Atlanta, GA’s Black Swan Lane returns with their latest album dead souls collide. Their 11th album is everything we’ve come to expect from the band. Also, somewhat unusually, It is the 2nd album from the band released in 2023. I’ve been listening to the album for a few weeks now, letting each song seep into my soul. Jack Sobel once again came up with a winning formula that speaks to modern sensibilities while keeping the classic post-punk sound. Think of the spirit of The Chameleons and The Sound – and dare I say it, a dash of early U2. The last few albums have found Sobel going it alone with just a few guests, and this album is no different. There’s a darkness and urgency in the words & music that is deeply resonant in this day and age. It makes for an engaging and rewarding listening experience.
Covenant kicks off the album on a high note, the instrumentation coming together to sound like an 80’s post-punk classic. Sobel’s vocals improve on each album, a smoky melancholy always present in his delivery. Crushed is anchored by angular guitar riffs and spoken words that are filled with darkness. The vitriol bleeds through as the song progresses. Pretty heavy stuff. Also – amazing. Thorns might be my favorite song on the album. There’s space in the instrumentation that reminds me of And Also the Trees or even Josef K – for those who aren’t familiar with those bands, let’s just say that Sobel is building an atmospheric masterpiece in this song. Powerful. Alone As Me is a sad highlight in the 2nd half of the album. A somewhat acoustic lament, it shapeshifts into anthemic glory and back again. The instrumentation on this song is stellar. Ghosts is an emotional instrumental that taps into the vibes of the earlier album highlights. It segues into the album closer, Inhibitions. Light after darkness. Melodic guitar refrains and stunning vocals that are calming in their delivery. A perfect way to end the album.
Once again, Black Swan Lane has delivered an album that makes me wonder how they will better it the next time around. A dark and melodic take on post-punk, I am excited to see what comes next. You can follow the band on The Social Network and purchase the album via their website.
Verdict: Stunning Post-Punk Masterpiece
For Fans of: The Chameleons, The Sound, Kitchens of Distinction, Joy Division, Interpol
Tracks:
- covenant
- the sacrifice
- crushed
- push me
- thorns
- forever lost
- alone as me
- under my wings
- a place where the light dies
- ghosts
- inhibitions