Indie rock band Black Sweater just released their awaited debut album, That Girl I Knew, an exploration of the nature of relationships. The San Diego band, formed by brothers Sam and Caleb Sheffield, began writing and composing songs after playing in different garage rock bands over the years, which evolved into the self-produced full-length album. With influences ranging from 70s rock to experimental jazz and modern rock, Black Sweater has crafted a sound that is pleasant yet complex and exciting.
The album kicks off with the single “You’re Too Late,” the first of several individual releases from the band since August 2021. The track has an upbeat sound, in contrast to the theme of conflict in a relationship, a common thread across the entire album. That Girl I Knew narrates the constant push and pull that occurs when people fall in and out of love and explores the many emotions that arise. The stories interconnect as a whole in a non-chronological way, which makes for an interesting listening experience. From the frustration and failures in tracks “Helpless” and “What To Say”, to the excitement of new love in “Stream of Consciousness”, the album has a relatable tale for everyone.
Musically, Black Sweater’s strength lies in their ability to craft catchy tunes that have different levels of complexity in them. Some songs lean more toward punk rock, others are mellow and poppy, but it’s overall a beautifully arranged album with twists and turns in every song. The instrumental transitions within the album are an unexpected breath of fresh air; “Reminisce” and “Images” are complex ambient pieces that are heavily electronic and experimental. The balance between the storytelling and the polished sound makes That Girl I Knew a surprisingly deep, meticulously crafted album that is a must for indie rock fans.
That Girl I Knew is now available on all streaming platforms:
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