The Longest Kiss

The Zoo Crew, those free-spirited hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "The Longest Kiss" by The Darkness from their album Dreams on Toast, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience with its retro rock vibe. This piano-led track, released as the lead single for the album on September 18, 2024, channels the '70s pop brilliance of Queen and Paul McCartney, blending jaunty keys and frolicking guitar licks into a tender rock anthem about a smooch so epic it could inspire a marriage proposal. Frontman Justin Hawkins shared a quirky story behind the song’s chorus, revealing it was born from a moment when his brother, guitarist Dan Hawkins, took an impressively long time to "empty his bladder" during a pub outing, sparking the idea for the song’s playful yet romantic tone. Justin also noted that the verses were lifted from a decade-long project, a musical titled The Collapse of the Lowestoft Fishing Industry, which remains unfinished but lent a unique narrative depth to the track. He described the song’s inspiration striking in Nairn, Scotland, where he woke up amidst misty orchards, locked in an embrace with his partner, marveling at his ability to still sing after such a moment.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s creation process, where Justin Hawkins emphasized the band’s divine urge to create "rock sweet rock," as he put it, resulting in a track that’s both a nod to classic pop and a testament to The Darkness’s theatrical flair. The song’s visualizer, available on YouTube, enhances its nostalgic charm, and the album’s artwork, designed by Grammy-nominated artist Perry Shall, adds a visual feast to the sonic delicacy. Fans on Facebook have echoed the band’s excitement, with some calling "The Longest Kiss" a standout for its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, while others on Instagram praised its ability to evoke both romance and rock energy. The track’s release coincided with a viral moment when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were caught singing along to The Darkness’s 2003 hit "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" at the US Open, boosting the band’s visibility and sending their older track to No. 1 on the US iTunes Rock Chart, a wave of enthusiasm that carried over to the buzz around "The Longest Kiss."

The Darkness, formed in Lowestoft, England, in 2000, burst onto the scene with their flamboyant, spandex-clad style and a sound that fused glam rock with tongue-in-cheek humor. Brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, alongside bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Rufus Taylor, started as a local act, playing pubs and honing their larger-than-life personas. Their big break came with their 2003 debut album, Permission to Land, which went quadruple platinum, earned three Brit Awards, and spawned the iconic "I Believe in a Thing Called Love." Justin’s falsetto and the band’s unapologetic nod to '70s and '80s rock icons like Queen and AC/DC set them apart in an era dominated by indie rock. Despite a breakup in 2006, they reunited in 2011, reclaiming their place with albums like Hot Cakes and Pinewood Smile, leading up to the eclectic Dreams on Toast. Their journey reflects a relentless commitment to their unique brand of "Transcendental Space-Punk Doo Wop," as they’ve playfully dubbed it on Bandcamp.

For fans looking to dive deeper, The Darkness’s official website, thedarknesslive.com, offers tour dates, merch, and album pre-orders, including exclusive bundles for Dreams on Toast. Their Facebook page is a hub for tour updates and fan interactions, while Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes glimpses and vibrant visuals. On X, the band shares witty updates and engages with their audience, often retweeting fan excitement about tracks like "The Longest Kiss." For community vibes, the The Darkness Fans Facebook group is a lively space where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories, share concert photos, and celebrate the band’s campy charm. The band’s Bandcamp page also connects fans with exclusive releases like the Members’ Edition of Dreams on Toast, complete with bonus tracks, making it a go-to for diehards.