Q&A with THE DARKNESS

READY OR NOT, “LAST OF OUR KIND” FROM THE DARKNESS IS OUT NOW!

Children and adults alike may now rejoice! We finally see the release of the much awaited new album ‘Last of Our Kind’ from the magical UK supergroup that is The Darkness.

Last of Our Kind  is an album of unparalleled beauty and power bursting with exhilarating riffs, magnificent melodies and very high voices – as you would expect of these rock mega-gods. The first single ‘Open Fire’ has been unveiled and the video, directed by Simon Emmett, is currently lording over the internet, stamping its scaly feet and pecking at cyber grubs like a magnificent peacock.

The album also features ‘Barbarian’ which was released as a teaser track, boasting a brutally beguiling animated lyric video illustrated by Nick Roche.

Blast of Our Kind  kicking off on October 9th in Pomona, CA in support of fourth album Last of Our Kind – released June 2nd via Kobalt Label Services. This will be The Darkness‘ first UK tour since 2013. The Darkness will spend the summer months honing their craft on choice slots at various European festivals and U.S. tour dates are planned for later this year, with details coming soon. Those in attendance will be awestruck by the all-new material and downright delighted by the early works as The Darkness rip through their repertoire of ruddy great songs with new drummer Rufus Taylor

Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Rufus Taylor are The Darkness.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa got to catch up with bassist, Frankie Poullain. Read more in their chat below!

Hi Frankie! How are you today? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

I’m fine thanks. Tonight we’re playing ‘Victorious Festival’ on the south coast of England with Ray Davies from The Kinks. It’s the morning and I’m drinking tea before I prepare myself a large cooked breakfast.

So first things first, congrats on The Darkness’ latest fourth studio album, Last of Our Kind! It’s a true gem! What do you think the band learned between albums and playing live that you felt you wanted to infuse into the new record?

Good question. We wanted to capture warmth, power and emotion. I’m glad you like it. We always take a different approach with each album.

For those that are not familiar with you and your music, how did you get your start? Who or what was the catalyst for you to want to live the life of a musical gypsy?

The catalyst? Rejection. Dissatisfaction. Hatred of waking up early in the mornings and having to face other people and pretend to enjoy being a slave for someone else. That’s the negative ones.

Positive ones? Love of music, travel and the distinct possibility of enticing exotic alluring women who’d otherwise be unattainable.

I understand The Darkness recorded the album in a “magical place somewhere beyond the shores of Ireland” surrounded by water. A place called Valentia Island. What was it like recording there? Do you always find an interesting and obscure place to write and record to get the creative juices and mojo flowing?

Ultimately it doesn’t matter where we are, we’ll find a way to enjoy it somehow. The key is reacting to a place so it helps if there’s some kind of challenge involved. You don’t wanna be in the comfort zone. Valentia Island has extreme weather changes which possibly account for the tempestuous nature of our album.

What was the inspiration for your new single, “Last of Our Kind”? The video is FANTASTIC! Title track features audio clips from over 500 Darkness fans, 15 of whom make a special appearance in the brand new video. There are some really spectacular uninhibited dancers in the video! Did the band help come up with the treatment for the video?

Yes, we talked about it with the director Simon Emmett. He’s also shooting a feature length documentary with us which will finally reveal what we’re actually like. What’s American for ‘stupid twats’?

Who are you inspired by? Musically, fashion wise, art, books etc…

I like wise fools who don’t give a shit. Stupid people who dare to say things before anyone else and to stand by their beliefs.

Socrates died for his beliefs. Imagine that. He was given the opportunity to renounce his beliefs but chose to die rather than do that. Ultimately though we are all inspired by the same thing: the small of a woman’s back.

Today everything is so automatic with the internet. You press a button and it’s yours, ala Spotify, Soundcloud etc. What was the first album you remember actually saving up all your money for to purchase just for yourself?

The Police – Reggatta de Blanc.

What was the first song you fell in love with and why?

‘Friggin in the Riggin’ – The Sex Pistols. We used to sing it in the school playground. We were only about 10 years old but felt like bad ass pirate outlaws. Not that we used Americanisations like ‘bad ass’ in Scotland in the late 70’s.

What artists or bands are in your current playlist on heavy rotation?

I don’t heavily rotate, more a light spin. I treat music like precious fabrics – silk, linen and cashmere, or Emerson, Lake and Palmer, if you prefer.

What are you most looking forward to on the North American leg of the Blast of Our Kind tour?

Dreaming the American Dream. We don’t dream in my country, we just eat, shit and sleep. And complain. Just like I’m doing now.

To learn even more about THE DARKNESS , including upcoming Tour Dates visit them via their social avenues below:

Website  /   Facebook  /   Twitter : @thedarkness