Get Up, Dancer
Self-Released, 2021
10/10
Anytime a new Castle Black record is coming around, you’ll likely find me interested. The Brooklyn trio’s patented meshing of post-punk, grunge, alt-rock and New Wave never disappoints, and this new EP continues their iconoclastic ways with further greatness.
“Radio Queen” gets the listen off to a soulful start, that’s initially dense before bursting into an upbeat, pop influenced display of grungey alt-rock, and “Another Grand Illusion” follows with intricate guitar work amid a more subdued approach that still thumps with a tense energy.
“Talkin’ About Those Nights” and “Knife (In My Hand)” land in the middle, where the former is a charged and thick rocker that comes with some firm singing, while the latter finds a hypnotic place to reside amid a booming climate.
Landing near the end, “That Little War” weaves dreamy moments into the curious post-punk leanings, and “Sorry” finishes the quick listen with a darker spirit alongside the dramatic riffs and powerful singing.
Leigh Celent (vocals, guitar), Joey Russo (drums) and Scott Brown (bass), i.e. Castle Black, might just be the most exciting band in the world of independent music right now, and for fans of bands as diverse as Nirvana, Melvins, Tool and even ‘80s punk, it just doesn’t get any better than this.
Travels well with: Native Daughters- Ultimo Capo; Night Battles- Years Of No Battles