After a nine-year hiatus, Melbourne-based alternative rock band Blackchords has made an emphatic return with their third studio album, ‘Connected // Forgotten’. This cinematic post-rock masterpiece is a testament to the band’s enduring talent and creative prowess. The album’s 10 tracks offer a captivating journey through dreamscapes of emotion, showcasing Blackchords’ evolution and maturity.
From the very first notes of the opening track, ‘More than you may ever know’, it becomes clear that ‘Connected // Forgotten’ is a playground of experimentation. The album’s general feel is laid-back, yet within each track, listeners are invited to explore intricate layers of sound and emotion that beckon repeated listens. The combination of synth, guitars, and layered vocals creates a mesmerising soundscape that sets the stage for what’s to come.
“Unending stream” stands out on this album with its dynamic blend of syncopated beats and stunning instrumental breaks – held together by signature vocal layers by the band itself – offering listeners a comforting yet exhilarating listening experience.
As you progress through this album, it becomes impossible not to become increasingly immersed in Blackchords’ world. Their final track ‘Wide Awake’ immediately draws your attention with its vibrant fingerpicked acoustic guitar opening chord. Lyricism featuring deep vocals draws you deeper into its narrative, instrumentation gradually builds while higher layers vocals remain memorable after listening through an entire record. A perfect ending that stays with you long after its end has played itself out.
Blackchords’ latest offering ‘Connected // Forgotten’ is an atmospheric musical journey which draws its inspiration from Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ and electronic pioneer Isao Tomita as well as 2000s electro sounds, yet manages to incorporate these influences seamlessly while remaining faithful to their signature dark, introspective style. Blackchords expertly blend all these influences while remaining true to themselves as artists while expanding on their signature sound in ways both old and new – creating an album which both old yet contemporary in terms of sound as well as musical evolution while remaining faithfully true to themselves as artists!
Due to Melbourne’s extended lockdowns, creating this album presented plenty of challenges, but Blackchords persevered through every obstacle with diligence and commitment, producing songs full of ghostly harmonies and mesmerizing grooves to enhance each mesmerising track on this record. Collaborations with esteemed artists such as string arranger Tamil Rogeon and drummer Daniel Farrugia further elevate it by enriching it with depth and complexity that enhance each mesmerising track on this hypnotic recording.
Blackchords’ stunning new release ‘Connected // Forgotten’ marks their triumphant return to international music stages. An emotionally charged yet sonically captivating experience awaits listeners through its intricate layers and introspective themes, not forgetting Melbourne-based Blackchords who have weathered time well to emerge stronger and more creative than ever; don’t miss this incredible musical journey from Melbourne-based Blackchords who remind audiences worldwide why their music resonated so powerfully.
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You can listen to ‘Connected//Forgotten’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.