England: British Whale

England is available to buy from 12 July on Atlantic Records.

Musical Style: 70s-style Synth Rock meets traditional football chant.

Over The Moon: Under his solo guise British Whale, Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins’ second release is an England Anthem true to his own unique style. It sounds a bit like what might have resulted if Queen had shared a studio with The Squad back in the 1974. Hawkins wrote the song as an ironic statement of national pride in response to the political correctness that he feels is undermining England’s bid for World Cup glory. So it’s no surprise then that the lyrics make one or two references to the World Wars, for example the verse "Football will be our only weapon, Skill and power will be our only shield, We fought them on the beaches, Now we'll play them on the field, And once again the world will surely yield." Of course, England isn’t the only England Anthem to "mention the war", and anybody who has ever heard the Darkness, like them or loathe them, knows that he’s only having a bit of fun.

Sick As A Parrot: The chorus of England is most likely to cause a bit of a stir. It’s is a little less colourful than the verses having only one lyric, the word "England", repeated a number of times; however keen Grand Prix fans might just recognise the tune behind the lyric since it is the German National Anthem. If you’ve listened to the Darkness, but never "got" or for that matter wanted to "get" the joke, then this one isn’t for you.

Terrace Appeal: 7/10