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Single Review: Blackwater - Darkness (2023)

Fronted by the resilient and idiosyncratic Brandon Sites, Blackwater have been building their reputation for unerring, melodic riffs since 2017. Formed in Dayton, Ohio, and releasing their first single (Cold Home) in 2018, Blackwater drew musical inspiration from Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, while demonstrating their uncompromising approach to subject matter. It is a testament to Sites’ unwavering commitment that the band have continued to produce new music, faced as it has been with several line-up changes during its existence.

 

Released – unknowingly - on the eve of the global pandemic, their debut EP Overflow, while gaining many admirers, could not have been released at a more inopportune time - putting a stop to Blackwater’s increasing momentum. After a lengthy creative period (available times in the studio were intermittent), new single Darkness continues the band’s journey with a scintillating offering that examines modern society through their the lens of their collective consciousness. Returning with Taylor Miller on lead guitar, Ryan Davis on drums, and now with Justin Peterson on bass, Brandon Sites has put together a line-up capable of taking Blackwater to the next level.



As with their previous material, Darkness unflinchingly tackles issues prevalent in society including the psychological impact of celebrity influence on people individually and collectively. With the true definition of celebrity becoming ever more tenuous and the way in which we are influenced becoming increasingly unrefined and unfiltered, Blackwater ask if we are strong enough to resist. You know there's hope / Your idols have sold their souls / Who do they owe? Nothing to see here, don't question why / Welcome a world where you're forced to comply. Darkness retains elements of those original influences; however, it is clear that the band are keen to establish their own sound and while they have lost none of their potent tenacity, they sound more vibrant and efficacious than ever before.

 

Coupling the theme of ephemeral and toxic celebrity overload with the emotional toll of media-driven fear (particularly referring to a time when, for some, the media was the only link to the outside world and equanimity was a difficult goal for many), Blackwater further display enduring capacity for biting social critique and the lyrics are delivered with a indomitable venom by Sites. Pull back the cloth that's been blinding your eyes / Force them to see it's a matter of time / They lie so big, you can't open your mind / Nothing can stop this, better run for your lives.



Honed from many shows at venues such as The Machine Shop in Flint, MI (whose stage has been graced by King’s X, Blackstone Cherry, Machine Head and Saxon to name just a few), Blackwater’s new line-up and evolving sonic direction has revitalised their hunger and as such, Darkness is convincing, tenacious and formidable. Heavy, intense and melodic, with exceptional contributions from each member, it is difficult to highlight one element of the music above others.

 

Blackwater have all the elements needed to appeal to a huge audience and with the necessary exposure, this new single will bring them many new fans. Embrace the Darkness…


Darkness is released on 5th December 2023.


Written: 28th November 2023


Visit Blackwater's YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@blackwater9427








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