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THE NEW BLACK - A Young Man's Death

“Melbourne’s catchiest power-pop 4 piece possibly ever” Single of the week, Rave Magazine

“The New Black were fantastic. The singers combined brilliantly on harmonies. Hook-laden songs, I was in heaven. Check these guys out. Brilliant.” Inpress

Hailing from Melbourne’s inner city, The New Black have spent most of 2008 recording the much anticipated debut album, A Young Man’s Death. While the first single off the album Show Me Love gained substantial Triple J and media attention, The New Black were selected and featured as a ‘Myspace Upcoming Act’, which saw thousands of hits on their Myspace page and a growing number of faithful followers.  And behind each great sound is a great producer; hence why the Melbourne outfit chose producer Andy Baldwin (Cat Empire, Powderfinger) as well as Matt Maddock (Magic Dirt, Screamfeeder, Something for Kate) to work on their debut.

The story begins in a Melbourne nursing home through a chance meeting by two musicians and music lovers Etienne Mamo and Scott MacArthur. Scott was performing as part of the Salvation Army Band (courtesy of Centrelink) to the elderly residents. Etienne was impressed with Scott’s rendition of Bowies classic “Rebel, Rebel” and the two bonded over Bowie, The Clash, and early 70’s punk bands. They spent the next year writing songs and scouting for future band members Paul Gatt on drums and Etienne’s brother Chris Raphel on bass.

A Young Man’s Death was recorded and produced in Melbourne and later mixed in New York and Melbourne. The album leaps out with blazing guitars, gritty bass lines and a plethora of vocal harmonies and hooks. While many of their songs are danceable and melody driven, The New Black can just as easily deliver songs with thoughtful lyrics and musical prowess. They have a natural rock ‘n’ roll swagger with two lead vocalists and songwriters Scott and Etienne swapping vocal duties and delivering songs that simply demand your attention.

Away from the EP Your Heart, My Sleeve was selected for Triple J’s Home and Hosed 2006 CD. The New Black were also in the Top 5 finalists in the Music Oz Awards 2007 for artist of the year. Away has just recently begun to get airplay on L.A’s famous radio station KROQ.   This astounding four piece continue to score gigs and support spots with hot bands such as US legends Urge Overkill, The Grates, Red Riders, Children Collide, Bit By Bats, Something with numbers, The Pictures, The Exploders, British India, The Fauves and 78 Saab.

THE NEW BLACK - A Young Man's Death is available independently and distributed by Creative Vibes

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