Wayne Szalinski
Black Mirror



Release Date: 2014 | Tracklist

Review Summary: “Black Mirror” is a solid debut from this fledgling indie-emo outfit

I find it surprising that Wayne Szalinski’s debut LP “Black Mirror” hasn’t got that much exposure, considering that their style of emo tinted math-rock is quite popular at the moment, and has been for a few years now. Though perhaps it’s because Black Mirror stands apart from its contemporaries in that it’s not really an emo record in any conventional sense of the word. While the lyrics of Black Mirror may contain oblique references to sexual uncertainty and masculinity, it lacks that awfully self-deprecating introspective feeling many bands dwell in that so often drag a debut down. Even more impressive is Wayne Szalinski’s heavy math rock slant manages to stay away from the self-indulgent noodling that so often comes with the “math” tag.

“Black Mirror” is a strange mix of emo, math rock and indie rock that strays between each almost equally. It’s catchy in a very subdued way, chilled indie riffs and math rock choruses interspersed with melodic downtime, while vocalist Andy Milad’s quivering vocals take most of the focus and are at the forefront of proceedings. For some this is a blessing and others not, it really depends on how one takes Milad’s sugary crooning as it is somewhat over the top on the appropriately titled opener “Sweetness” and strays into exaggerated angst on “Atrophy for Lethargy”. Milad’s vocals are best when he’s at his most understated, letting the catchy upbeat melodies carry along his soft singing with not too much of the limelight, such as in the softly sweet “Kiss Me In The City”.

“Black Mirror” surpasses its math rock peers in its fluidity as well, as each song meanders along gracefully, flawlessly morphing from intricate guitar driven choruses to mellifluous trumpeting on “Bandages”. Although for all the changes in tone “Black Mirror” still feels somewhat one sided. While the bouncy riffs and upbeat choruses are fun and pleasing to the ear, there isn’t enough to dig your teeth into over periods of extended time. It’s a superficially pleasing experience, sugary sweet riffs mixed with introspective musings that feel meaningful but lack any memorable tone or climax.

But if you can look past the sometimes sickly vocals and pop-emo aesthetic “Black Mirror” is a solid debut from a band that could have easily gone the wrong way. From a song-writing perspective Wayne Szalinski show a lot of potential, as “Black Mirror” feels extremely natural and confident the whole way through. But for all the fluidity and motion these tracks possess, they still tend to end up not really going anywhere. If this energy and momentum could be refined and directed in a way that allows the songs to actually build and go somewhere then Wayne Szalinski's second LP could be something truly special.



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user ratings (35)
4
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
Mort.
July 14th 2015


26098 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

feedback appreciated as always



https://wayneszalinski.bandcamp.com/

LotusFlower
July 14th 2015


12000 Comments


Oh, I remember these guys from a blog post I made a while back for Fondly Truly. Didn't know they had a an LP out though.

DoofusWainwright
July 14th 2015


19991 Comments


Great review Mort, I don't know if I agree as I've not heard this yet but will check it out.

Only minor thing I noticed you might want to edit is you hyphenate math-rock early on and then stop using the hyphen later

Tunaboy45
July 14th 2015


18564 Comments


Awesome review Mort, might have to give this a go.

deathschool
July 14th 2015


28939 Comments


Great review, pos. may check

DoofusWainwright
July 14th 2015


19991 Comments


This dude's voice sounds like the Antony Hegarty of emo, it's distinct I'll give him that

zakalwe
July 14th 2015


40291 Comments


i.e warbly drivel.

DoofusWainwright
July 14th 2015


19991 Comments


Warbly drivel would be a useful genre tag

Judio!
July 14th 2015


8501 Comments


Always makes me happy to see when people enjoy their assigned album this much ;)

Very well-written review have a pos

Mort.
July 14th 2015


26098 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks all

wacknizzle
July 15th 2015


14555 Comments


Good review Mort, gonna check this in a bit

Mort.
July 15th 2015


26098 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

thanks wack

Conmaniac
November 20th 2015


27704 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

under appreciated artist...Atrophy for Lethargy is amazing

Mort.
April 9th 2016


26098 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

havent listened to this in ages, forgot how damned pleasant it is

Conmaniac
April 11th 2016


27704 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

ikr. love this album i come back to it every few weeks or so

TVC15
January 23rd 2017


11375 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Holy shit I've been looking for this album for such a long time! Been looking since my second rating wipe a few years ago and I found this while searching for the Black Mirror soundtrack



I'll put in the Black Mirror soundtracks into the database when I'm done givin this a thorough jamming

Conmaniac
January 23rd 2017


27704 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

killer album here nice bump

TVC15
January 23rd 2017


11375 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Dude you have no idea how happy I am that I'm reunited with this

Conmaniac
January 23rd 2017


27704 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

it wouldve been a sad album to say goodbye to honestly

Mort.
January 24th 2017


26098 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

this is such a sweet album



very chill



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