Nothing But Silence, the Southside Chicago trio, have dropped their latest track, 'MIND', and it’s a curious beast. This isn't your standard, grim post-punk fare; instead, it's a hazy, almost sun-kissed take on the genre, a kind of melancholic daydream you didn't know you needed.
The band, comprising Rudy de Anda on guitar, Edgar Torres on bass, and Eric Black on vocals and composition, have carved out a unique space for themselves. Their sound, while rooted in the darkwave and post-punk traditions, is far from derivative. You can almost feel the humid Chicago air seeping into the mix, creating a sonic landscape that’s both familiar and unsettlingly fresh.
'MIND', much like their previous work, is a testament to their "bold tonal experimentation". The track "distorts and oscillates with trippy, tropical vibrations", creating a soundscape that’s less a straight line and more a winding, colourful path. There’s a definite "obscure kaleidoscope" effect, pulling you into their world with a gentle, yet insistent tug.
It’s easy to see the parallels to the genre's forefathers, but Nothing But Silence aren't content to simply replicate. They’re pushing the boundaries, injecting a dose of warmth and vibrancy into the typically austere sound. Think of it as, "if Joy Division’s ‘Transmission’ was formed from a warmer, more vibrant parallel universe". That feeling of a dream like state is present, with the track feeling like a semi-lucid dream state.
The rhythmic ingenuity is undeniable, and the track feels like a "stellar slice of rhythmic ingenuity". The bassline pulses with a hypnotic energy, while the guitars shimmer and sway, creating a dreamy, almost psychedelic atmosphere. Black’s vocals, delivered with a cool detachment, add to the overall sense of unease, but it's a comfortable unease, a feeling of being pleasantly lost.
'MIND' is a bold declaration, proving that post-punk can still surprise and delight. It's a different, more colourful side of post-punk, one that’s laced with a dreamy, ebbing quality that keeps the genre alive and pulsating. Nothing But Silence are definitely a band to watch, offering a unique and compelling take on a classic sound.
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