This is a band that grew up listening, I mean really listening, to some quality music. The difference is they are now writing it themselves. I waited and watched from the wings convinced that soon I would have to pay a hell of a lot more for a Blackbud ticket and prepared to watch them in a much larger venue than this great little club.
Sure enough, From The Sky delivered what I hoped. The rave reviews flooded in with my favourite being from the UK Guardian newspaper who expertly summed up the situation with, ‘ridiculously talented, it’s our duty to make them famous’.
They went on to win the best unsigned band of Glastonbury 2004. Now they have released their impressive second self-titled album, a record that will surely kick start them along that road to fame. If it doesn’t, I’ll eat that fretless bass.
Without doubt Blackbud, the album, moves the band further down that path towards a wider spread of recognition. The musicianship is solid, the songwriting exceptional, and the performance of each part of the trio extraordinarily good. From The Sky gave us highlights such as “Switch”, “Goodbye Song (Cold Haroudan)”, and “Sitting By The River. This album more than successfully builds on all that has gone before.
This is a band that has the ability to grow, as long as their heart and desire to do so remain. The album opens with one of its strongest tracks “Left Your Arms Empty”. It’s rather simply strummed acoustic opening builds towards Joe’s entrance. Immediately you know that this voice is exceptionally gifted.
Sam and Adam continue with their watertight understanding throughout the album. Joe’s swooping guitar, irrespective of the odd brief break, is never allowed to detract from the essence of the song. “You Can Run” is the single from the album and just might prove to be your first memorable exposure to the band.
“Wandering Song” is a Blackbud anthem and when they play this year's Glastonbury it is sure to make an impact. Produced by Mike Crossley (Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys) this album cements the quality I witnessed literally radiating from three very young lads who had travelled all the way to play a support slot in Southend. Such was the impact that I can’t remember who I had actually gone there to see.
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