Dreams on Toast

Dreams on Toast, released in March 2025, marks a vibrant continuation of The Darkness's mission to uphold the traditions of British glam and hard rock. Following the lineage of Queen, Thin Lizzy, and AC/DC, the album leans heavily into the 'classic rock' aesthetic while maintaining the band's signature wit. Recorded with the core lineup of Justin and Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain, and Rufus Taylor, the record showcases a refined chemistry, particularly in the interplay between the brothers' guitars. The tracklist suggests a playful thematic breadth, ranging from the self-deprecating 'I Hate Myself' to the eccentric 'Battle for Gadget Land.' Notably, the album concludes with a cover of Cliff Richard's 'Mistletoe and Wine,' a move that reinforces the band's status as purveyors of campy, high-energy entertainment. Critics have noted that while the band isn't reinventing their wheel, they have greased it to a high-performance sheen, delivering some of their most melodic hooks since their debut.