You only need to listen to their cover songs to know that LA’s Blaklight draws lots of inspiration from the music of the 80s. The duo, which features Adam Collier as programmer/synthesist and Brian Belknap as vocalist/lyricist has tons of originals, while their choice of covers from Duran Duran and Echo And The Bunnymen reveal their roots.
As they release their fourth and final single from the album of the same name, “Into The Void (Cold Mix)” the two B-sides are again wonderful choices of synth pop from the 80s, brilliantly executed. Blaklight puts their unique spin on “Nowhere Girl” by B-Movie, from 1980, and “All You Ever Think About Is Sex,” by Sparks from 1983, with fun, danceable results. I asked Collier what made the 1980s so attractive to him as he selected songs and indeed as he styled their own originals.
“The 80’s, for me, was a time of new sounds,” he explained. “Bands actually sounded alive and different. The songs created a large color spectrum for me. These two bands (B Movie and Sparks) deserve to be known in today’s music culture”
I asked specifically what it is about these two songs? First, “Nowhere Girl.” Collier told me: “ It takes me back to a time when life was easier. When music sounded fresh and exciting. I wanted to share that with our audience and take them back in time, but with our stamp.”
How about “All You Ever Think About Is Sex?” Collier said: “Sparks have a special place in my heart. Again, it takes me back in time. I wanted to share this band with people that don’t know them and also to add our spin to it.”
Word is that Blaklight are completing their third album and beginning work on their fourth. That’s excellent news for fans of new electronic music!
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