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. There’s also a vinyl release now available 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
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