One of the best bands I've listened to in the last years. All their work is amazing. As well live. They recently also did a few covers, including 21st century schizoid man.
black midi are absolutely worth diving into. Their first 2 albums are fantastic and I expect this new one will be as well. As you said, they're really pushing the boundaries right now and it's amazing to see them gaining more and more popularity with such bold, progressive, idiosyncratic music. See them live if you can, fucking mental! There's a lot of great stuff happening in the more alternative and experimental side of rock right now. There's post-punky stuff like IDLES that you've covered, and other UK bands like Shame, Dry Cleaning and Squid, or the Progressive indie/art rockers Black Country New Road. Scandinavian bands Viagra Boys and Iceage. Australia has Tropical Fuck Storm and King Gizzard. North America has Parquet Courts, Thee Oh Sees, Protomartyr, Ought, and Preoccupations. And that's kinda just the tip of the iceberg.
I love LOVE Back Midi and BCNR, (IDLES… I like but not as impressed considering BM and BCNR are SO YOUNG) Squid isn’t quite my cup of tea but I’ll check out Shame.
Black Midi, Idles and BC,NR aswell as Squid are some of the best bands breaking new ground right now. Thee Oh Sees are one of my all tike favourite bands and I am dying to see Justin's opinion of songs like Snickersnee or The Dream or Thumb Cutter/Toe Buster
I just listened to Cardiacs for the first time recently, and then listened to Black MIDI for the first time about a month later. They definitely seem like they took the torch passed on from Cardiacs.
Went down a rabbit hole when I heard black midi 1st about 2 years ago , then turned out the teacher I had in music production was actually mixing their newest album. Got to hear it in many forms It’s about as fascinating as music can get in my experience !! Good man JH see u on the ice
"John L" is a song of theirs of a similar vain to this. but songs like "ascending fourths£ add a new flavour to their sound." bmbmbm" is their sort of quintessential track i suppose. you should catch them live mr hawkins. incredible live. every time ive seen them live its been the best drum performance ive ever seen
Yesss it’s wonderful, love that you’re a fan. And I did in fact find it fun to hear you unpick the riffs. My first introduction to them was their first KEXP performance from 3 years ago. Would highly recommend.
Black Midi are without a doubt one of the most innovative bands out there right now. If you like this you should listen to a band called Black Country New Road. They are in a similar vein to Black Midi in terms of their instrumentation and poetic lyrics they are also outstandingly talented musicians they even did a collaboration called Black Midi New Road which is worth checking out!
If "innovative" means shamelessly r*ping the sound of John French-era Captain Beefheart And His (The) Magic Band then, yes, I would agree with you. Otherwise...No. I've heard it done nth times better before, and it was recorded over fifty fucking years ago. I wouldn't expect the lead singer of The Darkness to have much in the may of taste, tbh. But what do I know?!? I'm just some dickhead on the internet. I will never have a hit single such as "I Believe In A Thing Called Love". So fuck me, I'm a shithead, I knew that already though.
@@vollsticks you're entitled to your own opinion my dude but no need to be rude just because it's the Internet. I think you're a bit quick to jump to saying they're ripping them off. They were definitely inspired by beefheart but most bands are inspired by other artists. There are sonic similarities but over all I think they have their own identifiable sound. Also don't been mean to Justin he's a sweetheart.
@@horrorwax I was taking the piss out of myself more than anyone else, mate. I know what "artistic inspiration" is, too. "Bad artists borrow, good artists steal", ever hear that (it's been attributed to Picasso, not sure if true but if anyone is qualified to make a statement like that, it's him, surely)? Meaning what they "take" they make their own. Beefheart did this with all *his* influences and mashed it into a sonic potpourri unlike anything else. When I heard the Black Midi TMR covers I thought: "Oh, he's trying to do the voice in some ill-conceived homage"...*then* I heard their other stuff and I thought, shit, he's actually trying to sing like Beefheart *all the time* and it just made me queasy. From what I heard the dude hasn't got the one tenth the vocal range of Don Van Vliet...you know he could whistle whilst smoking a cigarette?! Used his soft palate instead of his lips to make the sounds. I love that fact. Anyway. There are LOADS of acts I like that cite CBATMB as inspiration--The Fall, Tom Waits, PJ Harvey--none of 'em sound like anyone except *themselves* , though, I would contend. Check out XTC's "Ella Guru" cover if you haven't--there's heart and genuine affection there, Black Midi just sound like cynical appropriators to me. I'm not interested by it in the least. I've tried but I just can't take them seriously.
Omg intense! Love it, but the subject matter makes me wanna cry. PTSD soldier getting berated by his commanding officer for his mental “weakness”. It illustrates how straight-up crazy supposedly “normal” life is to a soul who’s been thru hell…and who will never again be able to just simply join in the “daily dance of the oblivious” civilians ever again. The “crazy, corrupt world” he is supposed to sacrifice/fight/die for. Brokenly brilliant…just like the rhythms. I love it, but I don’t think I want to hear it again…the subject matter hurts like hell. I don’t know how many of you hearing this song have served or are a part of a military family…I sure hope you are ok afterwards. If you suffer from PTSD, I hope the song is cathartic and doesn’t trigger trauma. All the male members of my family, for generations, have served…in every branch of the military including special forces…none make it out psychologically unscathed…it messes up everyone. Blessings be upon you. My heart goes out to everyone of you who has served and still suffers for it. May all be healed.
I would really really like to see you review their live on KEXP performance as well as King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizards many incredible live on KEXP sets.
Reminds me of Rage Against the Machine and Primus but not in a rip way -- more a nod of the head. That being said I think they are very interesting to listen to -- you need to play it over and over to drink it all in. Thanks for sharing.
I'm a huge, huge fan of The Fall and I've been dazzled by Black MIDI for a few years now and I never put that vibe together of the vocal delivery. Good shout, it definitley does remind me of it.
I have become seriously addicted to your channel over the last few weeks, fantastic musical insight from you and I have rediscovered The Darkness as a bonus (I must have watched The Last Of Our Kind video a hundred times in the last week alone) Justin, you are in very real danger of becoming a national treasure 😁
hey justin! i have adored black midi for years, and taking apart both the musical comps and the lyrical/visual meaning is something ive loved doing for years! still, this song blew me away too. your glowing review of it made me very pleased! to return the favor, id like to try to unravel some of the themes in this video for you. to start, i think it helps to know that this video is a sort of 'sequel' to another song and video black midi did with the same animator and director, the INCREDIBLY talented Gustaf Holtenäs, titled 'Slow'. being familiar with that video and its meaning helped me break apart this one :) next, the lyrics themselves describe the events leading to the discharge of one private tristan bongo. to put it shortly, one night during shore leave, tristan (accidentally?) kills a local woman he had hired to take his virginity. upon learning this, his CO berates him. not for killing a local, which the CO claims is actually a purposeful function of the war, the shore leave, and even 'chivalry taught in basic training'. no, the CO insults and demeans tristan bongo for feeling bad about the murder, and discharges him for being a coward. pretty clearly an anti-war/anti-colonial misogyny take, imo. the animation is largely related, but draws more into the cartoon universe already established in earlier bm music videos. i interpreted the video as: jerkhead having some kind of parasocial relationship with an online personality superpowered bunnygirl (Sal Ama?). he finds her doxx, sneaks into her house, leaves the flower, and records from her webcam. later, he's watching his exploits, but has a deep shame about it all that he can't reconcile. he decides to track her down, and they meet at the pier. when super bunnygirl sees the flower in her room, and finds the porn already uploaded online, she knows someone is inside of her life. so when she uses her powers to repel him creeping on her at the pier, i think he basically fully joined the dark side and became a fash incel, and starts hating everything 'degenerate' about his 'old life' that he now feels cheated out of. his self-loathing let him be transformed into a 'robot' that can act ideologically above that old life, but is now absolutely alienated by everything in it. his only desire is now to enact out violence against the egg/world/godpurity/love/whatever that he himself desperately fears. i think this may also be interpreted as him then being sent to war, and killing for his state, especially because of the lyrics. when he returns back to his old love, he eats her face and destroys everything good about the world he swore to destroy. he sees no need for weak people like bunnygirl, and brings the red bird of apocalypse, the black sphinx of quartz. the godend cascade we first saw in Slow continues, consuming simulated world after world. pretty much, its about how the collapse of a world can look like people being both connected and alienated by technology, and the violent obsession it brings. also, the 'text' that appears throughout the animation, from the very first panel, is actually a cipher, made by Gustaf! The alphabet was translated a while ago, after a few instagram posts using it were released. so some details, like bunnygirls name - Sal Ama - and powers, the stalking, and the god-computer/black-sphinx portion especially.
Just found your RUclips channel, it's awesome.🤘 Plus the darkness has always been my favourite live band. Great energy, always loved the dueling guitar solos. Great overall live band!! Keep up the good work sir.🤘
This is a great suggestion. Love this. I was hoping you would cover some obsession worthy music and you did. I am currently obsessed with all things Gareth Liddiard, his lyrics and delivery and bands are brilliant.
Me as well! Discovered him because of king gizzard when satanic slumber party came out. since then I took a deep plunge into all of their other bands and it’s been fantastic 🔥
these guys really serve as an inspiration for newer and younger miusicians all around the world lke me, they show that music never fails to evolve and that even if everything has already been done, there are different ways to aproach those older ideas. i too am blown away by how good they are. btw you should check out those other experimental rock bands active in the UK right now, like squid, shame and BC,NR.
I discovered Black Midi over lockdown and was immediately impressed by them. I'm with you on this track. It's amazing. Check a band called Squid. And Dry Cleaning. They're in a similar vain. PS; Thanks for introducing me to the Cardiacs.
Why don't you just listen to Captain Beefheart's "avant-garde" records and get this stuff "first hand"? Listen to "Moonlight On Vermont" from Trout Mask Replica and tell me that BM's vocalist doesn't sound like "The Captain". Black Midi are sucky rip-off artists (more than most "rock" bands). iirc they actually did an EP of Beefheart covers. Go to the source, you might enjoy it more. And Squid are fucking shit, I bought their debut LP and still have it. Just an unoriginal mix of the best parts of Neu, JoyDiv and Levitate/The Marshall Suite/The Unutterable-era Fall (and that's being generous to Squid, if I'm honest). "Documentary Filmmaker" is pretty good though, actually).
i just found out about this band yesterday and i was blown away and instantly hooked. i didn't fall asleep until 3am because i stayed up listening to them and i had their music in my head all day today at work.
I just discovered these guys too just a couple weeks ago when I stumbled across their performance on KEXP on RUclips. I dig 'em big time. They all seem pretty young yet play as seasoned technicians. They're on tour in the U.S. and I plan on catching their show in my neck of the woods.
Ive been into black midi since their first album Schlagenheim. It’s fun to live vicariously through someone discovering their music for the first time :)
Black MIDI is the result of taking the best drummer in all of Britain, and 2 fantastic songwriters and musicians. I don’t think there’s any band in the world right now more creative than them. Total originals, the type of band to make you wish you were as creative as them.
I finally got around to listening to MGMT the last week and was surprised by the quality of some of their songs. Worth exploring are an early B-side 'Metanoia' and 'When You Die'. The first is an interesting melodic epic which gets very addictive. The latter is one of those songs which changes and actually reveals it's complexities on repeat listens...I find it fascinating. Maybe a good couple to check out! Enjoying these videos greatly. Thank you for doing them and for your time.
Saw them live last month. First live show since COVID; tickets purchased eleven months previous in the thick of it in an act of purest optimism. They did not disappoint.
New wave of british post punk is something different these days, it gives me a nice mix between that late 70s british punk and the 90s alternative angst. Black midi is amazing, id recommend their first KEXP performance (found on youtube) and the live christmas special they filmed with black country, new road. But in my opinion squid is my favorite out of this scene.
I wouldn't even really call Squid and black midi the same scene really. I know they get lumped in like that but musically they aren't even comparable tbh, bm are jazzy and classically trained prog behemoths at this point and squid are post punk. They're quite different and don't really share any musical qualities as bands imo
@@hereitsanightmare whose singing their songs now? I’m Curious to see how they do without Isaac, I know they were a band before he even joined, but still, the man brought such a raw voice to already raw instrumentation
@@panameraboomin7925 Everyone but Charlie and Luke take lead vocals on some songs. Tyler sings most and appeared to be orchestrating the band in parts. Everyone is stepping up. The next album will be quite different and just as impressive I suspect.
I can appreciate their talent and creativity. It's way too avant-garde to play in any social event or get together with friends or family... It's like if in the 90s the band members of Primus went experimental with the members of Ween and Mr. Bungle, and they played together while on LSD, this would be the sound. I can only enjoy this for so long before I have to be a boomer and just admit, I ain't the cool kid, any more.
Been a fan of black midi since their debut, absolutely amazing and boundary pushing band. I think they wrote a lot of their debut Schlagenhiem around the age of 18, which is mind-boggling considering how incredible it is. That album focuses more on noise and basically making the craziest/weirdest experience they are capable of. Their second album "Cavalcade" took that noise and chaos and managed to control it in such a way its on the boundary of "regular music" and "batshit crazy", I highly recommend the opener "John L". This track is the first single for their next album, "Hellfire", which based on their live performances is taking more of darker, story based approached, a lot of characters and a lot of links to Hell. They are super exciting and will change the world of rock
Just jumped on to Spotify to check them out off the back of this. Got three tracks into the first album and yes, they are as good as you think. There's definitely some elements of King Crimson in there as well, in my opinion. Off to listen to the rest of it now...
The first thing I thought of when I heard the opening was 'John The Fisherman' by Primus though now you mention it. It does have a liitle bit of a KC vibe, pretty good!
Justin, been watching you a lot lately sir, hello from Texas. To be completely honest, I've not listened to you and your music very much but plan to remedy that. However I enjoy your take on other bands and forms of music very very much. I tried to do the rock music thing for 20 years and had to step away or perish. With that being said please keep up the great work bud, big thumbs up from tex ass.
Ever since I watched your Idles video I KNEW you would love bm if you ever stumbled upon them. Just a ridiculously creative band all around. Would definitely recommend listening to the other two bands of the "UK holy trinity" of today, Black Country New Road and Squid. Both have their own style and are distinct from each other (bcnr in particular is going to a very different direction from the other two) and are undeniably full of brilliant talent. The UK has some of the most impressive rock coming out today
I saw them live at the Best Kept Secret festival (in the Netherlands) last June and they blew my mind away. Extremely skilled, young musicians. Singer and drummer really stood out.
Listen to John L and watch that video. They’re young blokes with their heads in a great musical spot. I get at This Heat and Captain Beefheart vibes from them too! I saw them in my home town San Diego pre pandemic and they were all under 21 so they had to sit in their rented tour van until they played! But they were fucking awesome!!! I’m writing this as one who was born in 1973.
Schlagenheim is a beast of an album. Wasn't the biggest fan of Cavalcade but John L is a choon. The two singles from Hellfire have been fantastic. Can't wait to see them in September.
I first heard this band back in 2019 when their track "Ducter" was receiving lots of airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music. I was totally blown away by them, and to be honest haven't recovered since! Couldn't believe they were a British band either. The vocal delivery on "Ducter" and quite a few of their other tracks reminds me of what a young European Chistopher Walken would probably sound like. Totally get your references to Focus and Black Sabbath, these guys are one of the most creative bands I've heard, ever!
Go and see em Justin, they tour relentlessly and the third album is going to be released soon. I first saw them very early on before they were signed to about 20 people and I basically had to scrape my jaw off the floor watching these teenagers play with the chops of a veteran funk prog band.
I am really impressed with your sense of community building. The little call-backs are so key. Have to hope someone tunes in and gives you some fun future project. Cheers for the content!
Went to see these guys tonight. First time I heard them and after 🍄 Wow. Best thing I've heard in a while. Has so much familiarity yet also seems so experimental. Mind blown must hear more.
I've been a big fan of Black Midi for a while now and I think this song is their best yet, I've had it pretty much on repeat. I think I read somewhere that the riff is a series of three sixths, appropriate on a song called Welcome to Hell. I don't know a thing about theory though - know if that's true?
Hocus Pocus popped into my head, too. Cool reference to Lawnmower Deth! I’d love to know what you think of Electric 6 (which, for some reason, also came to mind).
Yes! Yes! Yes to Electric 6! I’ve seen them live too many times to count and they NEVER disappoint. Dance Commander is one of my favorite videos. Dick Valentine in tiny gym shorts is just too much! If I could only get, “vicious and eveel one” outta my head… I was inspired to play Senor Smoke & shake my tail feather. The first 3 songs do it every time.
They’re one of the most exciting groups working today if not THE most. Both albums are absolutely fantastic and ambitious creative statements. The anticipation for Hellfire is out of this world!!!
I discovered black midi by chance in early 2018 when I saw them supporting Shame and I just think they’re mind blowing. I’ve never really been able to convince anybody that they’re worth listening to though because they’re just too weird. Everyone I’ve played Welcome To Hell to loves it though, I think think because it mixes their best elements with a bunch of different takes on classic rock. It’s just really appealing. Based on what I’ve heard at live shows the rest if the new album will be equally as amazing, if not more!
Now that made my day! (Might have even made my month, my year, my life.) Their dancers live make me think of the Aussie band, TISM, (but TISM didn't take many risks, musically, so it's just on the visual/ stage show level - which matters, too, I think? The Art is the whole bang shoot, as they used to say before they became insulin dependent.)
It reminds me a bit of One Night In Bangkok.(The version by Falco) in certain parts. By the way, though I’m not (yet) a fan of The Darkness (though I do like that one song)…I do love what you do here on RUclips. And I will now check out some other of your tunes. I think we’d get along great on a road trip. 😁
I have seen some of their lives shows online and I am blown away. Then I checked out their records and it's not the same. This is one of those rare bands to understand them and truly enjoy their music you have to see them live. Am I the only one who thinks of the Swans when you hear them?
Justin, you mentioned Foxy Shazam briefly. They’re one of my all time favorite from getting them in a basement playing Flamingo Trigger. If you ever get around to making a video on them, that would be amazing.
Black Midi are amazing to experience live as well! Btw. the animator of that video made another one for Soulbreaker by A. G. Cook. Might be a bit out of your usual territory, since it's hyper pop, but it's great.
Been in love for 3 years with these fellas. If you get the chance Justin....see them st their home turf of The Windmill in Brixton. Hope to see you there one day brilliant video mate new watcher. ❤
I'm sorry if this video was just me being blown away by this band. Please, tell me what you think instead.
One of the best bands I've listened to in the last years. All their work is amazing. As well live. They recently also did a few covers, including 21st century schizoid man.
ruclips.net/video/ebrpRKUMcss/видео.html
I think they're great. Love your channel man!
deffo...amazing. here's a pretty good iconic live set. ruclips.net/video/NDr6ioyRtmE/видео.html
I see stuff like this and am amazed but I think to myself "I haven't a fucking clue what they are going on about"
It's like Jazz musicians playing Thrash, with a Beat poet Freestyling on top
Most accurate description I have ever heard
black midi are absolutely worth diving into. Their first 2 albums are fantastic and I expect this new one will be as well. As you said, they're really pushing the boundaries right now and it's amazing to see them gaining more and more popularity with such bold, progressive, idiosyncratic music. See them live if you can, fucking mental!
There's a lot of great stuff happening in the more alternative and experimental side of rock right now. There's post-punky stuff like IDLES that you've covered, and other UK bands like Shame, Dry Cleaning and Squid, or the Progressive indie/art rockers Black Country New Road. Scandinavian bands Viagra Boys and Iceage. Australia has Tropical Fuck Storm and King Gizzard. North America has Parquet Courts, Thee Oh Sees, Protomartyr, Ought, and Preoccupations. And that's kinda just the tip of the iceberg.
I love LOVE Back Midi and BCNR, (IDLES… I like but not as impressed considering BM and BCNR are SO YOUNG) Squid isn’t quite my cup of tea but I’ll check out Shame.
Tropical Fuck Storm is the best!
Black Midi, Idles and BC,NR aswell as Squid are some of the best bands breaking new ground right now. Thee Oh Sees are one of my all tike favourite bands and I am dying to see Justin's opinion of songs like Snickersnee or The Dream or Thumb Cutter/Toe Buster
Throw Fontaines D.C. and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets in there too!
What about Girl Band?
I hear a lot of Primus John The Fisherman in that opening riff.
Omg someone finally recognising Cardiacs' influence on these guys! Most underrated band of all time, pure genius. RIP Timmy
I just listened to Cardiacs for the first time recently, and then listened to Black MIDI for the first time about a month later. They definitely seem like they took the torch passed on from Cardiacs.
I just listened to them and I agree, there's Cardiacs in there..Even Beefheart
Went down a rabbit hole when I heard black midi 1st about 2 years ago , then turned out the teacher I had in music production was actually mixing their newest album.
Got to hear it in many forms
It’s about as fascinating as music can get in my experience !!
Good man JH see u on the ice
"John L" is a song of theirs of a similar vain to this. but songs like "ascending fourths£ add a new flavour to their sound." bmbmbm" is their sort of quintessential track i suppose. you should catch them live mr hawkins. incredible live. every time ive seen them live its been the best drum performance ive ever seen
I think slow is one of their best songs and people don’t talk about it enough
@@nathanlockhart3876 oh 100% mate
1k capacity room. Standing 1 metre directly in front of the main room speaker, unobstructed view of Morgan playing, nothing can beat it
Yes, yes, yes. You have to check out both their albums. They cover a lot of ground and different styles, plus their playing is off the scale insane
all 3 now, and I personally think the new one is my fav
Yesss it’s wonderful, love that you’re a fan. And I did in fact find it fun to hear you unpick the riffs. My first introduction to them was their first KEXP performance from 3 years ago. Would highly recommend.
I get a very king crimson/talking heads vibe from this song. Two bands that I love and this song is no different. Love it. Thank you Justin
I'm 2 years late to the video, so I'm sure you've heard their cover of 21st century schizoid man?
Black Midi are without a doubt one of the most innovative bands out there right now. If you like this you should listen to a band called Black Country New Road. They are in a similar vein to Black Midi in terms of their instrumentation and poetic lyrics they are also outstandingly talented musicians they even did a collaboration called Black Midi New Road which is worth checking out!
If "innovative" means shamelessly r*ping the sound of John French-era Captain Beefheart And His (The) Magic Band then, yes, I would agree with you. Otherwise...No. I've heard it done nth times better before, and it was recorded over fifty fucking years ago.
I wouldn't expect the lead singer of The Darkness to have much in the may of taste, tbh. But what do I know?!? I'm just some dickhead on the internet. I will never have a hit single such as "I Believe In A Thing Called Love". So fuck me, I'm a shithead, I knew that already though.
Gotta start a tribute band,
Black Midi Road....
@@vollsticks you're entitled to your own opinion my dude but no need to be rude just because it's the Internet. I think you're a bit quick to jump to saying they're ripping them off. They were definitely inspired by beefheart but most bands are inspired by other artists. There are sonic similarities but over all I think they have their own identifiable sound. Also don't been mean to Justin he's a sweetheart.
@@horrorwax I was taking the piss out of myself more than anyone else, mate.
I know what "artistic inspiration" is, too. "Bad artists borrow, good artists steal", ever hear that (it's been attributed to Picasso, not sure if true but if anyone is qualified to make a statement like that, it's him, surely)? Meaning what they "take" they make their own. Beefheart did this with all *his* influences and mashed it into a sonic potpourri unlike anything else. When I heard the Black Midi TMR covers I thought: "Oh, he's trying to do the voice in some ill-conceived homage"...*then* I heard their other stuff and I thought, shit, he's actually trying to sing like Beefheart *all the time* and it just made me queasy. From what I heard the dude hasn't got the one tenth the vocal range of Don Van Vliet...you know he could whistle whilst smoking a cigarette?! Used his soft palate instead of his lips to make the sounds. I love that fact. Anyway. There are LOADS of acts I like that cite CBATMB as inspiration--The Fall, Tom Waits, PJ Harvey--none of 'em sound like anyone except *themselves* , though, I would contend.
Check out XTC's "Ella Guru" cover if you haven't--there's heart and genuine affection there, Black Midi just sound like cynical appropriators to me. I'm not interested by it in the least. I've tried but I just can't take them seriously.
@@vollsticks didn’t ask
just listened to them. theyre like an amalgamation of all the weird music i love like primus, captain beefheart, cardiacs. i love them
primus sucks tho
@@frankymcdonald7176PRIMUS does SUCK
Green Naugahyde is underrated
First two albums are excellent and really great live, saw them at the Irish centre in Leeds
I have never heard of Black Midi until I watched your video here. You make me feel excited to go check out their music.
yours is my favorite new youtube channel. thank you for doing this!
It's a joy to watch you react and analyze, and thank you for introducing me to this band!
Dude all of their music is like this and they sound even better live!
Justin, you have the most soothing and relaxing voice I could listen to you talk all day, you’d make a killing doing ASMR videos
Thanks for the proper intro to Black Midi, Justin. I had their upcoming album in my BandCamp Wishlist, you’ve convinced me to preorder.
Love watching (listening to) this channel every day!
Omg intense! Love it, but the subject matter makes me wanna cry. PTSD soldier getting berated by his commanding officer for his mental “weakness”. It illustrates how straight-up crazy supposedly “normal” life is to a soul who’s been thru hell…and who will never again be able to just simply join in the “daily dance of the oblivious” civilians ever again. The “crazy, corrupt world” he is supposed to sacrifice/fight/die for. Brokenly brilliant…just like the rhythms. I love it, but I don’t think I want to hear it again…the subject matter hurts like hell. I don’t know how many of you hearing this song have served or are a part of a military family…I sure hope you are ok afterwards. If you suffer from PTSD, I hope the song is cathartic and doesn’t trigger trauma. All the male members of my family, for generations, have served…in every branch of the military including special forces…none make it out psychologically unscathed…it messes up everyone. Blessings be upon you. My heart goes out to everyone of you who has served and still suffers for it. May all be healed.
They were the first band I saw to make an entire crowd go apeshit after the second lockdown. Superb band.
I like it, I like it alot🤘🤘Going to listen to more of these guys. Thanks for the new music.
I would really really like to see you review their live on KEXP performance as well as King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizards many incredible live on KEXP sets.
In this song I hear the riff from Sweet Leaf, Mr. Bungle, Primus, RATM, lots of influences. Some avant-garde too
Reminds me of Rage Against the Machine and Primus but not in a rip way -- more a nod of the head. That being said I think they are very interesting to listen to -- you need to play it over and over to drink it all in. Thanks for sharing.
Very reminiscent of Primus, especially John the Fisherman
Was running through the comments to see if anyone else was getting Primus vibes
@@theevildice83 primus in the way where the singing style is often unconventional and the arrangements being kinda odd but absolutely sick asf
Huge black midi fan! Was happy to see you discover them here!
I'm a huge, huge fan of The Fall and I've been dazzled by Black MIDI for a few years now and I never put that vibe together of the vocal delivery. Good shout, it definitley does remind me of it.
I have become seriously addicted to your channel over the last few weeks, fantastic musical insight from you and I have rediscovered The Darkness as a bonus (I must have watched The Last Of Our Kind video a hundred times in the last week alone)
Justin, you are in very real danger of becoming a national treasure 😁
hey justin! i have adored black midi for years, and taking apart both the musical comps and the lyrical/visual meaning is something ive loved doing for years! still, this song blew me away too. your glowing review of it made me very pleased! to return the favor, id like to try to unravel some of the themes in this video for you.
to start, i think it helps to know that this video is a sort of 'sequel' to another song and video black midi did with the same animator and director, the INCREDIBLY talented Gustaf Holtenäs, titled 'Slow'. being familiar with that video and its meaning helped me break apart this one :)
next, the lyrics themselves describe the events leading to the discharge of one private tristan bongo. to put it shortly, one night during shore leave, tristan (accidentally?) kills a local woman he had hired to take his virginity. upon learning this, his CO berates him. not for killing a local, which the CO claims is actually a purposeful function of the war, the shore leave, and even 'chivalry taught in basic training'. no, the CO insults and demeans tristan bongo for feeling bad about the murder, and discharges him for being a coward. pretty clearly an anti-war/anti-colonial misogyny take, imo.
the animation is largely related, but draws more into the cartoon universe already established in earlier bm music videos. i interpreted the video as: jerkhead having some kind of parasocial relationship with an online personality superpowered bunnygirl (Sal Ama?). he finds her doxx, sneaks into her house, leaves the flower, and records from her webcam. later, he's watching his exploits, but has a deep shame about it all that he can't reconcile. he decides to track her down, and they meet at the pier.
when super bunnygirl sees the flower in her room, and finds the porn already uploaded online, she knows someone is inside of her life. so when she uses her powers to repel him creeping on her at the pier, i think he basically fully joined the dark side and became a fash incel, and starts hating everything 'degenerate' about his 'old life' that he now feels cheated out of. his self-loathing let him be transformed into a 'robot' that can act ideologically above that old life, but is now absolutely alienated by everything in it.
his only desire is now to enact out violence against the egg/world/godpurity/love/whatever that he himself desperately fears. i think this may also be interpreted as him then being sent to war, and killing for his state, especially because of the lyrics. when he returns back to his old love, he eats her face and destroys everything good about the world he swore to destroy. he sees no need for weak people like bunnygirl, and brings the red bird of apocalypse, the black sphinx of quartz. the godend cascade we first saw in Slow continues, consuming simulated world after world.
pretty much, its about how the collapse of a world can look like people being both connected and alienated by technology, and the violent obsession it brings.
also, the 'text' that appears throughout the animation, from the very first panel, is actually a cipher, made by Gustaf! The alphabet was translated a while ago, after a few instagram posts using it were released. so some details, like bunnygirls name - Sal Ama - and powers, the stalking, and the god-computer/black-sphinx portion especially.
That was really useful!
You need a hobby.
@@kevmac1230 not necessary and totally unneeded.
Just found your RUclips channel, it's awesome.🤘
Plus the darkness has always been my favourite live band. Great energy, always loved the dueling guitar solos. Great overall live band!!
Keep up the good work sir.🤘
This is a great suggestion. Love this. I was hoping you would cover some obsession worthy music and you did. I am currently obsessed with all things Gareth Liddiard, his lyrics and delivery and bands are brilliant.
Me as well! Discovered him because of king gizzard when satanic slumber party came out. since then I took a deep plunge into all of their other bands and it’s been fantastic 🔥
the miller's daughter is so great. some of my favourite music to come out of my city
these guys really serve as an inspiration for newer and younger miusicians all around the world lke me, they show that music never fails to evolve and that even if everything has already been done, there are different ways to aproach those older ideas. i too am blown away by how good they are. btw you should check out those other experimental rock bands active in the UK right now, like squid, shame and BC,NR.
When I heard the beginning, it reminded me of John the fisherman by primus... then you mentioned primus and I felt good.
Hey Justin sounds good! Made me smile! Thanks! ❤️ I love your channel keep up the awesome content! ❤️
I discovered Black Midi over lockdown and was immediately impressed by them. I'm with you on this track. It's amazing. Check a band called Squid. And Dry Cleaning. They're in a similar vain. PS; Thanks for introducing me to the Cardiacs.
Squid are fuckin amazing. Brilliant live and the video for Narrator is next level.
@@brendanjordan6780 Alright Bren?
Dry Cleaning - "Scratchcard Lanyard" is the one to start with
Why don't you just listen to Captain Beefheart's "avant-garde" records and get this stuff "first hand"? Listen to "Moonlight On Vermont" from Trout Mask Replica and tell me that BM's vocalist doesn't sound like "The Captain".
Black Midi are sucky rip-off artists (more than most "rock" bands). iirc they actually did an EP of Beefheart covers. Go to the source, you might enjoy it more.
And Squid are fucking shit, I bought their debut LP and still have it. Just an unoriginal mix of the best parts of Neu, JoyDiv and Levitate/The Marshall Suite/The Unutterable-era Fall (and that's being generous to Squid, if I'm honest). "Documentary Filmmaker" is pretty good though, actually).
Alright Spartacus?
i just found out about this band yesterday and i was blown away and instantly hooked. i didn't fall asleep until 3am because i stayed up listening to them and i had their music in my head all day today at work.
I just discovered these guys too just a couple weeks ago when I stumbled across their performance on KEXP on RUclips. I dig 'em big time. They all seem pretty young yet play as seasoned technicians.
They're on tour in the U.S. and I plan on catching their show in my neck of the woods.
Ive been into black midi since their first album Schlagenheim. It’s fun to live vicariously through someone discovering their music for the first time :)
Also saw them live, they had great energy!!! I’d do horrible things to be as good as their drummer
I was a instant fan. Thank you for turning me on to this band.
Black MIDI is the result of taking the best drummer in all of Britain, and 2 fantastic songwriters and musicians. I don’t think there’s any band in the world right now more creative than them. Total originals, the type of band to make you wish you were as creative as them.
All already done
they are pretty derivative and safe lol
I finally got around to listening to MGMT the last week and was surprised by the quality of some of their songs. Worth exploring are an early B-side 'Metanoia' and 'When You Die'. The first is an interesting melodic epic which gets very addictive. The latter is one of those songs which changes and actually reveals it's complexities on repeat listens...I find it fascinating. Maybe a good couple to check out! Enjoying these videos greatly. Thank you for doing them and for your time.
Of monsters and men, flash delirium are also great songs
You need to explore more of their songs of the first album and further break down their riffs. Really great to see mate
Saw them live last month. First live show since COVID; tickets purchased eleven months previous in the thick of it in an act of purest optimism.
They did not disappoint.
I feel like you should listen to nomeansno. After you watch the Black Midi vidi for John L.
Black Midi are fantastic. Lots of really interesting British bands around at the moment like Squid, Black Country New Road, Dry Cleaning, Wet Leg.
Love Wet Leg!
Yes! Wet Leg led me to Tommy Villiers who did a cover of a Black Midi song and to the band. The brits are killing it!
@@edzielinski I really like Justin Hawkins site here. This is so fun! I definitely want to take the time to check out the music you just recommended!
He needs to listen to black country new road
Are Black Country New Road actually named after that road? I’ve never heard of the band but I drive down that road often 😂
I saw them in Barcelona last year they were amazing, we met them after in the crowd, couldn't believe how humble they were and how young! Legends
New wave of british post punk is something different these days, it gives me a nice mix between that late 70s british punk and the 90s alternative angst. Black midi is amazing, id recommend their first KEXP performance (found on youtube) and the live christmas special they filmed with black country, new road. But in my opinion squid is my favorite out of this scene.
I've just gotten home from a BCNR gig. Their new stuff sounds awesome.
I wouldn't even really call Squid and black midi the same scene really. I know they get lumped in like that but musically they aren't even comparable tbh, bm are jazzy and classically trained prog behemoths at this point and squid are post punk. They're quite different and don't really share any musical qualities as bands imo
@@hereitsanightmare whose singing their songs now? I’m Curious to see how they do without Isaac, I know they were a band before he even joined, but still, the man brought such a raw voice to already raw instrumentation
@@panameraboomin7925 Everyone but Charlie and Luke take lead vocals on some songs. Tyler sings most and appeared to be orchestrating the band in parts. Everyone is stepping up. The next album will be quite different and just as impressive I suspect.
I can appreciate their talent and creativity. It's way too avant-garde to play in any social event or get together with friends or family... It's like if in the 90s the band members of Primus went experimental with the members of Ween and Mr. Bungle, and they played together while on LSD, this would be the sound.
I can only enjoy this for so long before I have to be a boomer and just admit, I ain't the cool kid, any more.
Been a fan of black midi since their debut, absolutely amazing and boundary pushing band. I think they wrote a lot of their debut Schlagenhiem around the age of 18, which is mind-boggling considering how incredible it is. That album focuses more on noise and basically making the craziest/weirdest experience they are capable of. Their second album "Cavalcade" took that noise and chaos and managed to control it in such a way its on the boundary of "regular music" and "batshit crazy", I highly recommend the opener "John L". This track is the first single for their next album, "Hellfire", which based on their live performances is taking more of darker, story based approached, a lot of characters and a lot of links to Hell. They are super exciting and will change the world of rock
Been a fan for a couple of years, saw them at the Norwich arts centre and thy were incredible
So glad you're doing this kind of music, thanks
Loving your video's they give me a laugh! Your hair looks great like that. Always informative & fun :)
Sounds pretty cool. I'd be surprised if Black Midi weren't into Frank Zappa.
totally agree Justin, these guys are special. and yes, all their music is like this
Just jumped on to Spotify to check them out off the back of this. Got three tracks into the first album and yes, they are as good as you think. There's definitely some elements of King Crimson in there as well, in my opinion. Off to listen to the rest of it now...
The first thing I thought of when I heard the opening was 'John The Fisherman' by Primus though now you mention it. It does have a liitle bit of a KC vibe, pretty good!
they even made a cover for '21st Century Schizoid Man' i reccomend u check it out its phenomenal
@@kignamee3735 nice one, will do 👍
Morgan, the drummer, has said in an interview with Bill Bruford that he considers him one of his drumming heroes. They also covered Schizoid Man
@@johncharles.5087 Your pfp suggests you have good taste! :)
The world does need more of this stuff!
Great band. Their KEXP performance is phenomenal.
Justin, been watching you a lot lately sir, hello from Texas. To be completely honest, I've not listened to you and your music very much but plan to remedy that. However I enjoy your take on other bands and forms of music very very much. I tried to do the rock music thing for 20 years and had to step away or perish. With that being said please keep up the great work bud, big thumbs up from tex ass.
Ever since I watched your Idles video I KNEW you would love bm if you ever stumbled upon them. Just a ridiculously creative band all around. Would definitely recommend listening to the other two bands of the "UK holy trinity" of today, Black Country New Road and Squid. Both have their own style and are distinct from each other (bcnr in particular is going to a very different direction from the other two) and are undeniably full of brilliant talent. The UK has some of the most impressive rock coming out today
I saw them live at the Best Kept Secret festival (in the Netherlands) last June and they blew my mind away.
Extremely skilled, young musicians. Singer and drummer really stood out.
Listen to John L and watch that video. They’re young blokes with their heads in a great musical spot. I get at This Heat and Captain Beefheart vibes from them too! I saw them in my home town San Diego pre pandemic and they were all under 21 so they had to sit in their rented tour van until they played! But they were fucking awesome!!! I’m writing this as one who was born in 1973.
Love finding new music. Thanks!
Schlagenheim is a beast of an album. Wasn't the biggest fan of Cavalcade but John L is a choon. The two singles from Hellfire have been fantastic. Can't wait to see them in September.
Love Black Midi, love this video. Another great video and song I discovered tonight was Gnome, Kraken Wanker
I first heard this band back in 2019 when their track "Ducter" was receiving lots of airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music. I was totally blown away by them, and to be honest haven't recovered since! Couldn't believe they were a British band either. The vocal delivery on "Ducter" and quite a few of their other tracks reminds me of what a young European Chistopher Walken would probably sound like. Totally get your references to Focus and Black Sabbath, these guys are one of the most creative bands I've heard, ever!
Love the vibrato variation dude!
I hear bit of “Cake” in the sound combo and attitude. Very cool. Thanks for turning me on to this band.
Go and see em Justin, they tour relentlessly and the third album is going to be released soon. I first saw them very early on before they were signed to about 20 people and I basically had to scrape my jaw off the floor watching these teenagers play with the chops of a veteran funk prog band.
Slow is my favorite music video ever. It might also be my favorite song ever. You NEED to do a video on it.
I am really impressed with your sense of community building. The little call-backs are so key. Have to hope someone tunes in and gives you some fun future project. Cheers for the content!
Love these guys....Thinking man's rock most definitely...love to hear your thoughts on Church of the cosmic skull...one of my all time favorite bands.
You, sir are hipping me to some great new stuff. Still digesting Idles. Many thanks
Went to see these guys tonight. First time I heard them and after 🍄 Wow. Best thing I've heard in a while. Has so much familiarity yet also seems so experimental. Mind blown must hear more.
Thanks for sharing! I shall now lock myself away and devour their discography, emerging a better man.
I've been a big fan of Black Midi for a while now and I think this song is their best yet, I've had it pretty much on repeat. I think I read somewhere that the riff is a series of three sixths, appropriate on a song called Welcome to Hell. I don't know a thing about theory though - know if that's true?
Hocus Pocus popped into my head, too.
Cool reference to Lawnmower Deth!
I’d love to know what you think of Electric 6 (which, for some reason, also came to mind).
Focus by Hocus Pocus - amazing guitar solo!
Yes! Yes! Yes to Electric 6! I’ve seen them live too many times to count and they NEVER disappoint. Dance Commander is one of my favorite videos. Dick Valentine in tiny gym shorts is just too much! If I could only get, “vicious and eveel one” outta my head…
I was inspired to play Senor Smoke & shake my tail feather. The first 3 songs do it every time.
@@electricsixgirl1 yessss love the clever lyrics of Electric 6, and so humorous, I think Justin would appreciate!
They’re one of the most exciting groups working today if not THE most. Both albums are absolutely fantastic and ambitious creative statements. The anticipation for Hellfire is out of this world!!!
I saw one of their 1st ever concerts. .They were supporting Preoccupations when I saw them play in London somewhere.
I discovered black midi by chance in early 2018 when I saw them supporting Shame and I just think they’re mind blowing. I’ve never really been able to convince anybody that they’re worth listening to though because they’re just too weird. Everyone I’ve played Welcome To Hell to loves it though, I think think because it mixes their best elements with a bunch of different takes on classic rock. It’s just really appealing. Based on what I’ve heard at live shows the rest if the new album will be equally as amazing, if not more!
I taught a MIDI class for 10 years, and that was an excellent overview of the technology sir. Well done
Seen them quite a few times over last three or four years, A really entertaining live band. Drummer is a real standout.
Black Midi were also amazing to see live. One of the most exciting bands around right now i think.
It’s like the beginning of John the Fisherman
So awesome to see Black Midi continuing to get seen
Thanks for mentioning primus, that's all I hear when the song starts. John the fisherman I believe
Thanks for giving us something new!
Shades of Mr Bungle throughout this song, a bit of Primus,...funk, punk and even some metal and avant garde. Way interesting stuff.
Now that made my day! (Might have even made my month, my year, my life.) Their dancers live make me think of the Aussie band, TISM, (but TISM didn't take many risks, musically, so it's just on the visual/ stage show level - which matters, too, I think? The Art is the whole bang shoot, as they used to say before they became insulin dependent.)
6:50 yes now that you’d mentioned it, it does reminds me of Primus and the Pop Group
It reminds me a bit of One Night In Bangkok.(The version by Falco) in certain parts.
By the way, though I’m not (yet) a fan of The Darkness (though I do like that one song)…I do love what you do here on RUclips. And I will now check out some other of your tunes.
I think we’d get along great on a road trip. 😁
Not since Thumpermonkey and Sleeps Furiously (track Wheezyboy) have I been so drawn in within an instant... Thank you Mr Hawkins!
I have seen some of their lives shows online and I am blown away. Then I checked out their records and it's not the same. This is one of those rare bands to understand them and truly enjoy their music you have to see them live. Am I the only one who thinks of the Swans when you hear them?
First song I heard of theirs was ‘Ducter’ which similarly blew me away (but I didn’t have the skills to sit and work the riffs out)
Love it ... it reminds me of LIARS, with a bit of McLusky thrown in.
Vocal delivery puts me in mind of Murray Head, 'One Night In Bangkok'.
Justin, you mentioned Foxy Shazam briefly. They’re one of my all time favorite from getting them in a basement playing Flamingo Trigger. If you ever get around to making a video on them, that would be amazing.
Somebody described them as ‘like somebody playing the whole of Spotify all at once’ which pretty much covers it! Awesome live btw
Saw them play this song live in toronto back in march pre-album release. Fucking incredible experience
Black Midi are amazing to experience live as well! Btw. the animator of that video made another one for Soulbreaker by A. G. Cook. Might be a bit out of your usual territory, since it's hyper pop, but it's great.
Very nice experiment on the "again". Need more
Been in love for 3 years with these fellas. If you get the chance Justin....see them st their home turf of The Windmill in Brixton. Hope to see you there one day brilliant video mate new watcher. ❤