In 2003, another anthem for the holiday season burst onto the scene and has remained a favourite of rock fans ever since, whether they admit it or not.
Christmas Time (Don‚Äôt let the Bells End) by The Darkness features the usual mention of festivities, Santa Claus and bells, delivered with Justin Hawkins’ trademark falsettos. It has become a staple in the band‚Äôs live set, even in the middle of August, and will likely be a key part of their show at Oxford‚Äôs O2 Academy on Saturday 19 December.
The band are currently touring their latest record Last of Our Kind and those attending will be awestruck by the all-new material and downright delighted by their repertoire of ruddy great songs.
Having been on the scene since their debut album Permission to Land in 2003, which featured a Christmas version with the aforementioned anthem on it, The Darkness have always come back swinging, and the new album is no different.
Barbarian, the first track released from the album, is an absolute trademark rock song, with everything you’d expect from the band. Its raw and visceral approach to rock is tinted with that hint of not being taken seriously, but rather done for the fun and love of the genre.
Added to this, The Darkness also released another seasonal song in time for Christmas this year in the form of I Am Santa, showing the band still have their festive appeal and can still make us laugh, especially if you watch the music video to accompany the track.
So if you’re looking for a rocking start to your festive holidays, you can be sure that going to The Darkness’ show at the O2 Academy Oxford (19 December) is going to be a sure fire way to put a smile on your face and a down right daft song in your head.