Black Honey’s theatrical and cinematic sophomore record, aptly titled Written & Directed, serves as a follow up to their 2018 self-titled debut album.
Izzy B. Phillips continues to drive the band with an attention-commanding and fiercely empowering demeanor, combining the attitude of punk-rock heroines with the glamour of a Hollywood film star. She boldly states, “I made this record for young women to feel invincible.”
‘Beaches’ was appropriately released during the heights of last summer when beaches were flooded with visitors as the UK’s lockdown restrictions were lifted. In this “a nonsense-filled retro world”, Phillips’ personality shines via vocals drenched with a sassy attitude and infectious charisma, channelling punk and surf-rock influences alongside experimental brass elements. The track is enough to make anyone want to grab their sunglasses and head to the seaside – even though it is only March.
“Phillips’ personality shines via vocals drenched with a sassy attitude and infectious charisma”
The follow-up single ‘Run For Cover’ was written in collaboration with Mike Kerr and the Royal Blood influence can be heard throughout the track’s pounding, relentless bassline. It was written about the “nuances of sex” from the male perspective since the track was originally intended for Royal Blood’s own album. Through being performed by a female vocalist, the lyrics are empoweringly flipped to the female gaze, resulting in a thought-provoking listen.
“The track embodies a no-nonsense mindset, encouraging the listeners to powerfully take charge of their own lives”
The feminist themes continue with the album’s third single and album opener ‘I Like The Way You Die’, accompanied with a music video starring Phillips in the role of the Gothic femme-fatale. Much like ‘Run For Cover’, the track embodies a no-nonsense mindset, encouraging the listeners to powerfully take charge of their own lives.
“I hope it makes women find themselves and dump their boyfriends,” Phillips said of ‘Run For Cover’, with ‘I Like The Way You Die’ only adding to this notion.
Good news for @BlackHoneyUK! They're driving towards their first UK Top 10 album with Written & Directed https://t.co/OQiawk8Unz pic.twitter.com/FtTZfRaR2P
— Official Charts (@officialcharts) March 22, 2021
Their fourth single ‘Believer’ is slow-paced in comparison to the previous singles. Lyrically, it tackles topics of religious satire (though it is not as dark or serious as Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’), seeking to find spiritualism within oneself rather than looking to systems of belief. It is still very much a rock song despite being more subtle and laidback, and it may not capture the listener’s attention as fiercely as the heavier tracks on the album. It does, however, provide an insight into the feelings of peace and catharsis that emerges once you truly find your sense of self.
Surprisingly, the fifth and final single ‘Disinfect’ was written before the pandemic, described by Phillips as a “premonition of things to come”. Inspired by the film Over The Edge, the politically-charged track serves as an unavoidable reminder of the state of the world today – it just so happens that the metaphors coincidentally related to the pandemic. If you use music as a method to reduce anxiety and distract yourself from reality, then this may not be the song for you.
“Phillips still seems very comfortable whilst dancing solo, and the strength in her vulnerability only serves to empower her more”
As well as having a vast collection of impressive singles, the album also has some enjoyable deep cuts. ‘Back Of The Bar’ is a highlight of the record: the vocals on the chorus explore the higher end of Phillips’ range and the imagery lusting after someone in a bar represents a currently unattainable fantasy that may become a reality in just a few months. Phillips still seems very comfortable whilst dancing solo and the strength in her vulnerability only serves to empower her more.
‘I Do It To Myself’ surprisingly starts off as a purely acoustic guitar-led track before plodding drums and flamboyant brass are added to the mix, ensuring that Black Honey’s theatrical flair doesn’t fade. The track is a shout for help from someone who is in denial that they need it – a far cry from the self-assured, confident, and bold Phillips that we are used to hearing. This causes the lyric “I’m a walking contradiction” to stand out – a reminder that it is okay to be bold, powerful, and fearless, yet vulnerable at the same time.
https://twitter.com/BLACKHONEYUK/status/1375495505501949952
‘Summer 92’ is packed with nostalgia for years long gone from the get-go; a clever twist on the Bryan Adams classic Summer of ’69, but with a 90’s twist. The opening guitar riffs sound as if they could have been taken directly from an old-school American TV show classic, reflecting the band’s renowned Americana aesthetic. The track is a reflective and infectious dive into summer days past, told from the perspective of an outsider looking back to love now long lost.
“The song is an assertive and unapologetic anthem, celebrating the importance of knowing your own worth and knowing how you deserve to be treated”
‘Fire’ again follows feminist themes and here, Phillips is unafraid to say it exactly how it is without mincing her words or masking her views. The song is an assertive and unapologetic anthem, celebrating the importance of knowing your own worth and knowing how you deserve to be treated. After the first chorus, the track explodes into a brass extravaganza. The album as a whole cements Black Honey’s experimentation with brass instruments as one of their most unique elements and one of their most outstanding strengths.
“‘Gabrielle’ closes the album with a celebration of the female ability to be simultaneously mysterious, beautiful and seductive”
Album closer ‘Gabrielle’ is a haunting ballad, with a subtle acoustic guitar instrumental which leaves the focus entirely on Phillips’ theatrical vocals. It echoes the femme-fatale Gothic trope which was seen in the music video for ‘I Like The Way You Die’. The protagonist, who has the same name as the song itself, is portrayed as having powerfully trapped a man under her captivating spell. It closes the album with a celebration of the female ability to be simultaneously mysterious, beautiful, and seductive.
After the release of Written & Directed was pushed back from January to March, fans will be relieved to know that it was worth the extra wait. It sees Black Honey bolder than ever before, remaining true to their ethos. Phillips fully embraces the feminist movement, becoming a modern-day icon for the empowerment of women whilst embracing all sides of her personality fearlessly within her role as the band’s frontwomen. In Written & Directed, Black Honey open the door to a world of retro nostalgia, whilst simultaneously pushing a message of modern-day feminism.
Gemma Cockrell
Featured image courtesy of Paul Hudson on Flickr. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.