Blackchords - Blackchords (Album)
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I had things to do. Important things. You see, my postman arrives in the morning. He arrived with my usual collection of records for which I am to review. This morning he arrived with the Blackchords self-titled debut album. Wicked name, I thought, and promptly popped its shiny reflective goodness into my stereo and started up the first track. A quick listen before I head to work, no harm in that… right? 45.6 minutes later, officially late and beginning to re-listen to the record in its entirety. This album is nothing short of epic. So epic I found myself completely lost to the reality that the glorious life as a music critic doesn’t pay the bills or put food on my plate. I’m possibly unemployed by the time you read this.
The overall sound of this record is only what I can describe as a cross between the diverse and atmospheric nature of Interpol combined with the progressive soundscapes of Radiohead. Blackchords have the mature, crisp sound of a well established European act and surpasses anything you would expect for a debut album. I do regrettably have to mention the band did bare a distinct resemblance of a mature Coldplay, or at least what Coldplay ‘could’ be like if they were actually able to play music that wasn’t overwhelmingly boring. I draw this conclusion due to the vocal similarities between the acts, however I do feel Coldplay’s Chris Martin could learn a lot from the Blackchords.
My favourite track is by far is the opener At World's End. This track must have garnered considerable play on Triple J or at least my housemates stereo, as I am familiar with it to the point of remembering the lyrics. While being embarrassingly caught several times singing along to this track, it became obviously clear it had made a considerable impression on me. At World's End has that ‘all-time favourite song’ quality that makes it an instant classic. It begins with soft, yet dark acoustic melody, before moving into only what I can only begin to describe as indie-esque rock fused with a rhythm you could dance to. The best I can do to describe the song is simply relate it to the sheer brilliance of Evil by Interpol. If I haven’t made myself clear, this is the track which WILL bring international attention to the band.
I also had an instant love for 22, the second track and my second pick from the record. 22 is a soft melodic number, driven by clean guitars, soothing rhythms and perfectly written lyrics. I also recommend listening to the cute and less progressive Broken Bones, which is a soft acoustic number accompanied by exceptional piano. Start with these tracks, then fall in love with the rest of the album like this reviewer.
I won’t go on and continue telling you about how brilliant this album is, or how blackchords are going to become the new radiohead, but I will tell you this: Blackchords are going to be huge and are going to be huge soon. If you live in Melbourne take the opportunity to see them before they stop playing small gigs. You won’t regret it. The guys are easily my new favourite band.
