Small Black – Cheap Dreams

Electronica has gotten so big that it’s easy to get sick of it. No longer is it the surprise wunderkind like The Postal Service, but rather it’s giant EDM DJs that are now as big in America as they are in Europe. And too often an artist’s emotion gets lost in the electronics, all soulless beats on repeat. But Small Black have been making beautiful electronica that shows its heart, such as on their latest, Cheap Dreams.

Definitely more indietronica than dubstep or such, with guitars as well as synthesizers, Small Black and Cheap Dreams is still powerful electronica, high-reaching atmospherics and intimate feelings. The longing to “Postcard” comes through clear, as does the searing emotion of closer “Song To Ruin”, both truly touching like synths should be. The nature of the album leads it to be a bit similar overall, though there is also some press to “The Bridge” and disco-wash with the title track, not to mention two minute-plus interstitial instrumental tones, “Waterworks” and “Dunes”.

We might be heading outdoors again as the weather turns nice and infections turn down, but perhaps not yet ready for the club. So, it’s the perfect time for intimate electronica of Small Black on Cheap Dreams.