It’s the kind of music rivalry we didn’t know we needed—but perhaps, one that will define 2025’s UK album chart race. Glam-rock legends The Darkness are squaring up against indie folk darlings Mumford & Sons, and things are already heating up. With their latest album Dream on Toast, The Darkness are reasserting themselves as torchbearers of riff-heavy, theatrical British rock. But make no mistake—this isn’t just about the music. It’s personal, bold, and unapologetically loud.
As The Darkness guitarist Dan Hawkins puts it, they’re not just aiming high—they’re gunning for the very top. “We’re going to beat those c**ts,” he told Classic Rock, in reference to their chart rivals Mumford & Sons, who have just released Rushmere.
But how did this battle come to be? And what does it say about the evolving state of British rock in 2025?
Let’s break it all down.
A Clash of Sounds and Eras
Rock Revivalists vs Banjo-Led Balladeers
In one corner, we have The Darkness: flamboyant, tongue-in-cheek, and proudly loud. Their debut album Permission to Land catapulted them to fame in the early 2000s, propelled by hits like I Believe in a Thing Called Love. With Dream on Toast, their eighth studio album, they aim to prove they’re not just a nostalgia act—they’re still capable of dominating charts and stages alike.
In the other corner, Mumford & Sons, the banjo-strumming, vest-wearing quartet that spearheaded the 2010s folk-rock revival, are making a highly anticipated comeback with Rushmere. Their melodic, poetic brand of music is a far cry from the Hawkins brothers’ Marshall amp theatrics. Yet, they command a massive following and critical respect.
The stage is set: loud versus laid-back, leather versus linen, catsuits versus cardigans.
Dan Hawkins’ Blistering Confidence
“We’re Going to Beat Those C**ts”
Dan Hawkins, the ever-outspoken guitarist of The Darkness, isn’t pulling any punches. Speaking to Classic Rock, he laid out his expectations for Dream on Toast: “I think it’ll go Number One. I am confident. We’re up against Mumford & Sons. We’re going to beat those c**ts.”
The comment raised eyebrows—not only for its explicit bluntness, but for its sheer bravado. But for longtime Darkness fans, it’s exactly what they expect. The band has never shied away from theatrics, whether on stage or off, and this verbal jab is just the latest in a long line of devil-may-care moments.
But behind the bravado lies a deep commitment to their craft.
Building Dream on Toast: A DIY Triumph
Recorded at Home, Engineered for Perfection
Unlike many polished studio releases, Dream on Toast was crafted at Dan Hawkins’ own home studio—an environment that allowed for greater experimentation and obsessive attention to tone.
Thanks to a hefty investment in a new, state-of-the-art mixing desk, The Darkness were able to hone their sound in a way that would’ve cost a fortune in a commercial studio. “We were able to take time crafting perfect guitar tones without racking up huge engineering bills,” Dan explained.
This meticulous process seems to have paid off. Early reviews from fan forums and critics alike suggest Dream on Toast is one of their tightest and most cohesive records in years.
The Hawkins Dynamic: Collaboration and Controlled Chaos
Working with his brother Justin Hawkins, the band’s iconic frontman, comes with its challenges—but also rewards. “Justin and I tend to see eye to eye,” Dan told Clash Magazine. “We can realise when Justin’s building something I know is going to be good.”
Still, even the most harmonious sibling partnerships can experience friction. “We’ll toil away and spend hours on something that sounds better than we even thought it could and the other guys will come in and be like ‘meh,’” Dan recalled. “Then I threaten to leave the band and they go, ‘actually, I like it.’”
That combination of ego, humor, and high standards has defined the band’s creative process for over two decades.
Saying Goodbye (For Now) to the Catsuits
A Style Icon’s Wardrobe Evolution
No discussion of The Darkness would be complete without addressing Justin Hawkins’ wardrobe. The skin-tight catsuits became a visual trademark during their Permission to Land era and beyond. But now, the frontman says it’s time for a shift.
“On consultation with our award-winning stylist, she just said, no, you can’t wear that f**king catsuit,” Justin explained. “I will pack one just in case, for emergencies, but it’s time for us to move on from that… momentarily.”
The decision marks the end of an era, but also reflects the band’s continued growth. As they evolve musically, the visuals are following suit—less camp, perhaps, but no less impactful.
Still Sexy—Just Grown Up
Of course, that doesn’t mean the catsuits are completely gone from Justin’s life. “I’ve got all of them,” he revealed in a previous interview. “Occasionally, if the wife fancies some role play or a younger husband I’ll don it… walk around with a boner in it because it reminds me of being successful. That’s alluring to a lady—success.”
It’s vintage Justin: self-deprecating, cheeky, and proudly over-the-top.
The Long Climb Back to Arenas
From Clubs to Wembley (Again)
After years on the theatre and club circuit, The Darkness are once again gracing the country’s biggest stages. Their recent show at Wembley was a triumphant reminder of the band’s enduring popularity and showmanship.
Dan once told The Sun in 2017: “We’d be lying if we said we didn’t want to be back in arenas at some point… just because we can make reality of all the crazy stage set ideas that we have.”
Now that dream has become reality again. From fire-spewing guitars to levitating drum kits, The Darkness are living their rock fantasy—and taking thousands of fans along for the ride.
Gratitude Without Complacency
Despite their ambitions, the band hasn’t lost touch with their fan base. “We’re doing pretty well,” Dan noted. “We’re just happy playing to our massive fan base.”
It’s that combination of humility and showbiz bravado that’s kept them relevant—and adored—for over two decades.
Chart Battles and Legacy: Why This Moment Matters
More Than Just Numbers
At first glance, the Dream on Toast vs Rushmere battle may seem like a simple clash of sales figures. But for The Darkness, it’s symbolic. It represents a chance to prove they’re more than a nostalgia act—that their new material can stand toe to toe with the biggest acts of the day.
And for fans of guitar-driven rock, it’s a rallying cry. In an industry often dominated by pop and hip-hop, The Darkness are holding the flame for a genre many feared had lost its mainstream luster.
Mumford’s Comeback Adds Stakes
Mumford & Sons, for their part, are also entering the chart battle with high stakes. Rushmere marks their return after a brief hiatus and internal reshuffling. Their return to form brings a different kind of fan loyalty—and a very different sonic identity.
Whether you’re more into pounding glam rock or pastoral folk anthems, this chart showdown offers something rare: two bands at very different ends of the spectrum, both passionate about their craft, both vying for the same coveted top spot.
What’s Next for The Darkness?
Tour Plans, Future Records, and More Theatrics
With a successful album rollout and renewed chart relevance, The Darkness are showing no signs of slowing down. A UK and European tour is in the works, with U.S. dates expected to follow.
Given their flair for dramatics, expect no shortage of jaw-dropping visuals, outrageous costumes (even if the catsuits are benched), and face-melting guitar solos.
Rumors are already swirling that the band is considering a concept album for their ninth studio release—possibly one that leans even harder into fantasy and theatrics. For fans of classic Queen, Iron Maiden, and Meat Loaf, that’s music to their ears.
Final Thoughts: Chart Glory or Not, The Darkness Win on Spirit
In an age where streaming algorithms and viral moments often dictate musical success, it’s refreshing to see bands like The Darkness and Mumford & Sons go head-to-head the old-fashioned way: through the strength of their records and the loyalty of their fans.
Whether Dream on Toast hits No.1 or not, The Darkness have already achieved something far more enduring—they’ve reignited passion for a brand of rock that many had written off. They’ve reminded the world that success can be flamboyant, funny, sincere, and just a little bit unhinged.
And in true Darkness fashion, they’ve done it all while flipping the bird to the expected.
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