Written by, Thomas Brill
Following her last two singles, “Anyway” and “Talking in Tongues,” Sylvia Black teases us with another sneak peek into her upcoming album Showtime, set to drop January 16.
The bass-strumming vocalist released her new single “Long Gone Gardens” last Wednesday, keeping fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what’s to come.
“This is the kind of music I would risk hearing damage for.”
A Bassline That Hits First—and Hard
That was my first thought upon hearing Sylvia Black’s pounding, heartbeat-like bassline. The steady drive of notes pulls us into a head-bopping drum beat that transported me straight to the beer-soaked underground concert venues of New York City in the late ’80s—a time I’d never even lived.
Nostalgia Without Imitation
My early high school years were shaped by deep dives into ’80s new wave. As the ambient trill of Black’s sonorous voice reverberated over the pulsing beat, I found myself back in those moments—lying in bed, procrastinating homework, listening to Depeche Mode and Talking Heads.
By the time the first lyric was sung, I was already picturing David Byrne dancing across a stage in an oversized suit.
“By the time the first lyric hit, I was already picturing David Byrne dancing in an oversized suit.”
Lyrics That Linger—Even When You Miss Them
As the song kicks into gear, Black’s words rise above the growing power of the instruments. The lyrics unfold like long, echoing incantations, pulling the listener closer with each repetition. Even when the words are hard to decipher, the rise and fall of her melodic delivery more than makes up for it.
“You’ve abandoned me and left me out to dry.”
That was one of the few lines I caught—but who needs lyrics when the beat alone could send a packed crowd into fits of dance? It made me want to hit the open road, foot on the gas, night air rushing through open windows.
Hypnotic, Not Repetitive
I wouldn’t call the song repetitive. Instead, it loops a continuous, hypnotic chorus that carries you forward—rising into a blasting melody, then sinking back into surreal whispers. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you whether you want it to or not.
It followed me while cooking dinner.
While showering.
While tying my shoes.
I’m humming it right now.
“It’s the kind of song that follows you around long after it ends.”
A Glimpse of What’s Ahead
Black’s last album, Twilight Animals, was an experimental blend of genres—psychedelic bossa nova, Far East sitar ballads, and more. If “Long Gone Gardens” is any indication of what’s coming next, Showtime feels more focused and cohesive.
This is music that could live comfortably in the background of a house party—until someone suddenly says, “Oh, I love this song.” An album potentially packed with future club favorites.
Ending Where It Began
As Black guides us to the song’s conclusion, the music swells until there’s nothing more to add. Every instrument arrives at full force—then, one by one, they disappear, leaving us exactly where we started:
A lone bassline.
If “Long Gone Gardens” is only a sample of the full album, I’ll be counting down the days until its release.
Photographed by Zander Fieschko
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