What is it about bands with “black” in their name… why are they so GOOD!? Is this like some musician’s code for “we are awesome”? Is it a Pick of Destiny thing?
First there was Black Sabbath, then there was Black Flag, then, there were The Black Keys, … and now… ladies and gentlemen, take note: there is Burning Jet Black.
Description: It tastes like burning!
I didn’t make that up — that’s directly from their bio. However, after their brief but mighty set at Silverlake Lounge the other night and a couple post-gig hugs and kisses that resulted in a face full of various band-member sweat, I can tell you with certainty that it does, in fact, taste like burning. Burning awesome that is. Let’s start off with the fact that they played on the same bill with local LA indie rock favorite, Wires in the Walls. If Wires in the Walls is having them, they certainly merit your attention.
Hailing from Los Angeles, BJB, is a foursome of über-talented musicians who have been trolling the local rock circuit for years, albeit under another name. The 4-piece formerly known around town since 2004 as The Whiskey Saints has played everywhere from Canters famous Kibbitz Room, to Hotel Café, to somewhere in Tijuana. Recently though, the guys re-booted and re-branded themselves, perhaps fueled (but certainly not the main reason) by the imminent departure of their long-time drummer. Sometimes changes all but finish a band, but sometimes they make them stronger. And so, one new drummer later, they left behind their former heartfelt, emo-singer-songwriter stylings, for an all-new, straight-up, in-your-face, alt-rock approach.
The Black Keys, beware: singer/guitarist David Sparrow, guitarist David Bloomfield, bassist Rob Hughes, and drummer Wes Hall are coming for you. (I was this close to saying “howlin'” ….)
Burning Jet Black is an excellent all-around, down n’ dirty rock band. Singer Sparrow hails from Maryland and, unassuming as he is, he may be the best thing to come out of that state. (No offense, Maryland, you’re just kind of an invisible state.) His quiet, wry smile belies this totally tortured artist whose soulful growls and wails light up a room and make you stop, collaborate, and listen.
Burning Jet Black – rock superheroes
His lyrics can hit you surprisingly hard, and no matter how dark and sweaty the small club in Silverlake is, with guitarist Bloomfield’s powerfully awesome and heavily effected guitar sequences, (think Black Keys Dan Auerbach meets U2’s The Edge) and Rob and Wes’ spectacularly driving rhythm section, you feel as though you have been transported to a sold-out arena concert, front row, rocking out with the boys. Oh, and you are just GOING to fall in guitar-love with Bloomfield’s superhero blue and red custom Fender.
On the band’s Facebook bio, they say their influences are groups like Guided By Voices, The MC5, Kings of Leon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Stooges, Ryan Adams, The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Built To Spill, The White Stripes, .. and I would have to agree. These boys are well worth checking out. Let them marvel with you with tunes like their surefire hit single “Magazine Girl”… which, incidentally, if the video alone isn’t enough to grab you, then you clearly have no nerve endings.
Set List – Silverlake Lounge
Brutal Beyond
Black Limousine
Grounds for Divorce (Elbow cover)
No Soul
Waiting For Tomorrow
Gone
Bleeding Heart
Saved
Magazine Girl
President
So among all these songs, “Saved” and “President” were my personal favorites. Real stand-outs in the crowd, especially when most of today’s independent rock music is rather formulaic; Burning Jet Black is anything but. But you’re not supposed to end a sentence on a preposition. So, I feel like you need to go see these guys yourself, and get back to me with your discerning comments. Don’t forget, you get smarter the more you drink.
Where you can find them: Official Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, SoundCloud, Last.FM
Where you can download “Magazine Girl” for FREE: Bandcamp – which conveniently has their entire debut EP up for download, and you can pay what you want. COULD they be any cooler?
Where you can see them next:
Nov. 7 in Los Angeles @ Molly Malone’s
Nov. 15 in San Diego @ The Casbah
And I highly recommend that you do…
Tatiana Z – KROQ FM, Los Angeles
