Peter Black, also known as Blackie from The Hard-Ons, drops two new solo albums
Peter Black, also known as Blackie from the Hard-Ons, has had a significant year with his bands, the Hard-Ons and Nunchukka Superfly. As he gears up for another busy year with the Hard-Ons and their upcoming national co-headline tour with Redd Kross, Blackie has released two new solo albums. These albums, “The Boss is Gone Gone Gone” and “A Bowl of Spiders,” mark his return to solo work since he released two solo albums in November 2020. The albums were created simultaneously over nine months at Pet Food Factory with Jason Whalley and Jemima Perry-Ewing, mixed at Parliament Studios by Lachlan Mitchell, and mastered by John Ruberto.
Blackie explains that the decision to release two albums simultaneously was due to having too many songs he wanted to record. “The Boss is Gone Gone Gone” is a purely acoustic album where Blackie explores a quieter sound, while “A Bowl of Spiders” is eclectic and diverse. Blackie differentiates his solo work from his band projects by focusing on personal songs he wanted to perform himself, experimentation, and songs that didn’t quite fit with the Hard-Ons or Nunchukka Superfly. Overall, Blackie expresses his happiness with the new albums, always striving to improve with each release.
The albums showcase a wide range of musical styles and sounds. “A Bowl of Spiders” features singles like “Conga Line to the Rest Room,” where Blackie delves into synth-pop, “There is Love,” a gospel-inspired track, and “Clap Your Hands,” a catchy power-pop tune. The album displays an impressive array of guitar tones and styles. On the other hand, “The Boss is Gone Gone Gone” starts with “Pumas on the Sleeve,” a nod to Beach Boys-style acapella pop, and features tracks like “Push Push Push” and “Toss and Turn,” a duet with Lauren Friedman from Neptune Power Federation. The variety of vocal arrangements and musical elements demonstrates Blackie’s versatility and creativity.
Both albums are available on vinyl and digitally for listeners to enjoy. “The Boss is Gone Gone Gone” is available on white and black 12″ vinyl, while “A Bowl of Spiders” comes in yellow and black 12″ vinyl formats. Blackie is currently touring nationally, with dates scheduled throughout February. These solo performances showcase Blackie’s talent and creativity in a live setting before he hits the road with the Hard-Ons for a series of exciting shows.
Fans and critics alike have praised Blackie’s recent solo work, with many acknowledging his musical prowess and innovation. As Blackie continues to evolve and experiment with his sound, these new albums and upcoming performances promise to captivate audiences with their unique blend of acoustic melodies, eclectic arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics.