Black Books “Cheer Up” Listeners With New EP
By Amy Paine
Self-described “cosmic cowboy shoegaze” act Black Books’ tenth year writing and performing together starts off with a brand-new EP, Cheer Up, released today. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band is led by singer Ross Gilfillan, whose vocals soar over chill, yet layered instrumentals to create a mellow sound perfect as a soundtrack to your average day.
At the end of January, the six-piece band released Cheer Up’s lead single, “In The In.” The song’s slow tempo allows for a relaxed mood without sacrificing energy or passion. The song feels orchestral, almost cinematic; it’s easy to imagine it backing a scene in a Netflix original.
Next, “Goodbye Cool” takes an upbeat turn as Gilfillan’s vocals float above a shimmering background that reflects the bright blue waters of the EP’s cover. The penultimate track, “Holy Deja Vu,” approaches psychedelic territory during its over-five-minute runtime. The gradual progression of the track allows for a brief change in mood before returning to the EP’s overall hopeful vibe ahead of the final track, “I’m Not Sure But I’m Sorry.” The final song starts slow but builds momentum under a repeated vocal riff before its faded outro.
After ten years of working together, two full-length albums, a handful of EPs, millions of streams, and shows around the world from London to the New York apartment of Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz, it’s no surprise that Black Books are experts in the dream-pop field. Their slow sound doesn’t attack listeners with overproduced tracks and aggressive melodies. Instead, Black Books’ work sounds like background music in the best way possible: their music lets the listener take center stage, providing a soundtrack for their experiences.
Cheer Up is available NOW on all digital streaming platforms.
Keep up with Black Books via their social media!