Black Haze
DNA
Review by Larry Toering
This is one of a few bands of the sort of power pop variety I've been given the opportunity to review in this issue and, it's coincidentally one of two from Portland, Oregon. Black Haze are a different animal to most in the area playing this style of rock, as they lean heavily in a more electronic direction than the majority. Not only that, but they have serious attitude to go with it, attitude of the hard rock nature that is. It's almost electronic metal that way, but I wouldn't go that far, simply because of the major pop sensibility and more modern feel. This is their five track EP on Black Pedal Records, full of said rocking attitude and electronic inflections. There are a few northwest bands of this caliber on my radar as mentioned, and they're all great, but Black Haze is definitely a leading one of originality and substance. Along with that, they’ve got just enough style to keep them in the power pop zone for a harder edged band.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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