Never mind that they’ve produced a corking pop record, the best thing about The Darkness’ success is the horrified reaction of indie schmindy fucks unable to cope with bands having ambition, fun and the ability to pen a memorable chorus.
If Justin Hawkins & Co are the light infantry in this latest rock ‘n’ roll war, The Wildhearts are the heavy artillery who are going to keep pounding away until the enemy beg for mercy.
Grizzled veterans, the ‘hearts were UK top 10 veterans until 1996 when twin booze and heroin problems lead to their implosion. While one suspects that there’s still more than blood coursing through their veins, there’s been enough of a collective clean up to produce an album that’ll not only satisfy the faithful, but win them a whole new generation of fans.
Never ones for foreplay, The Wildhearts get straight down to it with ‘Nexus Icon’, a three-minute piledriver that’s equal parts Motorhead, The Ramones and Cheap Trick. “He’s living the life/He’s fucking pretty girls every night/But he’s not fucking the wife” barks Ginger, ever the politically correct master of ceremonies.
‘Only Love’ is even superior fare, nodding furiously as it does to The Beatles and other choice ’60s pop influences. Hell, there’s even a few girlie doo wah wahs for good measure.
There’s nothing remotely girlie, though, about ‘Get Your Groove On’ which is a throwback to the time when The Wildhearts were able to grunge it out with Seattle’s best. Other highlights in what’s pretty much a blemish-free collection are the surprisingly tender – and monogamous! – ‘One Love, One Girl, One Life’ and life affirming ‘Top Of The World’.
That time in rehab appears to have been well spent.