Written by Tom Bedding
The Brighton band are a testament to the iconic institution of British independent music, offering such passion and dedication to their craft, leading to so many music fans always rooting for their success. After the bands debut album, containing some belters, many were curious to see if Black Honey could keep the momentum going and possibly step it another gear. With their spirit, talent and some impressive collaborations, Izzy and the gang have truly done what so many were hoping and more on their second album.
The record begins with a MEGA stomper, ‘I Like The Way You Die’, one of two songs that has had contributions from The Libertines’ Carl Barat and The Prodigy’s Olly Burton. The two really take the swagger of the Brighton group to a whole new realm and the overall result of the opening track, is epic to the point where it would fit perfectly in a Tarantino film....yes yes yes.
Black Honey’s infectious energy can be found on ‘Run For Cover’, which really shows off how this second album is a such a progression and step up from their previous efforts. The playfulness that comes naturally to them is present on here but is now fuelled by an ora of confidence and self-assurance in what they do. ‘Run for Cover’ is taunting by nature, the lyrics entice you to let lead singer, Izzy, be your favourite mistake.
Also, you can hear clearly from the backing vocals and the tones of the guitars that Mike Kerr of Royal Blood, has once again nailed it with co-writing with the bands lead singer, the shine he gives to this song is incredibly fun.
credit: Laura Allard Fleischl
One of the first singles we heard off ‘Written and Directed’ was the next track, a track that was prefect to showcase at the beginning of this albums cycle. 'Beaches', has a great brass section that gives the song a light feel to it but the band itself, from the drumming and vocals in particular, offer a deeper punch and sass. Overall it is infectious and fun as hell, you can imagine how awesome the track will be live.
‘Back At The Bar' allows the melody to take centre stage brilliantly, the less action packed number sees Izzy sing about dancing on her own and having to go back to the bar because of that lonely situation.
The melody is decent and is backed with some subtle instrumentation, with the bass playing being a secret gem deep within the mix. Its chorus will capture the imagination of many, capturing the tones of venerability and the purity of wanting to feel loved….it could be perfect for a prom sense in the next series of Stranger Things.
Black Honey have delivered some indie classics in ‘Corrine’ and ‘Hello Today’ already and without a doubt, they have again with the song ‘Believer’. The mid tempo single is filled swagger and euphoria, its strutting nature with the vocals are sublime and the groove created here is utterly infectious. From the church like calls of ‘born again’ to the seductive horns, the band have truly nailed a fabulous single that feels instantly classic and a belter of a tune. It’s fantastic to see this truly independent and passionate band, offering us again and again with catchy and impressive songs.
The standard keeps on going on album two with ‘I Do It To Myself’, which comes across as more stripped back at first but still just as impactful as the more intense tracks we heard previously. The song feels very familiar in the verses but the hook within the chorus is to die for and what is also really interesting, is that the vocal melody does have a slight feel of Billie Eilish to it. Lyrically, the band are focusing on dealing with your inner demons, which Im sure a lot of Black Honey fans and listeners as a whole, will resonate with.
Another track that was collaborated with Carl Barat of The Libertines follows, offering another darker spin on Black Honey's sound. The song ‘Disinfect, takes a surprising turn to become the bands heaviest song to date, the intensity of will blow your socks off. Its stomping percussion and the tones of both guitars and bass, is a real highlight on the record and has turned the heads of many in the indie world.
The later stages of the record brings some treats, mainly in the song ‘Summer of 92’. It has a lovely nostalgia vibe to it, with the backing vocals offering a really fresh tone to it all. ‘Written and Directed’ still has the vibrant and passionate qualities that many have to come to love about Black Honey but it all feels more focused, the band are so assured here and the spirit and production of 'Summer of 92' is solid.
Quick strumming and vocals begin ‘Fire’, before a dramatic piano and kick drum leads us into a cool/groovy chorus, that has so many elements of the groups second record to it. Then to conclude we have the song, ‘Gabrielle’, a surprising song to finish you have to say. You feel like this album needed one more knock out punch before it leaves us, which leaves ‘Gabrielle’ potentially feeling like it is left high and dry for many. The track is lovely don’t get me wrong, the acoustic sound of it all feels magical but it feels a tad too alone as the final track, of a wondrous and epic album.
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