BLESSED BLACK - La Brea (Track Review)

Written by: The Administrator

On the odd occasion, when we're feeling frisky, we slumbering scribes will give a single the same consideration as an album proper--a full review, in other words. Lots of sites don't, and we certainly can't blame 'em; it takes time and energy to write and revise a review, and one typically gets more bang for one's buck when that time and energy is spent on something more substantial. But sometimes a track deserved a little time in the limelight, and so we find ourselves here today, a new track from Blessed Black grasped tight in ink-splattered hands. 

If a band names a track after La Brea, they had better have the goods. One does not simply evoke mastodon-swallowing tar pits without offering up something with a comparably monolithic je ne sais quoi. As such, Blessed Black play a dangerous game with their latest single--but worry not. "La Brea" pulls through. 

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​Featuring delicious fuzz-ridden riffage and a notably hooky chorus, this track stands among--and arguably rises above--the very best track on their previous effort. The guitar work is exactly what one hopes for from a prime cut of stoner doom, the composition is simultaneously succinct and leisurely, and the track's sheer replayability is frankly a little unprecedented. "La Brea" places much focus on the massive solo that takes up the majority of the back half, providing a little variety with glorious psych flair. The tone is absolutely stellar, ringing clear and crisp in the mix. 
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Previously, I felt that Blessed Black's vocal delivery could use a little work. Indeed, as I stated in our review of Beyond the Crimson Throne: "I do wish the choruses possessed a little more oomph. They are pretty universally earwormy, but lack, at times, the sheer thrust and heft of their influences." Here, that admittedly minimal issue has been rectified in spades--the languorous pace remains, but the energy is on point. The chorus itself is a mighty beast, equally emotive and catchy. It's one helluva glow-up. Needless to say, we highfalutin peasants are excited to hear what Blessed Black are cooking up ion their next album. 
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Says vocalist and guitarist Joshua Murphy in regards to the track in question:
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"We spent the majority of 2020 like most bands: lamenting the loss of live music, and writing a ton of new music. Over the course of the last year or so we have stockpiled a ton of new material, and we found a lot of new growth in our sound that we really feel represents us finally finding our sound. 
With plans to record a new full length album in early spring of 2021. We wanted to record 'La Brea' as a single so we could release something in the interim that would show what we believe represents us finally finding that sound as band. It was recorded at Threshold Studios with engineer Brian 'Bone' Thorburn, who also recorded our first EP, and we are extremely excited for our fans and friends to hear the growth we have undergone in the last year."

​Blessed Black - La Brea will be released Feb 12, 2012. Check back here tomorrow for a link to stream!

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Blessed Black can be found:
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