XTC
Black Sea

THE REVIEW

The proud face of Andy Partridge on the cover expresses all the satisfaction for the work just completed, "Black Sea" is indeed the first component of the golden trilogy of the English band and is a perfect example of the genius of these musicians.

Many critics consider them the best after the Beatles for their ability to mix sounds from different origins and thus deeply influence the musical scene of the period and beyond. Moulding and company never reaped fame and success, but many artists, including 'Coldplay' and 'Police,' owe them a lot.

This album released in 1980 during the effervescence of the New-Wave is a cornerstone of the musical trend, you can find within it the basic ingredients, the post-punk, the electronics, the nervous and repetitive sounds but also the melodic taste of the traditional European song.
The rhythmically devastating opening of "Respectable Street" is the calling card that XTC hands over to the listener, a captivating track perfectly sung by Partridge with that so Beatlesque chorus that immediately clarifies what is the main source of inspiration for the group, and what about the whistled melody of "Generals And Majors" that fits into the sustained rhythm of the track in a sublime way.

With the reggae rock of "Living Through Another Cuba", you enter even more into the eccentric and chaotic dimension of the work, Caribbean percussion and a neurotic chant can coexist peacefully here without problems, Moulding signs the tune "Love At First Sight" another jewel that the four produce, just listen to the work on electronic percussion and Gregory's guitar part to fall in love with it. The thread that XTC follows produces remarkable tracks continuously, "Sgt Rock", "Rock From A Bottle", "No Language In Our Lungs", and the simple "Towers Of London", catchy and perfectly in line with the rest.

The cover is beautiful and hides the group's signature behind symbols and objects, another proof of Partridge's talent beyond common standards.