Blacklist

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT NYC
Blacklist is part of a burgeoning post-punk/Cold Wave movement based around Brooklyn’s Wierd Records. With their roster featuring everything from the dark synth sounds of Xena and Oaklander to the electronic industrial pop that is Led Er Est, Blacklist is Weird’s flagship band, a full on dark-rock outfit that has a growing following in the Brooklyn indie music scene. Their sound has a mining feeling of the years when Ashbury ruled the airwaves and Sisters of Mercy were on the breakpoint. It’s not so much that they resemble the music of this particular yesterday, but that they have taken its essence and shrouded themselves in it, breathing in the fire that once spurned these talented, yet distraught, souls. The mere fact that this sound and aesthetic exists in Brooklyn now and is being championed by its natives gives Blacklist and other members of this camp a resounding feeling of satisfaction.

Since their inception in 2004, Blacklist has released 2 EPs: their self-titled debut in 2005 and the Solidare EP in 2007, both strong efforts, the only drawbacks of which are their small track listings (only 3 songs per EP). After recent performances in industry showcases at both CMJ and SXSW, as well as recent coverage in publications like the Village Voice, Blacklist may soon be creeping out from behind shadows and into the hearts of the public. Their first full length, Midnight of the Century, was just released on Weird Records on May 26th and is available through iTunes. Look for them at the Eye & Ear festival at 92Y on July 11th.

by Gordon Sharp