genres: indie rock + emo + alternative
for fans of: Twenty One Pilots, Bring Me The Horizon, Thursday
From raw alternative rock to expertly crafted indie, the evolution of Blackout Problems has reached a new level with new album Dark. Though the aggressive edge present in earlier releases hasn’t dulled, the band deploys it much more dynamically, switching from a foreboding and reflective undercurrent to anthemic release in only a few measures. Though atmospherically very reminiscent of the contemplative emo rock perfected by Thursday’s last few albums, Dark perfectly builds on the multilayered blending of electronics and instruments made prominent by Twenty One Pilots or That’s The Spirit era Bring Me The Horizon. Blackout Problems splits the massive divide between those bands, offering an easily digestible indie rock boosted by the drive of more aggressive genres.
Though individually fantastic, the structural and sonic similarities of singles “BROTHER”, “DARK”, and “LADY EARTH” led to some concerns that the album might be repetitive. That is definitely not the case. While the electronic builds into massive guitar driven responses suitable for stadium concerts is an often used tool, the band has a masterful sense of songwriting that consciously acknowledges this strength, while also regularly subverting it. Song like “DARLING” and “HOUSE ON FIRE” borrow similar electronic building techniques, but drop into quiet, contemplative ambiance instead of exploding. A refusal to simply alternate song patterns in the track list, plus bookending the album with the singularly aggressive (but sparse) “MURDERER” and the slowburn of the six “EPISODE I – VI” tracks, allows the band to develop a concise musical identity while always surprising listeners.
The lyrical growth of the band is apparent as well. Though they’ve always asked philosophically weighty questions, there’s a lyricism and storytelling that makes this album particularly compelling. Though this growth was hinted at by the brilliant 2018 between-album single “Rome”, it is fully realized here. From lamenting rising nationalism and ecological crises in their native Germany to discussing more personal trials, there’s a very timely and relatable hopeful longing that permeates almost every track. Though only little into the year, I feel very comfortable assuming this will remain one of the standout albums of 2021.
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