The Darkness were on Jo Whiley's show this morning playing live from Maida Vale.

Hear them and see the pictures here...

They are one of five acts who have been nominated for the Best British Breakthrough Act at this year's Brits, which Radio 1 listeners are voting for.

We haven't heard from them in a while as they have been busy in Australia and the US.

Their album 'Permission to Land' has sold more than 250,000 in the States which makes them the fastest growing band since the Spice Girls.

Many bands find it difficult to crack the US, but they told us they don't treat promotion over there any differently to over here:

"Mad things go on wherever we go. We are who we are, and there are funny people in America who are in bands… As long as they like it that's fine. We're dividing them by the same sort of percentage as we did here. It's no different to the UK, it's just a lot bigger."

Busted, Jamie Cullum, Dizzee Rascal and Lemar have also been nominated for Best British Breakthrough - click here for details on how to vote.

Back to the Brits 2004...