BLACKLISTERS

Words by Linsey Teggert

Set up in 2007 as a vehicle for the experimental noisenik sounds coming out of Yorkshire, Brew Records are fast becoming one of the UK’s best independent record labels for those who like their music visceral and their riffs heavy. Back in summer 2011 Blacklisters joined Brew’s already impressive roster which includes These Monsters, Hawk Eyes, Humanfly and Kong.

Blacklisters create the kind of blistering noise rock that could easily have belonged to the Touch and Go Records roster in the 80s. Aggressive and dark with a twisted sense of humour, Blacklisters sound immediately brings to mind The Jesus Lizard with it's ominous stop-start guitar riffs and Billy Mason-Wood’s disembodied, slightly deranged vocals. Recent track 'I Can Confirm' is a guitar-driven noise assault which conveys a snotty sense of belligerence. It’s this could-snap-any-minute tension that makes Blacklisters so exciting; Wood's vocals are almost taunting in their nature, leading the track to a cacophonous climb until it all falls apart and we’re left with Wood yelping “I can’t help it” over a haze of distortion. Keep an eye on Blacklisters and Brew Records in 2012 for what are bound to be some of the most awesomely heavy releases of the year.

Today's tip comes courtesy of Rob Platts from Dead Young Records