M'Lou Elkins
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the neon glow of 80s synths collides head-on with the raw, driving energy of post-punk, Paradise by Bootblacks has the answer, and it’s nothing short of electric. This fourth studio album from the Brooklyn-based trio is a sleek, sonic escape into a world where darkness and optimism exist in a strange but beautiful harmony.
Paradise opens with the track “Forbidden Flames,” which feels like stepping into an alternate reality. The synths are lush, the drums steady and insistent, and the vocals are simultaneously haunting and alluring, a mix of longing and defiance. The track builds into a driving rhythm that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the album: moody, expansive, and undeniably catchy.
Throughout the record, Bootblacks masterfully blends the dark post-punk sound they’ve become known for with synth-heavy new wave flourishes. “Only You” is a standout that features Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails / Tweaker) handling drums and synths, and Benjamin Harrison (Max Cruise) on sax. It’s a seductive combo, creating an atmosphere that feels both spacious and intimate. It’s the kind of track you’d expect to hear playing in a dimly lit underground club, where everyone’s moving but no one’s talking.
Regarding “Only You,” Bootblacks’ Barrett Hiatt told Music Fiends: “We were introduced to Chris [Vrenna] through our mutual friend (and former political nemesis) William Faith during the pandemic, and he did a remix for our track “Parallel”. We stayed in touch since then and Chris offered his talents for our new record. We explained to him our thoughts on where we wanted the track to go and he was game from the start. Total professional & class act. I think his input might surprise some people, but either way it resulted in a track that we’ve been wanting to create for years, and a friendship that we’re thrilled to have.”
Despite the album’s title, there’s a sense of unease throughout that serves as a reminder that paradise isn’t always what it seems. It’s not all bright and shiny; sometimes, it’s a bit haunting and filled with contradictions too.
The production is tight and polished without feeling overproduced, and the band’s performance is on point. Every track feels well thought out, building on the last and pushing the sound forward while staying true to Bootblacks’ roots.
If there’s one thing Paradise proves, it’s that Bootblacks have carved out a sound that’s entirely their own, somewhere between the shadowy depths of post-punk and the neon-soaked world of ’80s synth. It’s a dynamic record that’s bound to hit all the right notes for fans of both genres while leaving enough room for fresh faces to find themselves swept up in the music.
Paradise isn’t just a sonic journey through synths and drums. It’s a dark, dreamy escape that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. If you’re ready to embrace both the shadows and the light, this album is your ticket to an unforgettable ride.
Paradise drops June 13th via Artoffact Records and is available for preorder now, right here.
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