Black Flak and the Nightmare Fighters are an act who have just come to our attention thanks to their image-laden and dynamic fourth album, Ode to Ebb and Flow.

By Graeme Smith

Ode to Ebb and Flow hits hard right from the off through the moody and menacing opening bars of Silent Mental Violence. The softness of the vocals nicely contrasts the hardness of the instrumental as things get simmering and melodic in the verse before becoming nicely theatrical with some vicious growls. It’s a strong start.

Depth Light builds on it with a memorable, soul-searching moment that builds with edgy riffs and a sense of drama. Salt and Sand is a wonderfully immersive number rich with electronic undertows before Squall adds some storminess. Waves rises and falls appropriately.

A Portrait of You is a stripped-back and stirring late album highlight before Another Chapter closes things with a rousing crescendo.

Across the album, the band take on hefty themes including dealing with anger, abandonment, addiction, tempering that with a message of growing through reflection, forgiveness, resilience, love of self, and friendship. This is suitably mirrored in the album’s compositions that give us different shades of dark and light. Its an emotional journey in which you, as listener, can become completely absorbed. If you’re looking to feel something today, then look no further than this album.

Ode to Ebb and Flow is out now, available to buy on vinyl and CD, and as a digital album on Bandcamp. You can give it a listen below.