Black Ends headline Clock-Out Lounge

Sunday night the Clock-Out Lounge was in anticipation of its last dose of Black Ends for a while. The local Seattle trio fronted by Nicolle Swims, drummer Billie Paine, and bassist Ben Swanson has had my interest piqued for too long. Today they also release two new songs, “My Own Dead,” and “Song for a Sickhead.”

The band is amidst preparing for a self-titled European tour. Fresh off a recently published Alt-Press article, they’re gaining well-deserved traction. An attribution to a truly traditional Seattle aesthetic, unpretentiously weird eclecticism.

Black Ends blurs lines on a forward front, paying homage to deep Seattle roots while challenging the repetitive style the city can’t seem to shake. Swims follows in successor Eva Walker‘s path, continuing the trailblazing momentum, diversifying and providing a safe communal space to be truly alternative with ethnic and queer ownership.

Supporting Black Ends were Beautiful Freaks and LOOLOWNINGEN. They both were impressive and joined in on the fun of destroying the stage at the end of the night. LOOLOWNINGEN, who are Tokyo based, self-proclaimed avant-punk/alt blues on a tour of their own. Singing in Japanese, a meditative dance takes place between the vocalists’ vocal inflection, contrasting with deconstructed, unpredictable interjections from the rest of the group. Seemly offbeat yet melodic, the trio has you moving to silence because your brain can’t complete the pattern. LOOLOWNINGEN instead plays songs as soliloquies.

Wielding their “Gunk-pop” core throughout the venue, said Gunk-Pop is embodied on tracks like “Monday Morning,” sporting guitar twangs that ring out as if they emulated from out of bikini bottom. Swims’ distinct voice lends to the gunk aesthetic, sounding of soul with grungy overtones. The group charged in with one of their newest singles “My Own Dead,” marrying the group together with drums that don’t come to play, screeching distortion and robust basslines.

It’s clear that Black Ends has gathered local support with a KEXP showcase under their belt as well as an opening appearance by Quasi, notably containing former Sleater-Kinney drummer, Janet Weiss. Do yourself a favor and catch Black Ends while you can.

Photos: Sophia Barkalakis