The new album from Electric Black has been a long time coming, a follow-up to the debut ‘The Calm Before’ from 2019. They’ve kept us contented with the EP, ‘Beggars, Thieves and Everything In-Between’ and the three track single, ‘Live Ignite Sessions’ and now we are ready for the sophomore album. Based around Hitchin, the guys are regulars on the NWOCR scene, leaning on deeper enthused blues/ rock than their contemporaries, they have a sound that combines those traditional roots, with the freshness of today’s gritty classic rock style. A line-up that mixes Ali Shiach’s rich and evocative vocals with the incredible talent of Jonny Bryant on guitar is captivating enough, but adding the warmth of Ryan Trotman’s bass and the hammer blows of Matt Butler’s drums, Electric Black are a four man powerhouse that are going from strength to strength.
With a ferocious roar of an introduction ‘Put It Down On Me’ stamps firmly and with authority. It’s a superb first track, that engulfs you with its gutsy and crunchy melody, it steadily increases the pressure with clever hooks and Ali’s hollering. ‘World Ain’t So Heavy’ is a sultry number, running bluesy chords through the base line that Ali interweaves with his dynamic vocals. Lovely mashing of guitar from Jonny adds sparkle and it has plenty of drive right through to the end. Third up is ‘Take The Roof Off’ which is rather sleazy, having a kicking rhythm behind those vocal cries. I like the way it cruises in the final third, echoing some classic anthem sounds. ‘Making Of Me’ is a bit jaunty, a higher take with fast delivering lyrics, it’s catchy and quick firing, a little bit of fun that raises a smile. We reach track six ’Master Or Disaster’ that slowly gathers momentum with more sublime fret racing. Melting with wavering vocals and a heavier chorus, it’s a song that has multiple sides. The title track ’Late Night Lightning’ is another with a fever like pulse. An infectious groove, rolls into a screaming guitar solo before the elegant finale. Electric Black have truly hit the nail on the head with this one, what a tremendous sound.
‘Taste Of Paradise’ is a power ballad of sorts having a smooth and strengthened melody. This is where Ali demonstrates his vocal prowess, holding notes and stretching himself to the limit. Yet again the building, turns into a resolute crescendo and the guitar scratching chords are utterly remarkable. ‘Sick Of Myself’ may already be familiar with fans, as it came out as a single back in September. After the intro with those delightful sticks from Matt and the reverb of Ryan’s bass, the song winds around and gets into another pounding fissure. Don’t underestimate the guitar work of Jonny Bryant, he may be the quiet one off stage, but he makes up for it when he plays. ‘Hellfire Revival’ growls into view for the final track. Taking the blues/rock approach with full commitment, it’s another of my favourite listens. Slowly stepping into full prominence as one of the best compositions, it keeps you entangled and the last slice of that chugging riff leaves you wanting.
Attached on the link below is my recent interview with Alistair, where he says the band have come a long way since their debut ‘The Calm Before’ and I agree as having Mike Exeter on board has worked marvellously. Mike has produced albums not only for Those Damn Crows and Massive Wagons, but also Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Cradle Of Filth amongst others, so he’s well accomplished. The end result sees the band combine all they have learnt in the last few years to release an album full of diverse and well thought out music. Rock is there in abundance and it’s the foundation for the lashings of blues and soulful vocals that allow Electric Black to stand out from the crowd.
‘Rock is there in abundance and it’s the foundation for the lashings of blues and soulful vocals that allow Electric Black to stand out from the crowd’ .
HIGHLIGHTS – Put It Down On Me, World Ain’t So Heavy, Take The Roof Off, Taste Of Paradise, Hellfire Revival.
RECENT INTERVIEW WITH ALISTAIR SHIACH – HERE
The Album 2 Release Party is at Club 85 on Saturday 20th January
Tickets are still available via – https://www.fatsoma.com/…/electric-black-album-release…
The band are also supporting BAD TOUCH on their Bittersweet Satisfaction tour – see poster below for dates.
You can pre-order LATE NIGHT LIGHTNING on various formats via – https://www.electricblack.co.uk/…
Electric Black – FACEBOOK WEBSITE FANPAGE
Discography: Late Night Lightning – Album – 2023. Ignite Live Sessions – EP – 2022. Beggars, Thieves And Everything In-between – EP – 2021. The Calm Before (Remixed & Remastered) – Album – 2021. The Calm Before – Album – 2019. Electric Black – EP – 2016
