The self-titled debut from this group of young musicians from Lake Havasu, Arizona (which a little research indicates is on the border of California, around the Colorado River) whets one’s appetite for the full-length real deal. These six songs reveal a quartet of talented pop songwriters with a penchant for hook-laden, riff-drenched tunes, one of which is of the acoustic variety that impresses greatly and reveals a bit more maturity that one might expect. Blackmarket is able to establish their own sound within the framework of their first few songs....and it’s a sound one is happy to hear throughout the disc. “Drag Addict” flat-out rocks and showcases a muscular, potent rhythm section. I would contend that Nirvana has been among the most influential of all rock/pop bands of the last twenty years, and one can hear it very clearly on releases such as this with powerful, strong armed, heavy cymbal drumming and relentless power chords in love with the half step. For that matter, “Bad Call” is a little reminiscent of Foo Fighters to these ears. Blackmarket has put together a solid six song first step, establishing a bit of an identity and a strong, likeable sound; now it’s a matter of hearing what they can do over time, both in terms of a full length record and beyond.
- - William Carey [July 28, 2008]
