Small Black

Small Black has the knack of creating ethereal sounding melodies reminiscent of 80s synthpop that are so delicately delivered that they feel like a cool breeze is blowing through your hair. The way that Small Black performs their music involves creating different sounds that somehow blend into one consolidated sound. This process is accomplished by the immense amount of effects that are used in Small Black’s music. They are constantly running their guitars through heavy reverb and delay, and their synths create a surreal ambience with its glazy sounds of chorus. The lead singer also runs his voice through effects such as reverb that blend in with the rest of the music. His voice seems to be used as an instrument that adds to the overall sound rather than by a means to convey a lyrical message. The bass playing is perhaps the most dominating force behind the music that is clearly represented. The bass and the drums are played very crisply to hold the rest of the uncontrolled music together.
Small Black is not afraid to delve far into the classic sounds of ‘80s synthpop. A catchy riff can always be heard playing on a deep, analog sounding synth. Like most electronic artists who perform their music with heavy use of preprogramed music on the computer, Small Black tends to take a more organic approach by creating most of their music through the use of more traditional instruments. Their live performances are very energetic and often turn into dance parties when catchy songs such as “Breathless” are played. Their audience always seems to be engaged in the performance and dance along to the rhythm of the songs.
Small Black also puts on an epic light show with colorful lights flashing all over the stage to the beat of the songs. The heavy reverb of the guitars, the soothing singing of Ryan Heyner’s voice, the warm, pulsing tones of the synthesizers, and the washed over atmosphere of Small Black’s performance makes their show an out of this world performance that should not be missed.

I'm a huge advocate of hard working bands adopting the mentalities of bands breaking out in the 60s, 70s and 80s and Brooklyn indie outfit Small Black are very much one of these. Since they broke from beneath the radar in 2010 with the debut album 'New Chain' they have been on the road constantly promoting the release and reaching their international fanbase.

The followup 'Limits Of Desire' was another example of high quality chill wave/synth-pop and the setlist is split well between these two releases this evening. There is a rightful lean towards the second album as it is a far more developed, cinematic record which translates well on the stage and fans react well to this feeling of grandeur as it successfully demonstrates where the group could potentially go with their music. The older tracks are of course sung back with more force and the group is visibly pleased during the finale of 'Photojournalist'. Great band, great show, go see them asap.

Its pretty rare that a chill wave act carries the atmosphere and presence that's presented on their album. With their 4 piece live act, they carry the weight and liveliness of all their records and then some. This show was incredible. Come back to ATL anytime.

I have enjoyed listening to your band for quite a while now. I was excited to see a live performance. However, I was extremely disappointed. The sound was bad, and you could not hear any vocals. Unfortunately, we left after two songs. Highly disappointing.

One of those bands which you respect less after seeing them live. Band had a very bro-ish persona, and music came across as very unauthentic. Will not go out of my way to see them again.

Good show. Started off a little rocky but the lead singer was able to smooth out the vocals and get into it a bit. They played all of the good songs.