THE DARKNESS play The Glass House Oct. 9 and Festival Supreme Oct.10 photo Courtesy of The Darkness
British band The Darkness has created the beauty of mythological glam rock meeting heavy riffs, while truly being the “Last of [their) Kind.” The band will be heading toward their North American leg of the tour in October, hitting The Glass House in Pomona on Oct. 9 and Festival Supreme Oct. 10.
Frontman Justin Hawkins truly embodies a modern-day Freddie Mercury, hitting insanely high notes and sporting unforgettable dramatic costumes in their music videos. Rounding out The Darkness are finger-picking guitarist Dan Hawkins, visionary bassist Frankie Poullain, and upbeat drummer Rufus Taylor.
Concert Guide Live caught up with Poullain to discuss the band’s background, their fourth album Last of Our Kind and their unexpected trip to Valentia Island.
CONCERT GUIDE LIVE: What makes a live show with The Darkness truly “legendary/mythological”?
FRANKIE POULLAIN: The echoes in the hearts of people. OUR people.
CGL: What preparations do you make before a tour?
FP: We challenge each other to be better using the tried and trusted formula of ‘dares’. If anyone resists then we make chicken ‘bukaw’ sounds and toss imaginary seeds at their feet.
CGL: What venues are you most excited about hitting on the North American leg of the tour?
FP: I looked at the itinerary just the other day and I understood what Ernest Hemingway meant when he said the ‘name’ of a place has more power and meaning than a fancy word. I’m paraphrasing obviously, but the point is that the imprint humans leave on, say a concert hall, is undoubtedly meaningful. It encapsulates geography, psychology, history and even spirituality, if you believe in that kind of thing. Vancouver Commodore Ballroom was a standout last time and cities like Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit are proper music cities that always seem to bring out the best in us.
CGL: How do UK shows and U.S. shows and audiences differ? Do you prefer one over the other?
FP: In the U.S. I sometimes feel we are creatures from another planet because of our vaudevillian tendencies and English humour. American popular culture is generally more macho and while we can hold our own in that realm if we feel inclined, we simply have more fun and take more risks by embracing aspects of our psyche that aren’t necessarily hairy and propelled by testosterone. We can still kick the shit out of people and enjoy the heck out of a football match though.
CGL: How does your new album Last of Our Kind differ from past releases?
FP: It’s warmer, more heartfelt and impassioned. Even epic in places. What were we thinking!???
CGL: How did changing the scenery of your recording studio to Valentia Island impact your writing process?
FP: It brought chaos to the table. Older and more experienced musicians must beware of complacency and snug comfort for fear of turning into Eric Clapton. Valentia Island is our boot camp. No wait, that doesn’t make sense …
CGL: What was the deciding factor on the album name? What kept you from going with the working title Cliffhanger?
FP: The universe which we created for ourselves in that time period was better described as ‘Last Of Our Kind’. That phrase expressed the spirit of defiance that runs through the songs.
CGL: Using monologues like you do for the album’s opening song adds to the mythological feel of the band. How do you determine when and how to use a monologue during a song? What’s the writing process like for that?
FP: There are plenty of monologues. If Justin had his way, most of our songs would have monologues. I suppose we decide on the best ones, the ones that aren’t just funny but somehow seem meaningful and powerful too.
CGL: Are you currently working on any other projects?
FP: Yes, we are having great fun with Rufus Taylor working on songs for album five. The vibe reminds me of The Beastie Boys Ill Communication. It’s vibey, out there, ridiculous, spontaneous and great fun. The opposite of ‘over thought’. Under thunk?