Essex-based indie-rock outfit Black Pines recently released their new single/music video, “Chains,” following last year’s hit singles – “Heaven’s Son,” “Power,” and “Hope,” as well as the stripped-down Isolation Tapes.
Talking about “Chains,” the band shares, “This was the first track we created after our debut 3 singles. It marks a somewhat noticeable creative swerve, and a change of attitude when it comes to our songwriting – likely motivated by our Covid-induced isolation. It’s more fun and less forgiving and pushes Tom’s vocals to new heights.
“Sonically, ‘Chains’ was born from a love of what Nothing But Thieves and Royal Blood had created recently, as well as paying homage to the pitch bending, tone destroying guitars of past players like Tom Morello or Prince!”
Black Pines goes on, adding, “We wanted to push every one of our parts to the next level, take Tom’s vocal range stratospheric, go harder with the guitars and create memorable hooks throughout.
“At times the writing process was extremely challenging with very few options available to us. Having to write remotely online creates tensions and can back you into a corner artistically. I think that’s why in the end the overall sound of these songs is a hopeful positive one, that I think everyone was so desperate for.”
Formed in 2019, Black Pines is made up of Tom Clark (vocals), Jake Ringsell (guitar), Connor Sheehan (keyboards), and Jamie Abela (drums).
“Chains” opens on thick, bluesy colors with hints of wicked gospel savors. Tom’s dark, oozing timbres, vaguely reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, sizzle with intense, aching textures, imbuing the lyrics with melancholy and regret. Sleazy guitars ride a rhythmic pulse thumping with Jovian heft.
“My time is my maker / Where I spread my disease / Where I’m lost from belief / Where I can be free / I’m tried by my maker / And I’m left to believe / Nowhere I’d rather be / Right where I can be free / To all my enemies / To the one’s I’ve freed / By my side / Chained to me.”
The video features Ainè Rose Daly, of Amazon Prime’s HANNA, who leads a manacled figure down a dirt road. Visual cuts to the band playing in a crowded club reveal them constrained by heavy chains. Raw and dramatic, the video leaves viewers with a powerful impression.
With “Chains,” Black Pines rolls out a potent blues-rock offering, brimming with slick guitars and the spellbinding voice of Tom Clark.
