Good Morning!
Today we’re listening to “Black Sheep” by Phosphene
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Cape Meares is on Oregon’s north-central coast in between the places people usually travel to. It’s out there. The landscape is beautifully stark, with weather best described as reliably inconsistent. It’s volatile, and natives know to always have a sweatshirt—or parka— with them (never an umbrella). It is a place to look at tidepools, not work on your tan.
And all of that makes it a great place for a post-punk/shoegaze band to film a video.
Portland-based Phosphene is guitarist/vocalist Rachel Frankel and guitarist/drummer Matt Hemmerich. The duo started in 2014 with a self-titled debut LP and followed that with 2020’s Lotus Eaters. Ahead of the September release of their 3rd LP, Transmute, they’ve just released a new single, “Black Sheep.”
The pair landed in The Rose City by way of the Bay Area, and “Black Sheep” was one of the first tracks they recorded after making the move up I-5. Musically, the track is layered with growling guitars and lighter synthesizers—equal parts post-punk and dream pop.
Lyrically, the track looks at a life where depression is ever present, looming like a gray cloud over you. Writing it helped Hemmerich navigate his own mental health. “I had to learn to empower myself through self-love and excavation while understanding that depression is something I must manage,” he says.
In keeping with that theme, the pair filmed the song’s video at Cape Meares, a beautiful place that nevertheless can turn moody and unsteady without warning. Cape Disappointment is not too far north. Cape Foulweather is just south. They’re named appropriately. Frankel and Hemmerich emphasized the song’s ominous nature, doubling down by filming the clip in black & white. Says Frankel, “Our aim was to create a timeless and cinematic atmosphere, so everything from the black and white grading and wardrobe to the frame rate and practical effects was intentional.”
Check out the track below. It’s available on all the usual platforms. Transmute will be available on September 15th.
Listen:
“Black Sheep” by Phosphene | Transmute, 2023
Click the record to listen on the platform of your choice.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this track!
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
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I’m so thrilled you chose this one to feature! I used to work with Matt during his time in San Francisco and got to hear Phosphene stuff they were working on (I believe it was while they were recording their first album). I loved it and thought they could go big. I guess going back to Portland was the right move. Two more albums I didn’t know about! I’d forgotten to keep up with them, so doubly thanks! This song is shoegazy in all the best emotionally rich, poppy ways.
Well I just commented on another thread re Phosphene and here you are with a feature! Love love love their vibe, and it makes total sense they are NW based.