Frankie Poullain, The Darkness

By: Canonblue Lalley


Canonblue: I've had the chance to catch you guys live. It's truly an impressive array of hair and cosmic playing so I have to ask, what is your all-time favorite song to perform as a group?
 

Frankie: "Thank you kindly.  I guess it would have to be something that makes us smile. We don't see any point in doing covers that fail to re-imagine or reinvigorate the song. That's the true meaning of tribute, not, and I repeat, NOT 'Rock of Ages.' I mean adding something artistic or fun even, into the mix. If it's a rock 'n' roll song then surely irreverence is the key?"
We've tried Queen and Led Zep covers in rehearsal and they sound fine and dandy but what's the point if they are pale imitations? We aren't macho enough to convey the spirit
of ACDC probably because we didn't grow up in the late 60's Australia. 
I've noticed that when we take a stab at Kate Bush, Radiohead, or Michael Jackson it always seems to click somehow. No idea why. I hope it's not because we're miserable effeminate paedos."

Canonblue: As you probably can tell, fans are excited in a big way about the new The Darkness album, Last Of Our Kind. I definitely got a heavier vibe than I'm used to hearing come from you off of it. How do you think this one is going to go over in comparison to Permission to Land and One Way Ticket to Hell...and Back and Hot Cakes?
 

Frankie: "The consensus seems to be that it's our 2nd best album. It's our heaviest and warmest, brings a flush to the cheek, like a good bottle of claret."
 

Canonblue: How did the writing process differ from the first three albums? Do you feel like you're in a new space musically, like you did with To Hell and Back...Again? 
 

Frankie: "I think it's fair to say that the writing process was slightly more harmonious than 'Hell and Back'. Now with Rufus we are entering yet another new musical space. The 'Final Frontier' perhaps..."
 

Canonblue: I know that some original critics tried to label you as a gimmick, but any listener who takes the time to actually listen to your albums can see that the musicality is phenomenal. How do you hope first time listeners will embrace the band's overall musical style?
 

Frankie: "I just hope it brings joy and relief from the drudgery of modern guitar music, however fleeting. I feel privileged to be in this band."
 

Canonblue: I had my first exposure to The Darkness at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, circa 2004, so I am interested to see how the live show has changed. Over the past decade, you have grown and changed so much. Looking back, what do you think had the most significant impact on your growth as a band? 
 

Frankie: "Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton were at that show. Steve gave Justin the silver plectrum necklace he had. He also complemented me on my Ray Brown shirt, and asked me who designed it. I asked him how he looked so good after what he'd been through and I'll always remember his reply: 'Good moisturizer man, just good moisturizer.'

The biggest impact has been that for our last two albums we have been allowed to develop out of the media glare, which has been great for us creatively if not so great for our bank accounts."
 

Canonblue: What spurred the reunion tour that ultimately got the band back together?

Frankie: "Redemption, pure and simple."

Canonblue: How has new band member, drummer Rufus Taylor fit into the project? What sort of flavors does he bring to the table?

Frankie: "He brings pungency and spice, drizzled with the sweetness and piquancy of youth."

 

Canonblue: Who would you say your biggest influences are? (Both individually and as a band as a whole?

Frankie: "The small of a woman's back."

Canonblue: Where has been your favorite place to tour so far? Is there anywhere that hits a special place in your heart when you perform there?

Frankie: "New York always. The magic. But in terms of intensity and surreal flavour I would say Perth in Australia. It's insane and full of beautiful young people who want to rip it up."

Canonblue: As a bassist myself, I can't help but hear how much stronger and prominent that bass line is in Last of Our Kind. Was that a result of playing around with the sound to make it a little heavier, or something that just naturally happened in the mix?

Frankie: "As I touched on earlier, there was a feeling that Hot Cakes in particular was a little fizzy and toppy so Dan really went for a warm, full and powerful sound this time. The drums are very warm sounding too, Emily has that feel when she plays."

Canonblue: We are looking forward to catching the show in New Orleans, at the House of Blues. Have you noticed a different reception in the US vs UK touring, or is there pretty much a standard of openness across the board? 
 

Frankie:  "American fans are more expressive and positive. They somehow 'will' it to be special. There's nothing like a hoe down."

Don't forget to catch The Darkness, April 21st at the New Orleans House of Blues! It's sure to be a rowdy time!