Blackchords have been chosen to support Jet and Powderf… Read Full Bio ↴LATEST NEWS:
Blackchords have been chosen to support Jet and Powderfinger on Oct 29th at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This is Powderfinger's last ever tour and their last ever show in Melbourne.
Check out our new single 'As Night Falls' right here on Last.FM 'As Night Falls' was written specifically for new Australian suspense drama ‘BLAME’ directed by Michael Henry. 'These Lights' taken from the debut album also features in the film's trailer.
Blackchords released their self-titled debut album on October 5 through Dust Devil Music/Stomp. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Blackchords, fronted by songwriter Nick Milwright, have been widely acclaimed on their native turf (“One of the best Australian debut releases”, Reverb Magazine) with critics raving that their darkly majestic collection of understated songs recalls the best bits of Ryan Adams, Elbow and Jeff Buckley. “So far the response has been really positive, especially from the fans,” says Nick. “We strive to write music that moves and connects with people. It’s the reason we want to play professionally.”
Highlights include opening track ‘At World’s End’, which leaks a despair that defies its upbeat arrangement. Richly-scored ballads, ‘22’, and ‘These Lights,’ capture the quietness of intimacy, whilst ‘Broken Bones’ sees Milwright ponder existential matters: “This endless ride has got me I know/I’ve been holding on by a thread/falling towards the end, but I have been held by a thousand hands/we can scream out loud ’cause we’re all on this ride I know”. In ‘Raise My Hands,’ Milwright mourns “the thread coming undone/love it comes and goes” accompanied by a sympathetic string section; and ‘Disappear’ offers an introspective, ambivalent close to the album: “just give me a minute to gather my thoughts/disappear now”.
From an early age, and a childhood spent with, as Nick puts it, "the usual suspects" (The Beatles, Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell & Van Morrison) Nick knew that there was something drawing him to music, but it wasn't until his early twenties that he was to pursue it full time. In the meantime he tried following in the footsteps of his family – and joined the military. Soon realizing that this wasn't for him, he left to begin training full time in Ballet and contemporary dance at one of Australia’s top dance schools, the VCA. Finally, forced to rest for 6 months after an injury, he decided to open his mouth. "It was something like taking a plunge off this huge cliff, and I'd been too scared to confront it for so long,” he says. “In the end I had to accept that the desire would never leave, and the real regret would be to grow old and to have never given it a shot.”
After collectively finishing uni or working in badly paid jobs, Blackchords began to take shape in 2005, their name originating, says Nick, “down in the belly of a bluestone basement”. In 2006 they created quite a stir when, as an unsigned band, their video for ‘Broken Bones’ won first place at Melbourne’s prestigious St Kilda Film Festival. In 2008 the same song went on to become a double finalist in the ISC (International Songwriting Competition, for best rock song & video). “I really love working with filmmakers and artists to help create the Blackchords landscape,” says Nick.
In 2008 the band were signed to Dust Devil Music, and began work on their debut full-length album. "In the beginning we were almost an alt country band. Then we found ourselves trying to resemble instrumental rock bands like Explosions In The Sky. Now I feel like we've found our own feet and sound like Blackchords. I knew we were walking the right path after hearing the first notes of the cello on ‘Raise My Hands.’ The whole time when the string quartet was recording I just sat there. I had goose bumps down my spine.”
So, now that ‘Blackchords’ is complete and ready to be set free, what does the future hold for the band? "We're just eager to get out there and push it as far as it can go. Blackchords want to make music for the rest of our lives and get better and better as musicians. If we can do that we’ll be very happy."
Oh No
Blackchords Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are watching me move
To the core of these lies
And I'm trying to prove
My innocence is true
But they're laughing at me
And there's nothing to do
But walk this straight line
I'm jumping through hoops
This can't be right
I'm starting to slide
No, this isn't right
You can't be serious
These numbers are nightmares
How do you sleep through this
Your thinking is madness
The illusion is masked
You look quite the part
You're the man on the hill
So there's no need to prove
If you're innocence is true
And we're laughing at you
Cause there is nothing for us
But to walk this straight line
I'm jumping through hoops
This can't be right
I'm starting to slide
No, this isn't right
You can't be serious
These numbers are nightmares
How do you sleep through this
Your thinking is madness
The lyrics to Blackchords' song "Oh No" appear to be describing a situation where the singer is being watched or monitored, possibly by some form of government or authority figure. The line "These satellites are watching me move" suggests that the surveillance is taking place from space, while the mention of "the core of these lies" implies that the situation is not straightforward and there is some betrayal or deception involved.
The singer seems to be trying to prove their innocence, but is met with resistance and ridicule. The line "But they're laughing at me" suggests that the people watching or judging the singer do not believe their side of the story or are actively mocking them. The mention of "jumping through hoops" and "walking this straight line" further underscores the idea that the singer is being forced to comply with a set of rules or expectations that may not be entirely fair.
The repeated line "You can't be serious" suggests that the singer is incredulous at what is happening to them, while the references to "nightmares", "madness", and the surreal quality of the situation ("the illusion is masked") convey a sense of confusion and desperation.
Overall, the lyrics to "Oh No" seem to be tapping into feelings of paranoia and powerlessness, and raising questions about what happens when someone is caught up in a situation beyond their control.
Line by Line Meaning
These satellites
The surveillance technology is spying on me
Are watching me move
It is tracking my every move and behavior
To the core of these lies
To uncover the truth behind the deceitful acts
And I'm trying to prove
I am doing all I can to demonstrate my innocence
My innocence is true
I have not done anything wrong
But they're laughing at me
Those who are watching me do not believe me and find my defense amusing
And there's nothing to do
I am helpless and unable to convince them
But walk this straight line
All I can do is follow the rules and regulations set before me
You can't be serious
This situation cannot be happening
These numbers are nightmares
The data and outcome is horrendous
How do you sleep through this
How are you able to ignore the issue at hand?
Your thinking is madness
Your judgment and decision-making is irrational
The illusion is masked
The deception is hidden and not easily recognizable
You look quite the part
You embody the role and persona flawlessly
You're the man on the hill
You hold a position of power and authority
So there's no need to prove
You are assumed to be innocent without any evidence
If you're innocence is true
You are not required to demonstrate your innocence
And we're laughing at you
We find your struggle and confusion entertaining
Cause there is nothing for us
There is no reason for us to help or support you
But to walk this straight line
You must follow the established guidelines and paths
I'm jumping through hoops
I am exerting great effort to meet the requirements
This can't be right
This situation is doubtful and abnormal
I'm starting to slide
I am losing control and stability
No, this isn't right
This is certainly incorrect
Contributed by Joseph F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fatine
The most underrated are always the best
Blackchords
Thanks zoo Much for the support guys! XBC
Majin VEGETA
Blackchords im your biggest fan sir...into the unknown is the best song i ever heard....i wish u all get the recognition u deserve...
Rhe S
I discovered this video about 5 years ago. I am now watching it 5 years later mesmerized in the same way! The video is so beautiful.
Jonas Ekroll Bakkelund
Well worth listening to on repeat, and sharing with my friends; keep it up!
Cheyenne Clark
Just discovered you guys and you are amazing! You deserve millions of views on your videos, keep it up!
Naruna Esselin
you guys are amazing, keep it up!
Malicious Ducks
Just found this, can't believe these guys are so underrated. This is fantastic.
Taylor Jojo
OH MY GOODNESS! My new love! Please never stop you guys are going to be huge one day!
shethinksyouarenice
You are going to be so famous soon. You guys are amazing.