Album Review: The Black Lagoons ‘These Hills We Ride’

The Black Lagoons debut album ‘These Hills We Ride’ landed in April. If you haven’t crossed paths with The Black Lagoons, they are a four-piece band consisting of two brothers and two cousins. They have been crafting their sound for 10 years with a smattering of singles released over this timeframe including ‘Best Western’ and ‘(Please) Don’t Turn Me On’- the difference between these two tracks alone shows the band’s experimental nature. The Black Lagoons describe their sound as if “Ennio Morricone, Glen Branca and Angelo Badalamenti had joined forces to compose music for The Gun Club, or that Lee Hazelwood had borrowed The Bad Seeds from Nick Cave”.

For their debut album, the process began in 2022 in Leeds, was recorded in Ramsgate in 2023 and found itself being released by French Label Crème Brulé two years later. Following a recent interview with Soundsphere, the band expressed they felt that a combination of this time to develop the album along with the natural maturity of the band itself has allowed them to consider the album and have confidence to know when to show restraint in crafting the songs. The band have also noted the important influence of film in their creative process – the band’s name itself gives reference to a 1954 classic monster horror film, ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’. Or I hope it does anyway!

The lead-off track ‘Hounds (Break the Chain)’ demonstrates the paired back feel the band aimed for. Muted, yet catchy guitar riffs and soft drums are built on by echoey chords and balanced vocals softly bringing you into the world of The Black Lagoons. A combination of what sounds like an upright piano straight from a western saloon paired with guitar provides a memorable hook and nuance to the track. The Bad Seeds influence can be heard here, but it is a mere nod in their general direction rather than an attempt to emulate. 

The second single from album, ‘Bells Ringing’, is one of faster paced numbers with yet another catchy hook that draws you in from the first beat. The song incorporates tones of some of The Black Lagoons heavier early offerings but is tempered to not feel out of place on this album. The slow, rhythmical drums as well almost adds a bluesy rock n’ roll feel to the track – it is full on americana.

‘Jaywalking’ and ‘Brass Orgasm’ provide brief interludes between songs. The former has the slowed and toned-down riff from ‘Bells Ringing’ which gives a haunting, disorientating familiarity. The latter sounds like it has been lifted straight from a 1940s Noir film – you can just imagine it accompanying a seedy detective walking through the rainy New York night, collar popped, and trilby pointed downwards. 

‘Burley Village’ shines a light on a little Yorkshire Village and is a love letter to familiarity. ‘Extensive’ research could not confirm if any of the band have any connection to Burley, but inaccurate reviews are how the ‘best’ rumours start. The song also builds on the bluesy feel with clean guitar chords and slides.

The title track ‘These Hills We Ride’ is the moodiest and most varied track on the album and is built around Harry Clowes almost whispered, monologue. The lyrics that accompany do remind you of The Gun Club's earlier work, but this is far from a carbon copy. This, I feel, is the band showing what they can do technically and is the high point of this album for me. 

All in, the Black Lagoons have shown with ‘These Hill We Ride’ that less really can be more. They have woven their musical and cultural influences into something truly unique and developed. Give them a listen if you haven’t already and catch them next time they are playing. 

Words by The Editor. Album Artwork by Harry Clowes.