FEBRUARY 11, 2022
WRITTEN BY AUTUMN MARTIN
WRITTEN BY AUTUMN MARTIN
BLKVAPOR RELEASE THEIR KICKASS EP 'VAPORISING'
|
The femme-fronted rock band BLKVAPOR from Baltimore, Maryland are releasing their debut EP Vaporising on February 11th. The band formed in 2019, and they had their first release in 2021 titled “Fuck You (Transphobia)”, which was only a raw demo. Going from only doing covers and having a couple of demos, Vaporising will be the biggest thing they’ve done, so far in their career. Despite the sparse amount of music, you may have heard plenty about them from playing shows throughout the Baltimore and Washington D.C areas while supporting bands like Abdu Ali, Pinkshift, Blvck Hippie, and many more alternative eastern bands.
|
Their sound cannot be pinned down under a label of any specific alternative type of music, so new music from them sparks curiosity and intrigue. From DIY hardcore shows, raves, to galleries and sound art installations, BLKVAPOR have played to a variety of scenes. Their music is made for uplifting underrepresented voices, such as themselves. Kirby Bell, Safra Tadesse, and Proxy Alexander write songs inspired by their friendship and their shared identities as black transgender people. The band has stated Vaporising is inspired by all the struggles they’ve had to overcome since their band was formed.
This short, three song EP provides more of what BLKVAPOR has to offer in terms of style, sound, and musical skills. “Dragonslayer” is the first track off the EP, a heavy opener that makes their influences from 90’s grunge bands like Soundgarden evident. This first song also gives a taste of their heavy rock side immediately, and how experimental their music is. Distorted guitars are the first thing you hear, and it’s very grungy. Then vocals with almost no melody and almost indistinguishable lyrics are added. The vocals are reminiscent of what is heard with goth music; the singing is very emotive with a lot of screaming/howling methods of singing. This track can be described as gothic noise music due to it’s dark arrangement, and dramatic, melancholy melody over all the reverb, distortion, and crashing drums. Just from track one alone, it’s clear how unique and diverse the music of BLKVAPOR will be.
|
|
The EP takes a jarring turn going to its second song titled “Doomscrolling.” With the shift in tone, there comes gentle finger-picking and interesting lyrics about dreams, licorice, and listerine (to name a few of the specific imagery used). Their depressing, melancholy feeling stays intact with this song, as well, especially with the line “there is no end” being repeated. BLKVAPOR said this EP is about their struggles and this song makes that clear. The heaviness also comes back around when this soft song picks up and turns into a fast punk rock song by the time it’s over. “Doomscrolling” is a fantastic song with creative lyrics and a great vibe.
|
The final song off Vaporising is called “Foxglove.” This track brings back the aggressiveness and distortion of the first song. It’s not as heavy as the first track, but the 90’s grunge rock feel continues, giving off vibes similar to The Smashing Pumpkins this time, particularly with the lead guitar. Interesting, creative lyrics prove to be a strength after listening to all three songs, too. This final song evolves into a fast, upbeat punk rock song, and the perfect choice for the EP’s closing track.
Although BLKVAPOR’s music is easily compared to music of the 90’s, their sound would not fit into that one time frame of alternative music. Taking inspiration of past genres, their music also perfectly blends into the DIY hardcore scene. They are a fascinating band with an experimental sound that mixes rock and punk among noise. They are their own unique entity.
Although BLKVAPOR’s music is easily compared to music of the 90’s, their sound would not fit into that one time frame of alternative music. Taking inspiration of past genres, their music also perfectly blends into the DIY hardcore scene. They are a fascinating band with an experimental sound that mixes rock and punk among noise. They are their own unique entity.
