If Janis Joplin, Jack White, Anouk, Nirvana and Queens of The Stone Age ever had the chance to breed, then Black Mirrors would have been their favourite creation.
Belgian rockers Black Mirrors release their debut EP, Funky Queen via Napalm records who invited the rockers to join their family, and give the rest of the world an opportunity to hear their sound. The EP is released on the 3rd March. Since their formation, they’ve been making waves in the ocean of music. A short tour commences, of various European cities to widen the net, for all to hear.
The band features Marcella Di Troia: vocals, Pierre Lateur: guitar, Gino Caponi: bass and Nicolas Scalliet: drums.
Funky Queen consists of four songs. This opens with EP namesake “Funky Queen”. A stunning introduction to an explosive band. The opener does exactly what it’s meant to – it’s an attention grabber, the musical style and Marcella Di Troia’s vocals are reminiscent of Dead Weather’s “Treat Me Like your Mother”.
“Kick out the jam, motherfuckers” is many people’s morning alarm call, but in this case, it’s the cover of MC5’s “Kick out the Jams”. Cover songs are difficult; some try to sound like the band who created it. Some of the best covers are the ones where the song has been moulded into the sound of the covering artist’s, which Black Mirrors have been able to do and make this cover a joy to hear.
Third track “The Mess” is deep. The bass creeps up at you like a sloth on heroin. A favourite here, the beat is dark. Together with Marcella on vocals we have the making of a partnership worthy of e-harmony. The tune does have The Kills influence in it, which is a good thing. I must say that Nicolas Scalliet’s drum beat is superb, his rhythm alongside Gino Caponi on bass cascades the mind to a mellow place.
Scalliet once again creates atmosphere with his melody as does Marcella’s voice, she has a simple touch of angst adding to the moment. The moment arrives, right on time for Pierre Lateur to crunch out a riff on this final track, “Canard Vengeur Masque”.
This band is exciting, the four members’ personalities shine through. Di Troia’s vocals are thought provoking and emotive, all matched by the band creating an atmosphere that enables us to feel.
Black Mirrors… well, they had me at hello, and they didn’t even say hello.
Funky Queen is out on March 3rd
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