Single Review: Black Sheep

Cherry Blind (formally known as Minimal Silence) have recently dropped 1 minute and 25 seconds of adrenaline soaked punk-rock-grunge-noise in the form of brand new single Black Sheep. A name change can always go a few ways but with a new single following afterwards, people can be rest assured they are coming out of the 2019 gates swinging and ready to launch.

The intro of this song took me straight back to nineties skate punk, with the double guitar interplay and then a huge Dave Grohl sounding snare roll (courtesy of drummer Mark Tohovaka) which reminds of Nirvana’s Territorial Pissings. There’s an interesting mix of rock sub-genre crossover and it works. It’s got the clear straight forward Cali Punk rock sound and speed with grunge overtones in the vocals and then a bit of early self-titled Foo Fighters.

Production is sleek, solid and crisp. Super clear instrumentation, they have worked with the likes of Six60’s Chris Mac and Simon Gooding whose credits include Pink and Devilskin, so they have some heavy hitters in production, and it shows. This is the first song to also include new guitarist Asher Pirani and alongside Sebastian Munro, the guitar sound is well filled out and adds a bigger impact to their overall sound.

Vocalist/Bassist Logan Anderson sings with a controlled intensity. He’s making a point but it’s clear and controlled. I like the addition of the screamed background vocals, particularity fitting with the lyrical content, it’s got a political feel but not overstated or preachy, “we’re not for sale, we’re not yours to claim”. The chorus is catchy with some good melodic hooks. While the majority of the guitar riffs are familiar, it is the nature of the genre and they have done well to make a memorable song with a short run time.

Be sure to catch Cherry Blind supporting Skinny Hobos this weekend at an All Ages showdown in Grey Lynn, they will certainly bring a massive show.