Words: ROBIN MUMFORD
This month, Black Pixels, an East London quintet, released their dazzling debut EP ‘Hazy Sky’, which follows the progress the band made from well-received previous singles ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Tides’ – both BBC-supported productions that can be heard in the collection of four singles that make up an amiable first EP.
Black Pixels are going from strength to strength with their mercurial music. Having already received support from BBC introducing and many new music outlets, as well as announcing their headline show in support of the EP at Strongroom bar on the 29th of September, the band are progressing at lightning speeds.
Through the release of their debut EP, they can add food for thought with their wealth of talents. Musically, each song differs from the one that came before, ensuring that each single can be enjoyed by itself. Rarely is an EP, especially the first in a discography, so well-rounded as this one.
Sonically, ‘Hazy Sky’ feels larger than life, being the quintet’s most ambitious experiment to date. There is a confounding ambience that arches over each single as every track pontificates its own identity and personality, sharing with it a different meaning and dissimilar vocal melodies.
It’s the electro-indie, dark hues that also renders into the confinement of the atmosphere that Black Pixels have elected to probe. Of the EP Alanah says: “As an EP, Hazy Sky is pretty sad. Not super dreary, but the lyrics are inspired by different times when my mental health was a bit of a shambles. Having a chronic mental health problem is pretty relentless. And that’s what Hurricane is really about. Even when things seem like they’re ok, you’re always waiting for the next catastrophe.”
‘Hazy Sky’ is proof in the pudding that Black Pixels are a one to watch for the remainder of this year, going into the next. A smooth mixture of dark synths blended with a fusion of venomous vocal hooks and layers upon layers of esoteric and deep-seated substance that tackles modern day difficulties, East London’s latest debut EP is laudable of high-praise.