Pitch Perfect
  • Pitch Perfect
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Black Swedes - Phase

2/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Black Swedes

Phase
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Demiera Harris 
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to deliver a heavy, meaningful rock gift wrapped in light and fun wrapping paper, look no further than Black Swedes’ full-length Phase for the answers you seek. This is an album that manages to take thoughtful lyrics, crushing rock theory, and intricately catchy melodies, mixing them all into a concoction that is just as enjoyable on a car ride home as it is pumping through the speakers on game night with friends.

On one hand, there are highly emotive songs peppered throughout. For instance, “Take Shelter” starts amid an ominous, almost electric storm. Though the mostly atmospheric noise breaks into bouncy chords of a much lighter sound, the lyrical content retains the same somber mood set by the tumultuous beginning. Similarly, the beginning of “Pain Called Heaven” is quiet and reflective, gently rocking and rolling along. The difference here is that this is a sexy, tantalizing song, reminiscent of Minus the Bear’s “White Mystery” while remaining very unique. The lead guitar only whispers in shadows during the verse, saving its full-fledged onslaught for the chorus.

On the other hand, some of the songs are a bit more furious and certainly elevate heart rates. “Thieves” evokes images of a group of masked robbers in the night preparing for their next crime. The solo that closes the song is particularly frenzied, as though they have been caught or detected and now need to escape. There’s a song a bit later, “Unsaid,” which seems to expand on this frenzy a bit. 

Of course, this album doesn’t fit neatly into two categories, featuring some standout tracks that really keep the album on its toes. “Rest” has a little blues, a little jazz, and a whole lot of soothing calm, and is a great midpoint for the album. “Suffer With the Crowd” draws you in with the sort of drum beat and initial rhythm that you can’t quite follow, but becomes immediately satisfying once the full rhythm kicks in. This one is unique, with the incorporation of a nice touch of soul and funk weaved within the rock delivery.

 “Little Furniture” is a cute way to end things, serving as the best storytelling song on the album. It captures the feeling after the proverbial storm has hit, when the shock of reality brings one back down to earth. It ends with the whisper of wind, further solidifying that the worst of it is over, but there is still much more to come. 

I did not expect Phase to be as deep and moving as it was while the song lyrics were thought provoking in their own right, the accompanying rhythms really drove the varying moods home and made this an enjoyable listen from start to finish. I hope the Black Swedes have celebrated the release of this interesting album as much as they likely celebrated the recent Super Bowl victory of their hometown team.
Become A Fan
official website
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by pitchperfect158
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
© Pitch Perfect 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Pitch Perfect
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact