Lowestoft rockers the Darkness are to change their name after the departure of frontman Justin Hawkins.

Lowestoft rockers the Darkness are to change their name after the departure of frontman Justin Hawkins.

When the falsetto-voiced singer quit The Darkness last October after admitting to major drug and alcohol problems, it appeared the dream was over for the Lowestoft four-piece.

But now the three remaining members of the band have revealed they are back in the studio recording new tracks - although it appears they will be ditching the Darkness name.

Justin's brother Dan, Ed Graham and Richie Edwards have teamed up with Toby MacFarlaine, who plays bass for former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon.

MacFarlaine will take up bass duties in the band with Edwards taking on lead vocals alongside Dan Hawkins on guitar and Graham on drums.

MacFarlaine said on an internet website: “I am indeed in a new band with Dan, Ed and Rich, who are presently known as The Darkness. A new name is to be announced shortly and then we shall take over the world and rule it with a rubber fist!”

Edwards later confirmed on his MySpace internet page: “It's finally happened, the big red record button has been pressed and we've officially started our album.”

The Darkness, formed by the Hawkins brothers, rose to fame in 2003 after the release of debut album Permission To Land, registering huge hits with Growing On Me and I Believe In A Thing Called Love. In 2004 they won three Brit Awards and looked set to join the rock aristocracy.

But just a year later cracks began to appear when original bass player Frankie Poullain left the band blaming increasing tensions with Justin.

That same year the group's eagerly awaited second album One Way Ticket To Hell… And Back failed to match the success of its predecessor.

Then in August Justin was admitted to the Priory clinic admitting a drug habit that cost him £150,000 in three years.

On his MySpace internet page, Justin said he now spends most of his time playing with his three Bengal kittens, but planned to “hit back with some amazing solo music at some point”.