Search - Black Ice :: Before the First Light

The Bay Area's Black Ice return with their third fulllength. Though they stay true to their signature sound, combining experimental soundscapes with some minimal electronics and an icy postpunk beat, this most recent effort is more meticulous and resolute-sounding than previous efforts. Rather than the abandon that characterized Terrible Birds or even Myopia, Before the First Light is more determinedly intense, gradually accumulating in nervous energy as the songs progress. Propelled by an insistent beat, Miss Kel's vocals dart and crash across a synth heavy clamor, alternating between icy whisper and a caterwaul that would do Danielle Dax or Lydia Lunch proud. With this noisy epic, Black Ice continue to contribute to the long tradition of Bay Area experimental and post-punk bands.