Known for its robotic vocals (courtesy of a vocoder), Black Moth Super Rainbow has always been difficult to understand, both literally and figuratively—see also the masks the band members wear onstage and their aversion to press. For their fifth album, though, they’ve learned to use their words, discussing the many facets of love on tracks like “Hairspray Heart” and “Like a Sundae.” Kickstarter donations from fans funded Cobra Juicy, and the moral support seems to have expanded the Pittsburgh group’s sound. From the bluesy rawness of “I Think I’m Evil” to the crunchy guitar rock of “Windshield Smasher,” BMSR moves beyond its usual space-age blips and bleeps to display all the colors of their rainbow. The final track “Spraypaint,” a bittersweet song, shows off the band’s ability to make music for the lovesick masses, with lyrics like, “Fucked up when I’m living without you/Fucked up when I’m thinking about you.” It’ll melt all of the icy hearts out there—both human and otherwise.
Black Moth Super Rainbow | Cobra Juicy, $12, blackmothsuperrainbow.com
By Shannon Carlin
This review appears in the Oct/Nov 2012 issue of BUST Magazine with cover girl Aubrey Plaza. Subscribe now.
