New Music | Black Honey - Up Against It

George Ward

Freelance journalist based in Bristol. Can be found at the Grain Barge, Rough Trade or in his tiny basement bedroom writing for CLUNK.

Rock outfit Black Honey drop an emotional and cathartic single ahead of the release of their personal 3rd album, ‘A Fistful of Peaches’

On their third studio album, ‘A Fistful of Peaches’ (out 17th March), Black Honey have promised a more personal, more brave experience. If this single is anything like the rest of the record, they have lived up to that promise.

‘Up Against It’ is a heavy, emotional and rousing indie rock song that addresses Izzy Phillips’ younger self, telling them that it’s going to be okay. “Give yourself a break kid” is such a simple message but feels so heartfelt and genuine in this context. A lot of young people just don’t get to hear this very often.

Along with these kind lyrics is an incredibly powerful instrumental performance. The verses are sparse, leaving space for the epic choruses. These choruses are blanketed by layers of heavy distortion that warmly tuck around the gorgeous melody. It’s hard to pick out individual performances but the effect that these distorted guitars, bass and drums create is genuinely very emotional.

The bridge section is made up of a monologue from Izzy to her younger self, which starts as a comforting message and develops into a yelled call for self-confidence and assurance.

The combination of aggression and comfort in ‘Up Against It’ is extremely effective and the noise is filled with love and warmth, not anger and coldness.

‘Up Against It’ is out now with a music video. New album ‘A Fistful of Peaches’ is out on 17th March.