by Kevin Crandall (@kevin_crandall1)
After a lengthy hiatus, Colin Wilde (of Dusk, Tenement, and a host of other bands) is back with a new album through his solo project Black Thumb. The project was started by Wilde in 2012, providing space for the alt-rock veteran to expand his sound into the depths of what pop had to offer. Grounded by the vibrations of his gloom-laden organ, Black Thumb presents ruminations over simply-structured chord progressions in a blend of indie-psych and shoegaze. Wilde’s latest offering, The Flying Propeller Group, will be released on April 28th via Dandy Boy Records.
Having previously dropped the dreamy “Low” to kick off this release circuit, Black Thumb dusts off his tambourine in the latest single off The Flying Propeller Group, “Walk On By”. Wilde drones over organ chords as the chimes float through the ambience in a trance. The music video is equally hypnotic, with blurry orbs floating across the screen, mimicking an out-of-focus kaleidoscope. Just behind the lights, Wilde repeats the refrain of “baby, walk on by,” staring deadpanned into the camera. Spellbinding yet simplistic—it is clear that Black Thumb has mastered the PNW lo-fi aesthetic.