Album Review: Black Honey - 'Written & Directed'
Black Honey are back with their second album which follows their exceptional self titled debut album, new album ‘Written & Directed’ is a killer album which is a lot more darker with filthy guitar hooks & riffs.
Black Honey have graduated from intriguing newcomers to indie rock arena band, the bands growth has been sensational and it reflects on their work in the recording studio. The self titled album was a great body of work with some fantastic singles but with new release ‘Written & Directed’ seems a much more collaborative piece with a clear theme and sound. Fierce frontwoman Izzy B Philips states the message of the album is aiming to unashamedly plant a flag in the ground for strong conquering women. Throughout the album there’s a sense of freedom and resilience which is so empowering.
The album starts ever so strongly with the single ‘I Like The Way You Die’ which sounds like a great intro to a Quentin Tarantino epic. This is then followed by the single ’Run For Cover’ which is such a solid song which you can see will get a lot of radio play and draw new fans to this Black Honey album. ‘Run For Cover’ is a perfect example of Black Honey’s sound transforming their sound to fit arenas but keeping their indie routes alive.
Both ‘Believer’ & ‘Fire’ are 2 songs which are very uplifting and are 2 songs which vocalise Izzy B Philips whole message of the album of world conquering women. ’Summer of 92’ also does have more of the same feeling but also an added feeling of freedom and being limitless in their approach to music & life. However, the highlight of the album is the song ‘Disinfect’ which is a real stand out song. ‘Disinfect’ has a Filthy bass line which is just so seductive & lures you into a killer punk rock chorus which so many rock fans will fall in love with.
Written & Directed sounds like a more accomplished album then Black Honey’s debut, Black Honey’s debut was a collection of amazing singles but the concept of Written & Directed brings all the songs together for a truly great body of work.
Words by Shaun Mulhern