Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
That dreadful watchword of buzz is more than likely to bandied around as if being chased by Africanised bees with a group of angry hornets following up behind, sleeves rolled up and spoiling for a fight, as soon as world beyond Liverpool finally cottons on to Black Diamond. Already a huge firm favourite with the heavy Rock crowd in the city, their debut E.P. Stranglehold, is sure to add a heavier amount of support to their flourishing output and good name.
Stranglehold, that feeling of relentless, untiring and vice like grip which comes over the naked sound that the heart craves for and the brain repeatedly grovels for is in full flow and in such abundance throughout this debut E.P. that it requires velvet gloves to take the pressure off the seizing control laid out by Daniel Byrne, Paddy Cummins, Seb Gibney and Adam Fairclough. It is control that never lets up and never desists; however it is not a control that is oppressive or ruled by fear, this is influence, an outpouring of resistance in the face of the ever increasing worry that the U.K.’s youth have swerved away from the heavier side of Rock and are more content to cause blisters in a world of pop shenanigans. Black Diamond are that big exception and the world is out there for them to dominate.
The four tracks, Stranglehold, Cocky, Elena and Down In Flames really come down hard on the senses, they administer such power and authority that at times you do wonder if they haven’t got a day job running North Korea.
Going against the grain is always hard work but arguably more fulfilling and in Black Diamond, swimming against the tide of pop culture fashion and vogue is ultimately more rewarding; the shark always goes after those heading in the same direction as its jaws, those who turn the other way ultimately will outpace the menace, and so it is with Black Diamond.
Standout track Down In Flames really sets the bar high for others to aspire to and in many ways resembles the feel offered when listening to the likes of Free and Crazy Horse, it is music to die for and in front man Daniel Bryne, the sound and musical ambition of a hybrid Paul Kossoff/Cat Stevens spurs on those around him. It is infectious to the point of delight and after the four songs have wound their way out of the stereo, the grip is still tight. Outstanding!
Stranglehold is out now.
Ian D. Hall