Blackblack

This article is about the Los Angeles-based rock group. For caffeinated Japanese chewing gum, see Black Black.
BlackBlack
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
Genres
Years active2004–2008
LabelsNone
MembersDiva Dompe
Lola Dompe
Alex Greenwald
WebsiteBlackBlack

BlackBlack was a rock band from Los Angeles, California, consisting of Diva Dompe (vocals/bass), Lola Dompe (drums), and Clark Schädelkopf (guitar).

Background

Diva Dompe started the band in 2004 with her sister Lola and then-boyfriend Alex Greenwald, who performed as his alter-ego "Clark Schädelkopf" [2] in the context of the band. Schädelkopf means "skullhead" in German. The Dompe sisters are both daughters of Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins.[3]

They have channeled their fantastical and sci-fi leanings into their shows. Prepping for past gigs included dressing as if they were starring in the Ice Capades, crafting massive Native American headdresses, and making vats of theatrical blood in the Dompe family kitchen for a Carrie-themed summertime barbecue at The Echo in Echo Park.

Many people believed that they got their name from the caffeinated Japanese gum, BlackBlack, but Clark has said that the meaning is "blacker than black."

Some criticized BlackBlack because they thought that it was a random side project for the already successful Alex Greenwald, but they have steadily gained recognition, especially in Los Angeles and Japan.

Recently the band has come under some harsh criticism for reportedly performing in blackface, although the band claims that they painted their skin to perform as 'shadows' and did it "just to be scary" and didn't intend to be racially offensive.[4]

The band, especially the Dompe sisters, are often noted for their quirky and constantly shifting fashion choices, going so far as to appear on the front page of the Urban Outfitters website.[5]

Music

BlackBlack has a moody, gloomy sound, reminiscent of The Velvet Underground and Joy Division.[citation needed] Clark Schädelkopf tells ElleGirl "we're not Goth, but we do have to fight it."[citation needed]

Some of their musical influences consist of contemporary bands such as Deerhoof, Lightning Bolt and Blonde Redhead. A staple and likely the most commented on feature of the band's live shows is their cover of the Misfits song "Skulls".[4][6]

They have toured Japan in the summer of 2006 sponsored by X-Girl. In January 2007 they supported Deerhoof during their west coast tour.[7]

Diva and Lola have appeared in music videos for the electronic band M83.[8][9]

Discography

BlackBlack have released two independent EPs as well as a full-length album in Japan which combines the two EPs. The album had a limited vinyl release in 2012.[10]

Albums

  • Blackblack - Mathom Records – 23 August 2006

Singles and EPs

  • Blackblack EP 1 - 16 June 2005
  1. "Royal Dragon"
  2. "Sophia"
  3. "Honey In Your Ears"
  4. "Firefly"
  5. "I Wish I Were A Scientist"
  6. "Algorythyx and Gurantaxtaxq"
  • Blackblack EP 2 - 2006
  1. "Emerald Forest"
  2. "Ogre Mountain"
  3. "The Energy Song"
  4. "The Most! The Best! The Greatest! Forever!"
  5. "The Long Boat"
  6. "Skulls" – cover song of the Misfits
  7. "We, The Grimlocks"
  • "Waiting For Magic" 2009 Single

Appearances

References

  1. ^ "Home". warmwhite.bandcamp.com.
  2. ^ Brandon Hits the Hot Spots | Spin Magazine Online Archived February 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ ::News:: Archived February 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ a b Fucking In the Streets - Music - Fucking in the Streets - The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper
  5. ^ "Urban Outfitters: Projects - About a Girl: Diva & Lola Dompe". Archived from the original on 2009-01-25. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  6. ^ Paper Thin Walls :: Single Reviews :: BLACKBLACK - "Emerald Forest"
  7. ^ New Deerhoof Tour Dates: Archived January 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Frost, Matthew (15 January 2009). "Don't Save Us From The Flames". vimeo.com.
  9. ^ Frost, Matthew (15 January 2009). "Graveyard Girl". vimeo.com.
  10. ^ "Blackblack – Blackblack (2012, Vinyl)". Discogs. February 2012.