Black Marble - Fast Idol LP (Gold Nugget Coloured Vinyl)

BLACK MARBLE (USA) - Fast Idol (sealed LP copy) (2021) Gold Nugget coloured vinyl. The solo project of multi-instrumentalist Chris Stewart continues his decade-long quest to rewrite ’80s Synth-Pop on his latest record (October 22nd, 2021), an enjoyable homage that struggles to reach the heights of its influences. Though steeped in dated niceties of '80s production aesthetics, brandished by yesteryear's minimal Synth and Cold Wave movements, Black Marble remains timeless, refreshing, and oddly exciting. Sure, Stewart's music, to virgin ears at least, doesn't stray far from adjacent acts like Drab Majesty, Choir Boy, or even those on the more ethereal end of the Synth-Pop spectrum like Wild Nothing. But deeper and dedicated listening proves Black Marble a cut above the rest, with far more emotional depth and nuance than individuals fail to recognize.

It may not be apparent to the casual passer-byers of depressive Synth Music nor nostalgia purists, but Black Marble is essential. That's hard to admit with any band of this derivative realm, but Chris Stewart continues to breathe life into its cavernous body. He keeps the past alive by presenting familiarity and the mere appreciation of being alive. Black Marble never has, nor will it ever, make music that shatters expectations. But there will always be a need for an artist like Chris Stewart, reminding us with every record, to hold on to a moment — a memory — cherishing them knowing very well it's all we have in the end. Sacred Bones Records – SBR-278