Black Dice have long been peers with Animal Collective, and, way back when, they felt like they were more primed for a breakout than the bros from Baltimore; Black Dice's 2002 LP Beaches & Canyons scoring some of that budding blog buzz long before it was recognized as tangible force.
Now, the thought seems funny: with Animal Collective now headlining festivals and bothering the Billboard charts, whilst Black Dice have become very much a cult band; their records growing gnarlier, stranger, and more provocative over time.
"Pigs" stands as the first taste of the April-due Mr. Impossible, Black Dice's forthcoming sixth album, and first since 2009's Repo. And it keeps with the weirdo vibes that've been raining since Black Dice broke with DFA after 2005's Broken Ear Record.
With vocals cut up into unrecognizable half-syllables and plunderphonic grunts, "Pigs" heaves with jerky, convulsive, spasmodic rhythms, creating a cacophonous clangour that sounds simultaneously joyous and menacing. If this is the 'single,' Mr. Impossible promises to be a none-too-friendly listen, all but cementing Black Dice's cult status for good.
Black Dice, "Pigs"
Photo © Barbara Soto
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