Hot Cakes is the third studio album by British rock band the Darkness, released on 20 August 2012 on Canary Dwarf Records.

[4] In 2011, the Darkness reunited following a five-year break-up, with Poullain returning to the band, replacing his successor, Richie Edwards.

Regarding the band's reunion, drummer Ed Graham stated: I heard a rumour that Dan and Justin [Hawkins] were actually writing songs together again and, having not spoken to them for ages, I emailed them.

Then Dan, one day, was in London and he said, "Ed, I'd like to meet with you" and we just had a drink and he said, "we've been writing songs together for months and we've just finally got to a stage of where we really want the original four people, so are you interested?"

"[12] The Guardian praised the band's comeback, stating: "If the first chapter of The Darkness' career was book-ended by glittering rise and ignominious disintegration, their return has been a more understated and purposeful affair.

[...] Hot Cakes bulges with infectious melodies, blazing leads and strident riffing, Justin Hawkins' unmistakable falsetto adding pathos and silliness in equal measure.

"[10] Rolling Stone's Chuck Eddy noted: "Hot Cakes stays amusing, mixing beer-barrel chuggers with proud schlock ballads.