The New Black – II Better In Black

Releasedate: 21-01-2011; Label: AFM Records
By: Nina Mende

The story begins in a Melbourne nursing home through a chance meeting by two musicians and music lovers Etienne Mamo and Scott MacArthur. Scott was performing as part of the Salvation Army Band to the elderly residents. Etienne was impressed with Scott’s rendition of Bowies classic “Rebel, Rebel” and the two bonded over Bowie, The Clash, Buzzcocks, Ratcat and early 70’s punk bands. They spent the next year writing songs and scouting for future band members Paul Gatt on drums, Etienne’s brother Chris Raphel on bass and more recently Shen Poh who was to replace Scott.

12 new songs of The New Black, called “II Better In Black”, are rocking your ears. Fast double kick, deep vocals sung by a great rocking voice, along with great guitar riffs is what you get on this record. 12 songs full of great Rock’n’Roll, with the first ones kicking your ass while the latter ones are calmer. “Into Modesty” for example is a slow song. “Happy Zombies” is a quite mellow song as well. “When It All Ends” begins with an acoustic guitar and sounds a little like out of a western. “II Better In Black” has it all: Kick ass fast songs as well as slow songs. Enjoy the new album of The New Black.

Tracklist: 01. Better in Black 02. The King I Was 03. Batteries And Rust 04. Downgrade 05. Into Modesty 06. Altar Boys 07. Happy Zombies 08. My Favorite Disease 09. Fading Me Out 10. When It All Ends 11. Last Chance To Throw Dirt 12. Sun Cries Moon

Links:
The New Black MySpace