Small Black’s album New Chain takes us back to days of Jesus and Mary Chain, New Order and Tangerine Dream. This synth-pop band from Brooklyn takes a huge cue from the aforementioned bands, playing fuzzy, dreamy pop that makes you think of Nagel prints and a lot of big, teased hair. But Small Black seems to succeed where other ’80-influenced bands fall short in that their songs are genuinely strong, regardless of the decade or the current trends in music. “Hydra” is a hypnotic, low-key track that has Josh Kolenik’s vocals keeping pace with a slew of programmed beats, while “Photojournalist” has a clear shoegaze sound already compared by many to M83. – Written by DBosket
SIMILAR | Ariel Pink, Gayngs, Here We Go Magic, Memory Tapes, Ratatat, Twin Shadow, Violens