Hailing from London, Black Doldrums are a band that seamlessly blends the haunting allure of gothic rock with the dreamy, distorted layers of shoegaze. Founded by Kevin Gibbard and Sophie Landers, the duo has carved out a unique niche in the scene with their dark, atmospheric sound.
Their debut album, Dead Awake, released in 2022, blew my tiny mind. It showcased their signature style, earning them a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Parallels were made to stalwarts of the scene like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Joy Division and The Cure. All of which I agree with, but they bring their own spin too.
Now they return with their sophomore release In Limerence, of which their PR had this to say.
“Black Doldrums continues to push the boundaries of their sound, delving deeper into the realms of post-punk and darkwave influences. Their music will transport you to a smoky underground bar, filled with the raw emotion and sonic depth that only they can deliver.”
Let’s drop the needle and see where the music takes us.
The album kicks off in true goth style with the driving sound of ‘Hideaway’. It’s a dark sonic trip down a highway at night, pedal to the metal. Vocals float over heavy, reverberating guitars. It feels like stepping into an enigmatic, moody dream. It’s a pacy start and a great intro to the album.
‘Dying for You’ next is pretty intense. It’s got this raw, languid energy with a strong post-punk vibe. The track is driven by melodic bass and synths against pounding drums, creating a kind of dark, atmospheric soundscape. The vocals carry a sense of longing and desperation, which really ties into the song’s theme.
The whole vibe of the album changes with ‘Summer Breeze’. It’s got that retro indie pop feel that immediately endeared it to my ears. Like some lost Primitives or Mary Chain track. I had to give this one a spin on my October DKFM show.
‘Dwell or Depart’ has this captivating aura, with guitars that echo through a shadowy soundscape. The rhythm is persistent, almost hypnotic. Vocals seem to whisper secrets, creating an atmosphere that’s both eerie and beautiful.
‘Painting Smiles’ has an almost cinematic quality. The song builds layers of sound that make you feel like you’re charging headlong through a forest at midnight. The guitars chime and lead the melody. There’s a poignant sense of yearning in the vocals. It feels like it captures both the beauty and the melancholy of fleeting moments.
The band strip thing back for ‘Need’. Minimalism is the order of the day. Drums and bass the constant while the guitar trades licks with the vocals. There’s a tension that never quite resolves, keeping you on edge. That nervous energy holding your attention start to finish.
‘In Silence’ next has this overwhelming ambience that builds slowly throughout the track. Drums playing just off the beat are propulsive and coupled with that bassline are devastating. The guitar work has an almost hypnotic quality, with delicate, intricate picking patterns that create a weirdly soothing mood, counter to the overall energy of the track. This is seriously clever stuff.
‘Tarantula’ has a more brooding, atmospheric vibe. Guitars are sparse but rich and textured, creating layers that weave into each other. The rhythm section adds a steady, almost mesmerising pulse. Vocals are distant, haunting even. But for me, that fits perfectly with the overall moodiness of the track.
Theres something Autumnal about ‘Changing of a Season’. The song weaves together delicate guitar melodies with a steady, contemplative beat. The vocals have a wistful quality, capturing the essence of transition and transformation. It’s got this serene yet emotionally charged air, almost like watching the leaves turn and fall in slow motion.
‘New Moon’ is nothing short of lush. It feels luxurious in its textures and production. Like a velvet lined suit it just feels so enjoyable throughout. I especially enjoy the guitar melody in the instrumental breaks. Could this be my album stand out track? I think so.
The album comes to and end all too soon with ‘Modern Times’. Channelling that vintage synth-pop feel with a modern twist. The song pulsates with electrifying energy, carrying those crisp, futuristic synth lines reminiscent of Gary Numan’s iconic sound. The vocals cut through with a sharp, cool delivery, blending seamlessly with the upbeat, driving rhythms. It’s like a retro-futuristic anthem that rounds this LP nicely.
In Limerence feels like a bold step forward. There’s a noticeable maturity in the sound—like Black Doldrums found a way to delve deeper into their musical hearts. It feels more cohesive and polished, yet still raw and genuine. There’s a sense of evolution in the way they experiment with textures and layers, creating a more complex listen that is equal parts exciting and contemplative. If you were expecting just more of the same then you are in for such a treat. I can’t wait to hear where they go next.
In Limerence is out now via Fuzz Club Records. You can also grab the vinyl or CD over on the Black Doldrums Bandcamp page.
You can follow Black Doldrums on social media here….
Discover more from Static Sounds Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Static Sounds Club 