It’s good to see Manchester alt-rock veterans David R Black still going nearly ten years after I first saw ‘em supporting Antiproduct at the short-lived Bradford Town & Country Club. Now on album number four, certain things haven’t changed with them – they still have an unmistakable Placebo influence but the sound has definitely been beefed up slightly with the band exploring new avenues. The opening one-two-three of the swirling “Chimes”, the angular “Dark Side Of Her” and the moody “Saturn Returns” is a good indication of how David R Black are letting their sound evolve with experience.
In fact, “Secret City”‘s main strength is that it’s a satisfyingly varied album. Owing a nod to ’80s and ’90s goth (as well as Placebo, think the Mission or a less effeminate Gene Loves Jezebel), it veers from the frenetic “Guacamole” through the dark epic title track to the desolate acoustic-led “Another Day” but has the hooks and tunes to keep your attention throughout.
For those who miss the days of yore when goth bands were a bit more understated, David R Black provide a nice antidote to the ridiculously overblown cartoon angst of groups like My Chemical Romance and “Secret City” is an album well worth your time.
