This LP has been one of the most divisive releases of this year, it’s like bloody marmite. It’s split us in two, so we thought instead of sitting on our divisions we would work through this, as a team, and hopefully stop fighting over it (very mature for us I know).
Nick Ikin
For a group that highly conceptualises their appearances in media as ironic, digital and outright odd, it’s strange that the album does not have a central theme. The concept of this public presence comes through in their instrumentation clearly, it’s dark and intimate at times, playful at others and jumps from one genre and style to another. It perfectly encapsulates the madness side of being genius frantically and randomly, which really reflects their mysterious but chaotic persona.
Louis Grantham
Interestingly, I don’t think this is an album where you look for a theme, nor a central undercurrent that you are drawn back to. I believe that’s why it’s so brilliant. At no point whilst listening did I feel the need for anything more than sheer appreciation of musical talent, without unpicking the meaning. The album is a showcase of ability, not a concept piece designed for an expedition.
Nick Ikin
I think that’s my problem, to be honest, something central and consistent could have pulled it all together nicely. But instead, of course, as you’ve described it and they wanted it, the record lacks any coherent narrative within or between songs. In lyrics and album artwork as well, there lacks any context rendering much of the album as noise. An example of this is the repetition of a single lyric – which occurs across the album. Repetition does not equate to giving something ‘meaning’ if there is no broader story or arch for you to follow in my eyes, do you get what I mean?
Louis Grantham
The lack of context is a fantastic point. I think it is hard to for someone new to the band to sit and listen to this record and not think “what the fuck is this?” This is because the record spawned out of live shows and a buzz that has lasted beyond a year. The noise created is almost an attempt to box something up that can’t be, and therefore I can see why this has negatively affected your view.
Nick Ikin
Yeah, that’s what I’m getting at, it seems like bottling the chaos of their live shows, which I’ve heard of but haven’t been to or listened to myself. I just find the lead singer’s voice is also so hard to understand at times. The themes of powers clashing and human relationships I talked about, themes that Black Midi do address, become really difficult to follow in my opinion.
Louis Grantham
This is an angle I’d disagree with. The band have been outspoken about the want to not sound like the rest. It’s this desire to be different that hooks fans like me. The vocal delivery, not just from the lead singer, but also from the other two, is something different, and it becomes less about clarity and lyrics, but more about the sound and how this benefits the instrumentation. In a way, this lack of clarity and consistent delivery is the very best reflection of the power clashing and human relationships possible.
Nick Ikin
That is a brilliant point that never crossed my mind actually, that the madness of it all might actually reflect the madness of its subjects really well. Ah, shit now I’m going to have to go back to it and make my ears bleed again.
And there it is. Talking things through can enlighten you to see other perspectives. If only everyone in our country talked about big, divisive things like Black Midi’s debut, like that other B-word? Maybe then we could work them through. Ay?
