The three-piece consists of drummer Mick, bassist Scott and vocalist/guitarist Josh – all of whom execute their roles within the band to the highest degree. The cogent, mechanical drumming carries the LP’s more driven tracks on its back, with any possibility of a dull moment hammered down by the crisp sound of stick on snare. This is best demonstrated on ‘Shotgun’, a song that conveys a thunderous yet somewhat paranoid passion through a booming tom pattern. This rampant rumble serves not only as a strong base for the other instruments but also as a commander of sonic space, breaching all areas of the listener’s ears.
The streaming guitar on tracks like ‘Inside’ and ‘Save Me’ highlights the LP’s intricate instrumental interplay. Unlike many guitar-based groups, Black Rain allow the guitar to take the back seat in favour of rhythmic bombardment. When the guitar does shed its shady skin, however, it takes on an almost ethereal quality as each note is expertly layered over the other instruments. It never fully claims the spotlight - because it doesn’t need to. It works best in the shadows; emotional yet calculated; there, and then it is gone – missed until its triumphant, and at times beautifully chaotic, return.
The star of the show is the sharp, irate thrust of the bass. It holds the bridge between the guitar and the drums on its back, all while providing its own rabid, commanding bite. My personal favourite track, ‘Dust Tubes’, embodies these aspects perfectly – the bass provides a stentorian low end, tying itself to the bewitching drum pattern. When the guitar reaches its full howl, the two instruments march forward into an expansive shift that is both enchanting and solemn. The bass provides a secondary melody that supports and subverts the guitar as they dance around one another. They are enemies, yet comrades in the stark world shaped by Black Rain’s sound.
These stellar aspects are able to shine their brightest through the LP’s brilliant mix. Producer Phil Jackson – who also contributes synths to the record – has arranged the songs in a way that propels the band’s already formidable energy to its peak. The LP is split into two halves, with the first five songs recorded in a studio and the final four presented as live recordings. The live tracks sound just as brilliant as the studio songs, a hugely impressive feat that only adds to the excellence of the album.
The band is at full force throughout this album. The drums thump and echo, the bass drives and crunches, and the guitar weeps and wails in perfect unison as Josh’s tearful vocal style defiantly roars over all. The sound of Black Rain is intentionally overwhelming at times, yet it draws the listener back in, time and time again.
If you live in the North East, your new favourite band is right at your doorstep.
Black Rain’s self-titled debut album is out on 14 July. The band will perform in Sunderland on 26 July and 26 September. Click here for tickets and more information.