Dusk-driven distortion for Joy Division / The Jesus and Mary Chain fans
Forged in the pink smog glow of a Southern California sunset and the low hum of the 101 at dusk, the latest record from post-punk trio Black Market Heart pushes deeper into a sound that feels wired, nocturnal, and slightly unhinged. ‘What Happens in the Dark‘ isn’t beach postcard LA. It’s downtown after midnight, Echo Park liquor stores buzzing under fluorescent light and Silver Lake sidewalks still radiating heat.
Guitarist and vocalist Spencer Robinson and drummer Shawn Medina, both formerly of The Lords of Altamont, are joined by bassist and vocalist Tina Brugnoletti have taken their cues from the feedback haze of The Jesus and Mary Chain and the cold pulse of Joy Division to bring us an album that insists upon repeat play.
Recorded in just two days at Kitten Robot Studios with Los Angeles underground mainstay Paul Roessler, known for his work with The Screamers and 45 Grave, ‘What Happens in the Dark‘ captures Black Market Heart in a live-wire state. Minimal takes. No studio gloss. Just volume, tape, and instinct. The vocals, often submerged in earlier recordings, are more exposed this time. Brugnoletti’s added harmonies bring a heavier presence, giving the songs weight without sanding down their edge. Medina’s drums still hit with stripped-down force, and Robinson’s guitar cuts sharp and bright through the fog.
The title track, ‘What Happens in the Dark‘, sets the tone immediately. It’s a desperate reach for connection, even if it’s temporary, even if it’s imagined. “I don’t have to be alone for a little while,” Robinson sings, his voice cutting clean through the distortion. The accompanying video, shot in Brugnoletti’s 1967 Dodge Coronet, feels like The Cramps dropped into a Tarantino getaway scene with DOA’s Hardcore ’81 blasting on the tape deck:
The poppiest track on the album, ‘Don’t Fit Anywhere‘ is a technicolour swirl of guitar rock, featuring impassioned vocals and strong drumming. Bass-driven ‘Radio Smash‘ is a stunning track, dark and dangerous, with a sing-along chorus. The intertwined guitar solo with almost military drumming is superb!
Recorded in an earlier session, ‘Girl Dreams‘ (a fairly early Beck cover which was also a partial Carter Family cover when he did it) is quieter, with JAMC distortion to give it some edge and bite. ‘Self-Destruct With Me‘ is very firmly in JAMC territory – and it’s done so well, it’ll seize your soul.
The hypnotic ‘Without My Pills‘ takes us musically and lyrically through the head-fuck of needing medication to survive. Bold bass playing by Tina is layered upon by beseeching guitar and urgent drums. The excellent ‘My Brain is Poison‘ combines the best of the band’s influences in a maelstrom of sound, with great lyrics “I’m thinking every day, Of things I shouldn’t say”.
‘Give Me Power‘ is a cover of Reggae band The Stingers’ 1971 single, (written by Leroy Tibby and produced by Lee Perry). It’s not often that a cover which is significantly different than the original works, but in this case it genuinely does – and adds that extra ‘oomph’ to make this track outstanding. Genius.
A rockier number, final track ‘Coyote‘ takes us back into the dark of night, with a subtle background ‘Ooh’ howl in the vocals. “You’re a lot like me, Creeping through the night taking what you need” sings Spencer, while mesmeric chords spill from his guitar.
“When writing for Black Market Heart, the ideas often come from some of the darker experiences in my life” explains songwriter Spencer. “Desperation, loss, pain, etc. While some of that is definitely here, we also tried to expand a little into some newer territory both lyrically and musically. The thought was to keep the sound that we love so much while allowing something new to seep in.” We’d say they’ve nailed it!
‘What Happens in the Dark‘ was released on 14th April this year – you can listen on streaming services HERE or download the digital album HERE – and we’d highly recommend adding it to your collection!
Main Photo Credit: TINA BRUGNOLETTI
- What Happens in the Dark
- Don’t Fit Anywhere
- Radio Smash
- Girl Dreams
- Self-Destruct With Me
- Without My Pills
- My Brain is Poison
- Give Me Power
- Coyote
Follow Black Market Heart on Their Socials:
Need more Punk In Your Life?
Subhumans, London Signature Brew Haggerston, 23rd April 2026
From the moment Subhumans kick off a 20-odd song set with ‘All Gone Dead’, we know that this is going to be on a whole
Live review: Wreckless Eric in Düsseldorf – intimate magic at the Pitcher
A legendary songwriter, a small club, and a night to prove that great moments don’t need a big stage! Wreckless Eric played the Pitcher in
Album review: Chief State advise you to ‘Keep Your Friends Closer’
Chief State do an excellent job capturing the in-your-face, punchy pop-punk sound on sophomore release ‘Keep Your Friends Closer’. A solid project that successfully delivers
Live review: It’s a DIY Rat Attack in Upper Street!
South Essex’s favourite punk hoodlums Rat Hole take over The Hope & Anchor on Saturday 18th April 2026, joined by fellow Essex bands One Offs
EP review: The Crosses – ‘Outlier’
This may be the debut EP from Milwaukee quartet The Crosses, but these guys are no newcomers Vocalist Dan Kubinski is perhaps better known as
Live review: A Punk Rock Outlook 6 at The Outlook, Reading, 17/4/26
It’s that time of year again! Another awesome Punk showcase at The Outlook in Reading, UK, hosted by the incredible Launch Control and Shadow Promotions.
Usually found jumping around down the front at gigs, I also relish taking photos and videos, singing, speaking with fellow music fans, and asking musicians the questions nobody else does. Writing about my favourite bands and connecting with people who love music too keeps me more-or-less sane! I’ve worked for over 25 years at a video production company, mainly filming live music events, therefore I have an additional backstage perspective on the scene.
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
