Cavalcade

Cavalcade is black midi's second studio album, released in 2021, marking a significant evolution from their debut. The album sees the band further embracing experimental and avant-garde tendencies, notably incorporating elements of jazz and progressive rock into their established math rock and post-punk framework. This shift is immediately apparent with tracks like "John L," which opens with an explosive, jazz-inflected fury, contrasting sharply with the somber, cathartic balladry of "Marlene Dietrich."

The recording context emphasizes a more refined, yet equally unpredictable, approach to songwriting and arrangement. The band's intricate musicianship is on full display, with complex time signatures, sudden dynamic shifts, and theatrical vocal performances from Geordie Greep. Critics, including AllMusic, generally lauded the album for its audacious ambition and continued refusal to conform to genre norms, often highlighting its dizzying complexity and the band's technical prowess. NME noted how the band "defy expectation at every turn," reinforcing their reputation for constant evolution.

Positioned as a sophomore effort, Cavalcade solidified black midi's reputation as one of the most exciting and challenging bands of their generation. It demonstrated their capacity for growth and diversification, moving beyond the raw intensity of their debut to explore more nuanced textures and broader sonic palettes. The album is distinct for its pronounced jazz influences and heightened theatricality, offering a more varied emotional landscape than its predecessor.