Blueblack
Written by: Cait Elizabeth - March 2019
Edited by: Travis Ryan
INTRODUCTIONS
Blueblack could be the soundtrack for a Hollywood backlot tour. Without saying a word, they can paint a vivid landscape or make a sudden plot twist. The power trio, comprised of Ben Thomson (guitar), Chris Phillips (drums), and Drew Biscardi (guitar), creates a cinematic experience all within your mind. A thoughtful and driven psychedelic post rock band, Blueblack pulls inspiration from “the weirder side of late 80s hardcore punk and new wave” to film horror and Western scores. Their sound conveys a sense of nostalgia while at the same time feeling like a sudden breath of fresh air. Pulling attitude and tone from the gritty shadows of the blues and mixing it with the electrified squeals of the 80s, Blueblack wields the tools to craft any backdrop they please.
The band is dedicated to creating unique soundscapes and melodic narratives for each of their songs. December of 2014 saw the release of Blueblack’s self-titled album, which was recorded live in Drew's living room. “La Bestia” off of that album gets a great reaction at live shows, but the band was never tempted to steer their songwriting towards recreating that response; they’re confident that each song proudly stands on its own. Destroy, another seven track journey, was released in 2016. It kicks off with “Three Shouts Anthem” which bottles the feeling you have in the movie when everything slows down and a car crash is imminent. Your heart is in your throat, you’re full of hope and adrenaline, but the world is moving all around you. Like many of Blueblack’s songs, it lingers in your mind long after the speakers have stopped. In October of 2017 a special three track album was released on Bandcamp to help raise funds for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
Blueblack III’s release is circled on my calendar for March 23, 2019!
TOURS & SHOWS
Blueblack has been spotted all across Long Island, with the instrumental outfit playing nearly a hundred shows so far. “It's part of our philosophy to focus more on our own local scene and let anything that is gonna happen, happen naturally.” the band shares. Letting the current of the music scene put them in the right place at the right time has indeed led to some amazing local shows. They’ve shared the bill with neighborhood legends InCircles, The Big Happy, Sad Magic, and Aqua Cherry. Blueblack’s favorite performances have been the series of Sound Effects shows they hosted and played at Shakers Pub in Oakdale.
The band has a deep love for making and presenting their music. They eagerly approach any opportunity to help out the music community and reach new listeners. In February 2019, Blueblack hosted a listening party for their much-anticipated third album Blueblack III at Vinyl Paradise in Sayville. Their record release show will be held March 23, 2019 at Shaker’s Pub in Oakdale with support from Agony Kings, Splatterhouse, World's Fair, Bearchild, and Sunrise Network.
“Please feel free to contact Blueblack for shows and anything else. We are always interested in playing fundraisers for causes we believe in. And if you come to our shows feel free to come up and say hi!! We might look intimidating but we are actually all pretty nice!! Hope to see lots of new faces at our record release show March 23rd at Shakers!!!”