Got A Problem?
Yes, several actually, but you know my friends through this quagmire you get to think and reset your lives and hopefully there will be better days ahead for us all. A time when we can see our German friends Blackout Problems live on stage, now how fantastic does that sound? Meanwhile be ready with the duct tape, plastic sheeting and meat hooks as we join the band in various states of torture and confinement, mirroring our situation, we brave the ‘Dark’ and its untold grisliness.
A selection of wide-eyed wonders on here folks, reminiscent of Refused and Palaye Royale too, sassy and strut-worthy, up-tempo numbers that stride forth and wrestle you to the ground.
The singles released so far give us an insight as to how the band work and what they hope for. There is razor sharp musicality, riffs and melodies to delight and uplift. This is the third album from our friends but the first to be released on a major label. Not that they are the least bit cowered by the task, they swing and swagger their way, chanting defiantly, depicting their resilience and fortitude, a fine bunch of soldiers resplendent in cling film.
The title track ‘Dark’ has an enviably catchy chorus, sugary sweet and quite experimental, cyberspace vibes, finishing with angelic, dulcet harmonies. In praise of ‘Lady Earth’ only this time ‘I ran out of out of things to believe in’ it’s been a trying time and you would be forgiven for losing your way a little bit.
The finale is an urban, rave style number ‘Ghost’ which has gloriously tribal drumbeats at 0.45 that are perpetuated throughout.
The album epitomises an energising, youthful anger, a forthright and no nonsense attitude to defend what is yours and secure justice and fairness for all. The songs are an emotional assault on the senses; the videos are an assault on your actual person.
Wait for the blackout – (The Damned anyone?) not long now, meanwhile the moral of this story is respect and love for everybody. Amen to that my friends.
Blackout Problems – Dark out 15th January 2021 via Sony/ Music For Nations