Blackchords - Pretty Little Thing (Single)
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Fresh from a European tour, Melbourne indie-rockers Blackchords have returned to our shores armed with a new single from this year's self-titled album. Pretty Little Thing seems to have been crafted to burrow its way inside your brain and take root. An unassuming kick-and-snare drumbeat and meandering bass form the foundation of the song, with the verses stripped right back to rest on the pleasant warmth of Nick Milwright's voice, before building to a simple chorus drenched in shiny guitar.
The refrain is saved from seeming overly repetitive by the nicely contrasting verses and bridge, though the bridge’s electronic drum samples do feel slightly like a missed step. After rising back to one final chorus, the song reaches an all-too-abrupt halt, leaving that chorus spinning in your head. Gorgeous B-Side No Complains showcases a more mournful and contemplative Blackchords, with Nick's voice gliding over softly layered guitar and ambient noise before the song reaches a melancholic crescendo at the chorus. Comparisons to Coldplay's Chris Martin are fitting here, and Nick’s delivery really ties this song together.
In its final minutes the song ebbs back toward ambient sounds and soft acoustic guitar work, fading out of existence as quietly as it arrived.With a wealthy supply of talent, Blackchords seem to be steadily on the rise. This single is built for radio play, and odds are on that you'll shortly find yourself singing along.

