Material (Blaqk Audio album)

Material
Studio album by
Blaqk Audio
ReleasedApril 15, 2016
Recorded2015
Genre
Length43:18
LabelBlaqknoise/Kobalt Records
Blaqk Audio chronology
Bright Black Heaven
(2012) 		Material
(2016) 		Only Things We Love
(2019)
Singles from Material
  1. "Anointed"
    Released: 19 February 2016
  2. "First to Love"
    Released: 28 July 2016

Material is the third studio album by American electronica band Blaqk Audio, consisting of Davey Havok and Jade Puget of AFI. it was released on April 15, 2016[1] under Blaqknoise/Kobalt Records.[2] The first single from the album, "Anointed", was released on January 26 for streaming through SoundCloud[3] and through digital retailers on February 19.

Background

Material for the album was written throughout 2014 and was recorded in 2015. Material was originally planned for a release in 2015.[4] Havok has said that the album is lyrically "darker than our records of the past." Music sequencer Ableton Live was used in production of the album.[2]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[5]
Rock Sound7/10[6]
Rolling Stone Australia[7]

The album received generally positive reviews from mainstream critics. Neil Yeung, from AllMusic, gave a positive review: "Since their debut in 2007, Blaqk Audio – the electronic outlet for AFI's Davey Havok and Jade Puget – have toyed with the dance sounds and dark tones of new wave".[5] Tomas Doyle, from Rock Sound, also gave a positive review, stating that "the skill and ease of songwriting the duo bring to the table is a delight".[6]

Writing for Rolling Stone, Sally McMullen gave the album a mixed-to-positive review, saying,

The record embodies a seamless fluidity as energetic electro masks some of the more forlorn lyrics on the likes of "I'm a Mess" and "You Will Hate Me". There's a hint of familiarity as Havok's clean vocals soar on "First to Love" and the title track, but the absence of his signature scratchy growl can be unnerving.[7]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Waiting to Be Told"3:46
2."First to Love"3:43
3."Ceremonial (Burst into Stars)"4:29
4."Anointed"4:27
5."To Be Alone"3:22
6."Black at the Center"3:45
7."Curious Friends"4:53
8."Graphic Violence"4:14
9."I'm a Mess"3:39
10."Material"3:13
11."You Will Hate Me"3:48
Total length:43:18

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2016) Peak
position
US Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums[8] 1
US Billboard Top Rock Albums[8] 31
US Billboard Top Alternative Albums[8] 21

References

  1. ^ "Material by Blaqk Audio on iTunes". Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  2. ^ a b "AFI's Davey Havok and Jade Puget Return With Blaqk Audio; New Album 'Material' Drops April 15th". Iconvsicon. 19 February 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  3. ^ "Anointed by Blaqk Audio". Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  4. ^ Mendoza, Brent X (28 January 2015). "Davey Havok Storms the Sunset Strip With New Project XTRMST". The Sunset Strip. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  5. ^ a b Yeung, Neil. "Material – Blaqk Audio". AllMusic.
  6. ^ a b Tomas, Doyle. "BLAQK AUDIO – 'MATERIAL'". Rock Sound.
  7. ^ a b McMullen, Sally. "Blaqk Audio – Material". Rolling Stone Australia.
  8. ^ a b c "Blaqk Audio". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved June 9, 2011.