After a previous EP of material and an appearance on Wierd Record's first compilation several months back, Blacklist have returned with their Solidaire EP. The New York group puts together music that sounds equal parts Last Dance and Depeche Mode with the icycle production atmospherics of Martin Hannett's early projects.

The record opens with 'Blue Shifted' - all soaring vocals atop Seagulls-esque guitar. Feedback. Feedback. Feedback. And does it work! The drums carry that beat that's become a permanent staple within post punk recalling to mind the death disco of PiL's "Memories" single. "Shock In The Hotel Falcon" doesn't let up with its tribal drums and its echo chamber laden guitars. "Pure Joy In My Heart" feeds "Seventeen Seconds" era Cure into a mulcher and the shards released from the opposite end are pure sonic joy. The last bars of the song once the music fades out leave you with the sense of hearing metal scraping on metal.

The name of the game for this record can be summed up in one word - echo. It's as if the entire EP were recorded inside of an extremely well miced tunnel. One can only hope that the promise shown within these three songs can be realized to full effect with a complete album. And soon.

With this, its second release under its belt - Wierd Records is already looking to be our generation's Factory Records (look at the packaging! Credits on translucent waxed sheets and silk screened sleeves to make the CD look like an old 7").

Score 1 for Wierd. And score 1 for Blacklist.

Three and A Half Stars 

Artist: Blacklist

Album: The Solidaire EP

Label: Wierd Records

Tracks: 3

Review By: Kriss Stress