They take a little getting used to but if you give them a chance they have the most original sound I've heard in a long time. Something is happening here and I'm excited to see where it goes. Background Get to Know black midi, a New Type of British Guitar Band | Pitchfork New Single Best example of their live sound black midi - Full Performance (Live on KEXP) Album pre-order black midi - Schlagenheim – Rough Trade They are definitely not for everyone but I'm curious what people think. I'm personally enjoying their sound and originality. I feel like originality is sorely missing from guitar based music in 2019.
It's a nifty track. Reminds me of Fripp's League of Gentleman but with a more interesting rhythm section. But those vocals... not sure what to think.
I completely agree that the vocals can be off-putting at times. They take some getting used to. The drumming on the other hand is top shelf IMO.
My first impression is that it sounds like a cross between the Housemartins and Stump, probably leaning toward the latter.
You nailed it! The instrumental track reminded me of League of Gentlemen (with a dash of early Pere Ubu.) Geez, the LoG were a great band to dance to! Btw, I'm warming up to their vocals.
I'm not sure what you heard cupcake, but to my ears: "Siam is going to be the witness to ultimate test of cerebral fitness..."
I only listened to the linked video on my phone but the vocalist sort of sounded like David Byrne on speed or similar .
New album out Friday, can't wait. Unfortunately I jumped aboard the hype train, so I have high expectations.
They're incredible live, their drummer really is something special. Really interested to hear the record, so far their released material has been interesting, but not captured what makes them such a powerhouse live. Hoping the record showcases their talents a bit more. Seeing them tomorrow in London and then an instore gig at Rough Trade next week. Definitely try to catch them before they do larger venues.
I saw them playing here in Gothenburg about ten days ago. Never heard of them before, no expectations at all. They were really good I think, sort of rock/kraut/punk with interesting arrangements and lots of energy! First album is released this Friday: black midi Announce New Album Schlagenheim | Pitchfork
To answer the topic question - I'd be surprised if they become a huge sensation. Their sound is too varied to really capture a huge mainstream audience. Though I can see them becoming critical darlings, the type of band who potentially make music that people could still be talking about in high regard in 20 years time. Too early to tell now, but damn, catch them live if you get a chance.
The record is out and I've listened to it about 6 or so times. Really like it and for me it's a top 3 album of the year so far. Will definitely pick up a copy of the record soon!
After telling everybody how wonderful they are live I went and jinxed it. Saw them in the week at Earth & they were incredibly disappointing. The sound wasn't great, though too often it felt like they were noodling aimlessly. When I saw them before they'd build things until they reached fever point, this gig just feel off. My friend who's seen them a ton of times also thought they were under-par. Still the record is outstanding, I'll be seeing them a couple more times in the next week so hopefully that was just a one-off.
interesting. sort of like king crimson recording to a cut and paste pro tools grid. I mean, a bit of both going on. I dig it, further listening required, thank you for posting it
The same thing was said by a certain Mr. Nick Styx Fan Johnson when he first heard the Talking Heads In 1977.
First time I heard Love Goes ..... in 77, I was blown away, loved Byrne's geek but that was the lyrics. This sounds like they've decided to calculate Rock on a computer, just not my thing perhaps because I'm 42 years older.
Learned about black midi from an article in The Guardian on Saturday morning, and promptly listened to the record four times over the course of the day. It's the freshest thing I've heard in a long time. It's not often you can legitimately reference Fugazi, Talking Heads, PiL, Bad Brains, Captain Beefheart, and Can when describing a band. I dig it.