Back In Black
Well, well, well! The New Black's debut album was one of the surprises for me in the early part of 2009. When a band comes along once in a while like The New Black did, it makes up for some of the crap that occasionally falls across my letterbox, or nowadays via a password to a download site courtesy of the PR/ record label.
With a sophomore release the issue for many a band is whether or not they can maintain their early promise and momentum. In fact, they have pushed their boundaries and 'Better in Black' proves to be a much better sounding proposition than the debut. All the likenesses are still there, only much tighter and polished than previous. Still influenced by a wonderful blend of, Metallica, Black Label Society, Alter Bridge, Thin Lizzy and Velvet Revolver but they also turn it on with a bit of a Southern US twist (Altar Boys). Not for a single second would you suspect that The New Black are German! In fact, Fludid's vocals are a close match to those of Wylde's and Scott Weiland's – especially on 'Into Modesty', and the combined result is one wild ride called 'Rock'.
The guys certainly know how to pen a powerful rock song or three. Opener and title track 'Better in Black' contains all the hallmarks which got them the plaudits last time around – crunching riffs, melting guitar solos but melodic to hammer home the message. The same continues with the powerful 'The King I Was' and the rock-tastic 'Batteries and Rust'. You also get the strangely titled 'Happy Zombies' for all us Romero fanatics and it's followed with the aptly titled 'My Favourite Disease' The two should be linked surely?
One of the main songs is the Alter Bridge-esque 'When It All Ends' – part acoustic, and has more than a passing resemblance to UK rockers (and fellow Alter Bridge support act and wannabees) Logan.
To be honest, on first listen, I can't really find a duff track on 'Better In Black' . The New Black have mustered up more riffs in one album than most bands can rack up in a lifetime. The power of the riffs are just relentless - like the waves battering the rocks. They will get you in the end
If I had to pick a band to watch out for in 2011 then The New Black would be it. Already a contender for a top 10 album. Pity it's not officially released until Jan 21st (my birthday)