Brightblack
Morning Light
Brightblack
Morning Light
Matador
2006
Grade: A+
Imagine a band playing long, droned out versions of Black Keys songs with Air's instruments and Gospel singers supporting The Clientele's quiet reverberated vocals. That's my best attempt to describe the sound of Brightblack Morning Light, Matador Record's newest highly impressive signed band.
If you're feeling down, out of it, fighting a headache, treating a hangover, (cough) stoned, or if you just want to relax for whatever reason, Brightblack Morning Light is definitely the CD to pop in. Brightblack creates one of the chillest atmospheres I've ever come across. The band's oozing layers of blues, psychedelia, soul and electronics melt my heart with each listen, never failing to put a strangely satisfied smile on my face. No other release this year comes close to doing anything similar.
What I oftentimes look for in great CDs is their ability to put me through an experience, not just through a listen. Brightblack Morning Light succeeds here on all levels. The tracks lengths pay no attention to norms, ranging from one minute to ten. To prove just how well crafted these songs are, the ten minute "Star Blanket River Child" is never boring and seems to pass by in a flash. At the end of it you're left wondering why it didn't last longer.
Formely known as Rainwater then simply Brightblack, the band self-released their first music together in 2004 with Bonnie Prince Billy. Nathan Shineywater and Rachel Hughes not only are the main singers who blend their voices so splendidly together, but they are also the soul of the band. I was overjoyed when I found out the band is into the Native American movement, environmentalism and all that silly shit. I just so happen to like that silly shit too (and so should you! bahaha).
So yeah. Basically I was blown away by this album on first listen, and that hasn't changed by the third or fourth. I have found nothing wrong with it. It's my favorite album of the year and I can't recommend it enough blah blah blah.
Brightblack Morning Light might remind you of: Espers, Air, Zero 7, L, Devendra Banhart, American Analog Set, Vetiver
LISTEN: Everybody Daylight
by Roman the Fury