The Darkness are the favourites to win this year's Mercury Music Prize.
The band, nominated for their debut album 'Permission to Land', face competition from the likes of Radiohead ('Hail to the Thief'), Coldplay ('A Rush of Blood to the Head') and Irish group The Thrills ('So Much for the City').
Also on the shortlist of 12 are: Dizzee Rascal, Martina Topley-Bird, Lemon Jelly, Athlete, Terri Walker, Eliza Carthy, Floetry and Soweto Kinch.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London tonight.
