more bizarre things TD have done, is happily there as a mastered version. It’s such a great thing to listen to – ‘with both sets of genitalia’ is a lyric I’ll not forget – just so wonderfully TD. It was great live at the 100 Club, and deserves to be heard live again!
The album, as always, is about life and love, and sticking your two fingers up at both of the buggers because even when it’s going right, disaster is not so far away. Or vice versa. Especially that Love stuff – should be approached with caution as it can get you into a whole lot of joy/mess/trouble (the path of true love never runs smooth, so if it’s less than true love and more of a eye for a roll in the hay, take care. Just in case, like). Thank heaven, though, for the spirit that bore Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us ten years ago, because without it, there would be no Darkness – this time OR last.
Whatever your Darkness preferences, they are catered for. Slow and seductive, hard and fast, enthusiastic, bouncy and energetic. You will have in your hands something that you can enjoy over and over again, alone or with likeminded individuals. Just don’t try and keep quiet during the process.
Fan bundles are still available, and iTunes, Amazon etc also all have lovely things ready to ship to you.
Hot Cakes – The Darkness reveal size of bun(dle)s in oven
Presales of The Darkness’ new album have been available for a few days now, but fan bundle news has been released today. If they don’t appeal (and why not??) then there are lots of other places to buy – I ‘borrowed’ the links below from TD’s site.
PLAY.COM [UK] PREORDER WITH EXCLUSIVE LIMITED EDITION SEW-ON PATCH
NEWBURY COMICS [USA] PREORDER WITH LIMITED SIGNED CD BOOKLET
iTUNES DELUXE DOWNLOAD with BONUS TRACKS
and some others :
CD: http://smarturl.it/hotcakescd
CD Deluxe: http://smarturl.it/hotcakescddeluxe
LP: http://smarturl.it/hotcakeslp
