The Darkness News

A power ballad about cafeteria workers' wobbly appendages? A five-and-a-half minute hair metal melange? An anti-cocaine glam rock anthem? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's all included in your "One Way Ticket to Hell ... And Back," the sophomore CD from The Darkness, a ragtag band of English lads who throw light on irony with the rockstar flash of Queen and multifaceted panache of Led Zeppelin.

Much like the Robbie Williamses and Scissor Sisters of the world, The Darkness achieved more multiplatinum success across the pond than stateside with their debut "Permission to Land" two years ago. Maybe that's because frontman Justin Hawkins' falsetto "mi mi mi" vocal range rivals Mariah Carey. Maybe their bawdy guitar riffs and subject matter are too gaudy. Or maybe Americans just don't get it.

"One Way Ticket" is less flighty fun than "Permission to Land," but it still soars with succulent strings, bangin' bagpipes and deviant drumlines. Hawkins' swinging-from-the-rafters vocals are keenly paired again with his brother (and Darkness' lead guitarist) Dan's strumming-from-the-sidelines riffs. His Celtic-tinged work on "Hazel Eyes" and sitar solo on the title track almost upstage his showy sibling, who proclaims "I just love what you've done with your hair" with a wink and a rollicking piano during the chorus of "Knockers." Out is former bassist Frankie Poullain, replaced by Richie Edwards thanks to those oft stifling musical differences.

Together, the 10 songs feel like an over-the-top opera to the tune of "Tommy." The fast-paced "English Country Garden" begins with the sound of thunder and doesn't stop striking. Ballads in the key of Queen, "Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time" and "Blind Man," are served up with equal parts "You're My Best Friend" sweet and "Bohemian Rhapsody" sass. And in "Bald," The Darkness thrash like classic Motley Crue or Poison while geniously lamenting follicle loss.

The Darkness hark back to the 1970s and 80s when rockstars from the wrong side of the tracks had big voices, big guitars and bigger hair — while acts such as The Killers recall a more sensitive and brooding breed. "One Way Ticket" might be The Darkness' ticket to red, white and blue stardom. With former Queen and David Bowie producer Roy Thomas Baker's guidance, the band moves beyond their Spinal Tap-ish gimmick without losing any of their silly showmanship best displayed in their hit single, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love."

Don't be afraid of The Darkness. Put tongue in cheek, headphones in ears and book a "One Way Ticket" today.