Black Honey - Written & Directed

 

"Written & Directed" is the second album by Brighton indie rock band Black Honey.  Having formed in 2014, they took the route of releasing singles and EPs before releasing their self-titled debut album in 2018.  "Written & Directed" dropped in late March 2021 and this is when I discovered them after a tip off from a mate.  The band consists of Izzy Baxter Phillips on vocals and guitar, Chris Ostler on guitar, Tommy Taylor on bass and Alex Woodward on drums.

I think the thing that grabs me the most about this album is the songs are just so catchy and infectious.  They are straight up 3 minute, in your face, indie rock goodness. I think the songs that stand out the most for me is when they have used brass instruments.  Using these have really given them an edge and made them stand out from the crowd and enhanced their sound.  This can be seen in songs like "Believer", "Beaches" and "Fire".  This is particularly noted on fire as the brass is like a riff in the chorus it really is amazing and is probably my favourite song on the album.

This album sits at 30 minutes and 10 songs long so some might argue that its a bit on the short side.  But I am finding that I listen to it because its 30 minutes. Sometimes I just like the fact, when I have not got time to listen to a longer album. I know I can put this album on and get the full experience in 30 minutes.  It's just nice to have that option as to be honest most albums I listen to are 40 minutes to an hour long.

I would say generally this is quite a feel-good album which will suit those who like standing gigs and like to move about while appreciating the music.  But at the same time its why I am slightly surprised and disappointed with the last track on the album "Gabrielle". As an album closer I realise maybe they wanted a soft acoustic track to finish the album.  For me though I think it would be better suited for a Katie Melua album such is the style of it.  It would fit in perfectly there.  But for this album I just want to keep those grooves going.

Overall though I would say this is a superb album and would only see the last track as a minor hiccup.   They have more than made up for it through the experience of listening to the rest of this album.  It's just feel-good music and Izzy's vocals are amazing.  Comparing her vocals to Katie Melua is a compliment of the highest order.  I think Black Honey are on the brink of something very exciting and I look forward to seeing if they can breakthrough even more.  This album went top 10 in the charts in its first week and long may that continue for future albums.