Displaying an elegance and savvy soulfulness of a band wise beyond their years, it’s hard to believe that Black Blondie are only now making the announcement for what they consider to be their “debut”. The local fourpiece has been earning respect and acclaim both locally and nationally over the past few years for their danceable, experimental style of gritty, soul, pop, hip-hop and R&B; they’ve been tapped to open for everyone from the Roots to Jill Scott to K’naan to Amy Winehouse (as well as participated in countless much smaller local gigs) and even appeared on URB‘s shortlist of artists to watch out for in the Mar/Apr 2008 issue. Now, thanks to City Pages Gimme Noise, we’re aware that the group has scheduled an April 14th release for their first official LP, Do You Remember Who You Wanted To Be? The time couldn’t be better for them to release this, and from the sounds of the sample that they provided, “Candy Cigarettes”, they’re not holding anything back. As strong and powerful as it is soothing, the vocal combination of Black Blondie’s Samahra and Channy Moon Casselle from Roma di Luna is a something to be commended. Indeed, it’s a haunting mood they’ve created on this song, and I’m grooving on it; I can’t wait to hear more when the release comes April 14th and I’m sure many longtime Black Blondie fans are thinking the same thing.
MP3: Black Blondie, “Candy Cigarettes (featuring Channy Moon Casselle)” (from Do You Remember Who You Wanted To Be?, available 4/14)
MIND INVERSION 