Black Square are a reggae band from the island of Oahu in Hawaii. They have a definite punk attitude with their music with influences ranging from ska to hardcore and old school reggae. Black Square have released four albums since their formation which include End the Cycle (2004), One Glass of Water (2006), Onward (2008), and their latest, a self-titled album.
Black Square have progressed musically from album to album since their humble beginnings with End the Cycle. With their latest, a self-titled record, Black Square have crafted 13 songs of fine composition through delivery of some really tight musicianship. The guitars (Josh86) and bass (Taylor) are in sync on this record, very fluid and on beat. The drums (Brian) too reflect this, with one example being the first eight bars of Slow Down. Another more sweet sounding part of the album, if not the best, is the horn section.
Black Square have progressed musically from album to album since their humble beginnings with End the Cycle. With their latest, a self-titled record, Black Square have crafted 13 songs of fine composition through delivery of some really tight musicianship. The guitars (Josh86) and bass (Taylor) are in sync on this record, very fluid and on beat. The drums (Brian) too reflect this, with one example being the first eight bars of Slow Down. Another more sweet sounding part of the album, if not the best, is the horn section.
The new record from Black Square
Communication is a lot tighter among the players than on previous records, with more call and response between the instruments and a bit of (what sounds like) improvisation. The album's opener, Long Time Coming, is easily the best song on the record. It begins strong with the horn section leading the way, starting right where Onward left off. The horn section carries a lot more melody in the songs, and the players (T.R., Babyface, and Jared) are more courageous with their solos - that's more obvious (and the best part of Long Time Coming). The album continues with an onset of new originals including a fantastic cover of the Toots and The Maytals song, 54 46 was My Number. Other stand out songs include the upbeat, Old House, The Judge and In the Day, and the epic jam of, Soundhouse. The songs on this record are more than likely the best songs Black Square has ever written. This should hold true until the next album.
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