The Darkness: One Way Ticket To Hell ... And Back

Herald rating: ***

Pump up the pomp, flex that falsetto, and liniment those loins, because the Darkness are back. They're minus original bass player Frankie Poullain, who left over creative differences.

In New Zealand their debut, 2004's Permission To Land, caught on tentatively. Many asked themselves, "What is this bombastic, piss-take rock'n'roll bollocks?" at the sound of frontman Justin Hawkins' helium voice singing I Believe in A Thing Called Love. But it took hold here simply because songs like Growing On Me and Get Your Hands Off My Woman were hilarious.

On the follow-up, it's more of the same. Sadly, there is a little less sex, drugs and partying, and more songs about boring, steady girlfriends.

There's sneaky little tracks like the bold and beautiful Bald, that you find yourself falling in love with. And then there's the ones, like Hazel Eyes and Girlfriend, that you can't believe you know all the words to so soon. And, the pan-pipe serenade intro gives you a bit of a heart flutter.

The power of the Darkness is when they're playing like they're digging a hole and singing along in unison - like on Knockers, Hazel Eyes, and single One Way Ticket. But the sentimental Seemed Like A Good Idea At the Time and Dinner Lady Arms is less endearing the second time round.

If you thought they sounded like Queen on their debut then the song English Country Garden will confirm it. But that's also the problem with this album - the Darkness needed to write their own Bohemian Rhapsody. As it is, this album - at just over 30 minutes - is over far too quickly.

Label: Warner