“Connected // Forgotten” by Blackchords is a subtle yet emotionally resonant musical journey that marks the marquee return of the group after a lengthy nine-year hiatus. The record immerses listeners in a dreamy realm of post-rock and dark pop, where themes of love, grief, fear, and hope appear front and centre.
Opening up a cinematic post-rock dreamland, where the full spectrum of the human experience is on display, Blackchords beautifully captures the complexity of life, offering both moments of sheer beauty and instances of chaos through its powerful and evocative soundscapes. The opening record, ‘More Than You Will Ever Know,’ thrives off of a luscious string arrangement and a moody soundscape brought to resplendent life through delectable vocal harmonies.
Each track on this album is a unique doorway to a different musical landscape. From the dark synth funk of ‘Trawler’ to the brooding yet explosive rock of ‘No Place To Be,’ you’re taken on a remarkably diverse and exquisite sonic journey that immerses and washes over you.
“Connected // Forgotten” draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including legendary acts like Pink Floyd and Isao Tomita from the 70s, as well as indie artists such as Metronomy and Phoenix from the 2000s. Amidst these varied influences, Blackchords’ signature brooding and introspective sound remains front and centre, giving the album a unique and compelling sonic identity. There’s a tapestry of sonic interpolations weaved together here, a landmark achievement from this Melbourne based outfit.