SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BLACK PAINT – BLACK PAINT

BLACK PAINT
BLACK PAINT
INDEPENDENT

For years, Black Paint has established themselves among the most exhilarating up and coming bands to emerge from the Greater Toronto Area. Blending aggressive blues rock with monstrous riffs, the power trio is electrifying on stage. Most impressively, they have cultivated this reputation with only a trail of singles released since 2022. As such, the band has finally released their debut, full-length album, Black Paint.

There is a ferocity as the guitar comes in, ripping it up as the bass provides a counter melody as Black Paint bring the introduction of “Born Again” to a swell before exploding into the verse, led by a throaty, howling vocal timbre. There is a raw energy to the song, especially as the half time riff comes in during the bridge, that likens the band, but especially this opening track, to that of Nirvana. The following song, “Hoo Hoo,” switches things up with more of a modern blues rock vibe, à la Jack White, with a relentless pace, rhythmic riffs, and warmer vocals. As the acoustic shuffle of “Crash Landing” comes in, Black Paint has effectively opened their debut album with a level of versatility that is central to their sound. From the volatility of “Born Again” to the radio ready “Crash Landing,” Black Paint is a mosaic of influences that the band is able to twist into something entirely fresh.

Following the blueprint established by the opening three songs, Black Paint presses forward with a range of hard rock thrashers and blues inspired ballads. Singles like the crunchy “All Bad,” the hard hitting “Pesticide,” and the alternative winding of “Right Down The Middle” shine alongside a range of songs cut with an equal level of focus and conviction. Take, for example, the melancholic “What’s Next,” a real slow burner that develops until a point of combustion, or the punishing pulse behind “Wait Your Turn.” Truly, there is not a moment of weakness on Black Paint as the band flashes their teeth across a spectacular album that should raise the bar for modern rock.

There is a sense of catharsis to Black Paint. Having followed the band for years, there is a thrill to finally hear their full-length album, a record that vaults past the excitement felt among the Toronto and Ontario independent scenes. Most importantly, the band managed to capture the raw energy of their live show in the studio, a challenging feat that is vital to the punch packed on Black Paint.

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