Black Gold sounds like the intersection of a high-end Brooklyn studio and a 1970s dance floor. It is music built on a foundation of elegant piano melodies and driving, syncopated rhythms that owe as much to Chic as they do to indie rock. There is a persistent warmth to the production, characterized by shimmering synths and crisp, punchy drumming that feels both vintage and modern.
What makes them distinctive is the pedigree of the members, who bring a session-musician level of precision to the indie rock format. They manage to balance theatrical, almost glam-rock vocal performances with sophisticated arrangements that include subtle nods to classical minimalism and funk. It is rare to find a band that can sound equally at home on a primetime TV drama and a sweaty underground club.
Start with the album Rush, specifically the tracks Plans and Reveries or Shine. These songs perfectly capture their ability to turn existential reflection into a soaring, rhythmic anthem. It is the ideal starting point for anyone who loves the melodic sensibility of the 2000s indie boom but wants a bit more groove and instrumental craftsmanship.
Black Gold is an American indie rock band, from Brooklyn, New York formed by Eric Ronick (lead vocals, keyboards) and Than Luu (drums, guitar, percussions, vocals) in 2006. The band started as a project was started after touring with M. Ward, Ambulance LTD, Rachael Yamagata, Panic! at the Disco, and Adam Franklin of Swervedriver. The formation followed with writing and recording at Ronick's Thinman Studios in Brooklyn, that culminated in the release of their debut album, Rush, released on February 3, 2009. Singles from the album include "Detroit", "Shine" and "Plans & Reveries", with the latter their signature song, explained as to convey the idea that some ideas are stuck to and followed while others become reveries and are never accomplished, and is noted for featuring on The CW's One Tree Hill episode; "Deep Ocean Vast Sea" (aired on October 19, 2009), and "Shine" was featured on the seventh season of So You Think You Can Dance as the farewell song. They performed live on the season finale of the show, on August 12, 2010, where Ronick began the song by playing piano, but quickly abandoned it to instead pursue a solo vocal montage of the season's emotional moments. "Shine" was also featured in the film Valentine's Day and appears on the soundtrack.
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); hopeful, bittersweet, nostalgic (moods)
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); nostalgic, bittersweet, confident (moods)
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); nostalgic, bittersweet, confident (moods)
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); hopeful, nostalgic, bittersweet (moods)
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); harmonized (vocal style)
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); hopeful, nostalgic, bittersweet (moods)
Shares studio polished, layered dense, analog warmth (production style); harmonized, belting (vocal style)
Shares indie rock, chamber pop, art pop (subgenres); studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style)
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); harmonized, belting (vocal style)
Shares studio polished, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); harmonized, belting (vocal style)
Shares piano, hopeful, indie rock, hi fi (signature)
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