Blackmarket - The Elephant In The Room [Album]

No Office Records

December 16, 2008, 07:25 AM

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I started listening to this album four times, but each time I was unable to progress further than the first and second track. After having been initially tantalized by the first 2 seconds of the first track, I would grimace and feel compelled to advance to the next track. The second track was equally disappointing.

I would say that the style of this music is hard indie rock. The music is repetitive, the use of harmony rudimentary and and also highly repetitive. The feel of the beat does not change as one might expect from the more contemporary examples of this genre. Rather the listener is inundated by an unending, hard-driving tempo and an overall tutti effect with all instrument playing together. The lead singer's voice comes across of pinched and shouting. This is a good effect when used with restraint and in good measure. However, the quality of the voice does not change and therefore is perceived as unexpressive.

Having finally made it through a listening of the entire album, I can say that each track on the album is very similar in tempo and intensity of emotional expression. The difference between one and the next is the lyrics.

In terms of production values, a listen becomes quickly fatigued by the arrangement which is monotonous with its relentless drum beats and heavily distorted guitars. Some prudent use of the EQ to tone down some of the spike areas in the spectrum would help a great deal. More variation dynamic range of the songs would also be helpful. Trying not to play all instrument all the time would also add much needed contract and colour.

The best part of the album is the moment when the lead vocal moves up into his falsetto. His voice sounds good up there and was very well in tune.

In sum, the artist obviously has emotional intensity to offer but needs to find more ways in which to effectively express these feelings in song. A greater knowledge of harmony and the contrasts offered by various structural forms might be a place to start.

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