The group’s charismatic and highly energetic frontwoman, Izzy B. Phillips has enjoyed a side career as a tattoo artist and has been two years sober. The byproduct of this new self-reflective period is some of the group’s most introspective and creative work on the Brighton group’s fourth LP, Soak.
The grunge and punk influences of their previous albums remain intact, but this feels like an expansion, channelling their fury in exciting ways. "Insulin" has a slower intro, but rest assured, there is a fire lurking underneath the surface that comes out during its soaring, frenzied chorus, Phillip’s vocals taking flight.
"Dead" may sound upbeat, built around jangly riffs, but it has a darkness in its lyrics as Phillips sings about an imperfect relationship and being “already dead for you”. It is an interesting mismatch, but one that sums up Black Honey’s sound and the emotional complexity at the heart of this album.
For all the raucous moments, there are glimpses of a different side to the group. "Psycho" has more of a shoegaze feel to it, far more of an out-and-out pop vibe with some spoken word segments. There is a wry humour at its core, and it is a departure that works, showing the group’s versatility and willingness to push themselves in new sonic directions. "Sad Sun" feels like a natural companion, with a lighter feel, built around gorgeous vocals that don’t feel too dissimilar to some of Wolf Alice’s work in the best way possible.
Chris Ostler, is given plenty of opportunities to shine on lead guitar, especially on the moody and hypnotic "Carroll Avenue", unfurling a bluesy solo. The title track has a similar tone, although more up-tempo. It perfectly encapsulates this era of Black Honey, maybe not as rough around the edges as they once were, but more than capable of packing a punch and with a more refined sound that shows a real evolution and musical maturity. "Vampire in the Kitchen"'s outro takes the group to new heights; it is fierce, frenetic, and a testament to the band’s musicianship.
This is easily the most varied record Black Honey has put out to date. The record came together in Colombia, LA and Brussels, and the global, inquisitive nature of it is apparent in the end result. If fans had a preconceived idea of what a Black Honey album would sound like, Soak tears up the script, delivering a fascinating collection of twelve tracks that highlight where Phillips and the rest of the band are at. It has the angst and energy we have come to expect, but refined through a miscellany of new sounds and influences while challenging what a Black Honey record can be, shifting away from their punk and grunge roots and cementing their growing reputation.
