The Black & White Years

Patterns

If the Black and White Years’ eponymous 2008 debut was expertly indebted to its producer, Talking Heads guitarist Jerry Harrison, then the local quartet unveils its own signature with follow-up Patterns. From the heavy, electro pulse and jabbing vox of intoxicating opening salvo “Up!,” B&WYs pound heavily on Yeasayer’s indie imprimatur, yet diced through a New Wave tremor they continue to surf. Nothing else on Patterns quite reaches the heights of “Up!,” but there are plenty of other directions the band navigates effectively across 13 tracks, from the gritty beats of “Animal Behaviors” to chilled come down “Unwritten.” “Cold” shivers like synth-addled Grizzly Bear, and the title track ornaments a 1980s dance floor, its aggressive rhythms helping balance Scott Butler’s twisting lyricism. More a patchwork than the finely threaded tapestry of its predecessor, Patterns nonetheless displays a growth of self-definition that serves the Black & White Years well.

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This article appears in November 19 • 2010.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.