The Black Light – “Singularity” [Song Review]

Agoraphobic duo The Black Light has dropped their new single “Singularity”. The Swindon & Southampton-based two-man band haven’t played any live shows, instead opting for extending tendrils into the soundscape online. With this latest release, their focus is on composition and melodic hooks, and while heavier than their debut full-length, it heaves and pitches in mid-tempo. Any good prog rock band worth its salt starts at a trot and moves to a canter by the end of each song; not so on this single. Instead, a firm gallop with one notable diversion is the order of the day.

That’s not to say that it doesn’t maintain a wallop. The song bludgeons the listener with enough verve to maintain an atmosphere of trepidation with on-point percussion and engaging fretwork that showcases the homebound duo’s musical chops. The song is engaging and in-your-face, without needing to spit in your face; it’s sonic engagement, not attitude and posturing. The focus on frenetic time signatures mixed with the mastery of instrumentation belies the monotone vocal delivery, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a track that is seeing the two musicians attempt things and for the most part succeed, while in the process showing off a bit more grit.

Now, it remains to be seen if they can up the ante and make good on their next album, which is being teased for some time after next year. By that point, it would be good to see them focus on delivering melodies that are less theory and more soulful. It would be ideal to hear the band push themselves in a direction that explores a more raw and vital place of inspiration that would match their undeniable sound production.

Run Time: 6:54
Release Date: May 25, 2018

Stream “Singularity” here and decide for yourself!