Black Nite Crash – Washed in the Sound with Black Nite Crash
(Neon Sigh, October 2022)
Sam Russell & Patrick Gibbs have teamed up to discuss the latest offering from Seattle shoegaze collective Black Nite Crash, Washed in the Sound with Black Nite Crash.
Sam: First of all, I find this to be an extremely well-paced and cohesive album. I tend to listen to it front-to-back most of the time and find if I start with an individual track, I gotta hear what comes after then after that. The production and arrangements are superb and after many listens, I keep hearing new textures that open up the songs’ mood and meanings for me rather than just being impressive shoegaze bells and whistles.
My first question to you is, as a long time BNC listener, how does this album compare to past ones? Obviously the addition of Claire Tucker on this album adds a (literal) new voice and new creative contribution to the arrangements. But can you (as objectively as possible, tough I know) hear specific contrasts between BNC of days of yore and the present?
Patrick: I think that the most significant difference in the sound of this album and previous releases from Black Nite Crash is that the sound is so clean. Not just the vocals, but the guitars and drums too. It’s really exciting to hear the voice of Jim Biggs step forward and away from the wash of reverb that many earlier albums and EPs used. Similarly, the guitar contributions of Sharim Johnson (now fronting bloococoon) soar. I am certain that between Sharim, Claire, and Jim there were enough guitar pedals to supply a modest guitar shop.
The difference here on Washed in the Sound is the economy in the use of their collective effects. The voicings of all of the players are allowed more space to stand out. I think it makes their individual contributions more meaningful. This goes for the bass playing of Jasun Hadaway and the Tony Zuniga’s drum playing too. Listening to it, I hear a lot more Julian Cope than I do Ride.
Sam: Coming to BNC initially from knowing Claire’s work with Loose Wing and her solo ventures, I find the contrast between her songwriting (lyrically at least) and Jim’s on the album to give the album a variety in literary textures to go with the obvious wide sonic palette. I also note that Claire is actually using a slightly different vocal approach in regards to her timbre and enunciation for her vocal delivery, the same way an actor will dial their character in to a specific role. I’d dare say it’s almost more of a “pop” vocal than what one would consider a traditional “indie” vocal and provides an excellent foil to Jim’s gothic (if not wholly goth) delivery.
Patrick: What I hear in listening to Washed in the Sound is an extremely well-rehearsed band whose members are aware of and respect what each of the others has to offer to the collective. There isn’t a track on the record that I hear as a “Jim song” or a “Claire song.” It is very much an album where I can hear the voices and the contributions of each of the players. Sharim’s, Jasun’s, and Tony’s playing are as essential to the sound as either of the vocalists. What amazes me is how well each of the five finds their moments to step forward to be featured. Even more amazing is how they all fall back to allow the others the opportunity to shine. It is genuinely one of the best band albums that I have heard in a long, long time. They don’t take turns and solo like a jazz combo might, but they do modulate who is out front and being featured whether it be a vocal effort, a series of guitar licks, or a kiss of percussive swells. It is, I think, because there is so much trading of who’s at the fore that you don’t hear the same voicing from Claire that you might expect from knowing her work with Loose Wing or her solo efforts, and why I did a double take when I learned that it was Jim singing vocals on “NY Animal” and “Something About You.” I honestly thought that there was a second lead male vocalist. No one here sounds like they would if this was exclusively their project. They each find new articulations that fit better into the ensemble.
Sam: Agreed! So in short (and for the pull quote?) this album is a marvel of craft, performance, songwriting and definitely worth multiple listens to discover how so. Check it out ASAP and see BNC live next time you have the chance to fully & truly be Washed in the Sound.