Black Tape for a Blue Girl is back with Limitless. Fans will welcome the return of their signature darkwave/ethereal/ambient/cabaret style.
Black Tape for a Blue Girl released their album entitled Limitless, on July 22. Though described as a single, the five-track disc contains two versions of the title song and three additional cuts. The prelude to a new full-length record, Limitless is a strong reintroduction to the band.
Though remixes and re-visitations were released in recent years, the last brand new Black Tape for a Blue Girl album came out in 2009. Thankfully, Sam Rosenthal – the group’s founder, producer, lyricist and songwriter – maintains the particular sonic cocktail that makes this darkwave/ethereal/ambient/cabaret project unique. Additionally, listeners will be pleased to find that original vocalist, Oscar Herrera, returned for this album.
Limitless begins with a track entitled “quien yo soy.” In an ambient opening, it starts on a firm but sullen note. Here, there is an impassioned sense about the vocals. Smooth voices walk a line in nature between ethereal and old Celtic folk. Sparse and atmospheric instrumentation sets the backdrop in this track, easing listeners into the album.
Genre-bending creations
Next on Limitless is goth-rock song “alaska.” With an accessible and up-tempo rhythm, people will be drawn to dance on goth nights. The particular combination of string, percussion and electronic tones found here result in a compelling track.
Immediately after, “through sky blue rooms (2016)” brings the tempo down. Acoustic strings and a female voice - that feels somehow incorporeal - comprise the track. This piece would be best described as sung poetry. Sparse elements weave a beautiful tapestry in this very short cut. Consequently, listeners are left wanting much more.
The short album closes with “limitless (stripped).” Exactly as the title suggests, it is an acoustic version of the title track. Though the feeling is markedly changed, “limitless” holds up in this context. Black Tape for a Blue Girl has produced strong work - and remained true to themselves - on Limitless. As a result, listeners will be glad to see the band back in action and look forward to more in the future.