The Black Hands
Occasionally a band is put on my radar which doesn’t follow the conventions of most of the bands we feature, and the Black Hands are just one of those. Describing themselves as Southern Blues and Rock this 6 piece band from Alfreton are seemingly on the road to success having already made some quite substantial achievements.
Short Changed opens with drums and guitars, immediately taking on a Southern Rock feel, simple but effective! As the vocals kick in the track continues on its bluesy pathway, keeping the elements of the song simple but achieving the sound they say they’ve got on offer. This music isn’t heavy or fast paced, it’s easy to listen to laid back Southern Blues which keeps the listener engaged through telling a story.
As the track fades into The Devils Way, the pace is picked up and a more funky edge is added to the guitar, sounding almost Rolling Stones like in the way it seems to strut onwards. Catchy from the outset, this track keeps the Southern Blues/Rock approach going throughout, again telling a story as it progresses. As the track finishes though, Get What You Need kicks in as a complete contrast, once again slowing proceedings down and simplifying the track to just a vocal line over the guitar and drums. Sounding very Led Zepplin like, this track is quite possibly my favourite from the selection as it sounds like a well established track which you should know the lyrics to and will have you nodding along within moments. The different vocal approaches here also offer contrasts within the track which further develop the sound of the band.
Final track 45 provides yet another contrast to the tracks which have come before it, opening with guitars and a harmonica, this track is more stereotypically Southern Blues than the others. Again this is a catchy track which is kept simple throughout, creating a sound which is reminiscent of well established Southern Rock bands which will have you singing along – I imagine this track is a particular triumph live as the lyrics are perfect for a good sing along!
Reflecting on Black Hands, I’m left wanting more from these guys. I’m surprised they’re a 6 piece as at times they don’t sound like one, their sound is clean and uncluttered which normally only comes from a 4 piece band, however they’ve proven they can achieve it. Bands like these guys are normally better live than on a recording so this is another band I’ll be adding to me ‘must see’ list – it’ll be interesting to see if it can be replicated.
To find out more about Black Hands, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Short Changed opens with drums and guitars, immediately taking on a Southern Rock feel, simple but effective! As the vocals kick in the track continues on its bluesy pathway, keeping the elements of the song simple but achieving the sound they say they’ve got on offer. This music isn’t heavy or fast paced, it’s easy to listen to laid back Southern Blues which keeps the listener engaged through telling a story.
As the track fades into The Devils Way, the pace is picked up and a more funky edge is added to the guitar, sounding almost Rolling Stones like in the way it seems to strut onwards. Catchy from the outset, this track keeps the Southern Blues/Rock approach going throughout, again telling a story as it progresses. As the track finishes though, Get What You Need kicks in as a complete contrast, once again slowing proceedings down and simplifying the track to just a vocal line over the guitar and drums. Sounding very Led Zepplin like, this track is quite possibly my favourite from the selection as it sounds like a well established track which you should know the lyrics to and will have you nodding along within moments. The different vocal approaches here also offer contrasts within the track which further develop the sound of the band.
Final track 45 provides yet another contrast to the tracks which have come before it, opening with guitars and a harmonica, this track is more stereotypically Southern Blues than the others. Again this is a catchy track which is kept simple throughout, creating a sound which is reminiscent of well established Southern Rock bands which will have you singing along – I imagine this track is a particular triumph live as the lyrics are perfect for a good sing along!
Reflecting on Black Hands, I’m left wanting more from these guys. I’m surprised they’re a 6 piece as at times they don’t sound like one, their sound is clean and uncluttered which normally only comes from a 4 piece band, however they’ve proven they can achieve it. Bands like these guys are normally better live than on a recording so this is another band I’ll be adding to me ‘must see’ list – it’ll be interesting to see if it can be replicated.
To find out more about Black Hands, check out their Facebook page HERE.