Black Doldrums have been growing in stature over the last few years with their live shows sounding bigger and more assured and the audiences growing and with the release of their second full length album, again on Fuzz Club, they’ve reached new heights.
In hindsight previous album ‘Dead Awake’ feels like the end of a chapter and it now feels like the transition from the old Black Doldrums is complete and this was where they were heading, the evolution over the last few years has brought us to this.
One of the remarkable things about this record is that the quality never lets up throughout and just how much the identity of the band dominates despite there being some obvious reference points. It would be easy enough to name apparent influences as there are echoes and fragments and glimmers that feel like they originated back in the days before goth was called goth but the sound is distinctive and unmistakeably their own.
Within a totally coherent sounding album they have managed to add a huge variety of sounds and styles. The first five tracks are a great example; each one different in pace and style but with an all-pervading feel and mood. It crackles into life with ‘Hideaway’; furious drums, searing metallic guitar, pumping bass and vocals deeper and darker than ever. It’s fast and punchy and the perfect opener. The pace drops for ‘Dying For You’ with wintery layers of synths, twanging guitar and a misty dark romantic feel. This is followed by ‘Summer Breeze’ which is the perfect dark electro pop song, ridiculously catchy and deserving to be played on radio stations across the globe. After that another change; ‘Dwell Or Depart’ is dense and rich, beautiful guitar lines cutting through the swampy psychedelic murk, claustrophobic and dreamlike. ‘Painted Smile’ is a tribal post punk stomp ideal for maximum smoke and strobe effect, a goth dance floor filler that for me sums up the current Black Doldrums sound and is a killer live track. And that’s just side one, the journey continues across another 6 tracks and if your musical tastes lean towards the darker side this album is a must listen.
They have a clearer sharper sound these days and have revealed a real pop sensibility albeit with dark tones and an ever present mood of longing and edginess. This is more accessible than previous releases but never lightweight or shallow, it’s loaded with tunes and devilishly catchy.
The multiple layers of guitar found on the old EPs is long gone, replaced by a much crisper and more defined style allowing melodies and lead lines to sparkle through. There is an abundance of those chord sequences that somehow trigger emotions and feelings; those elements that stir the emotions and add depth. As well as guitar Kevin Gibbard is also the vocalist and his voice is stronger and more commanding now, no longer buried in the mix. The bass sound, from new(ish) recruit Daniel Armstrong – fluid and looping and nimble at times, punchy and driving at others – is a real feature of the album. Underpinning it all is Sophie Landers’ distinctive drum sound, bigger now but retaining the familiar tribal thrust and relentless controlled energy.
‘In Limerence’ is dark and icy cool but at the same time feels positive and uplifting, evoking that resilience and pride and slightly nostalgic melancholy and mystery that the most atmospheric post punk and gothic music gives. It is surely destined for cult classic status!
The ideal album for a strange day, a cold night or a dark smoky club….which is where you’ll be able to find them soon as they head out on an extensive run of dates to support the album release. Details here.
Gary Powell, black October, 2024
