Initially envisioned as a means for keyboardist Andrew Ragin (The Atlas Moth) and guitarist Marcus Eliopulos (Stabbing Westward) to channel creative energy during the COVID lockdown, the horror-inspired project soon grew to include drummer Mike Miczek (Earthburner, Broken Hope, The Atlas Moth), producer and recording engineer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Corrections House) on bass, and Emma DeEmme (Whipped) on vocals. The debut, Hex, came out in 2022. Nearly three years later, the band is back with their follow-up, Songs For Switches, which drops October 31st via Someoddpilot records.
DeFemme had this to say about the new record:
"This record is not all salacious fantasy; there's a practical side to maintaining any well-run subculture. The album is a collection of lessons learned, from the joy of finding someone who truly gets you to the importance of asking for what you want and preserving a part of yourself in the process."
The band just released the lyric video for the second single and opening track, "Eyes From Nowhere." Bassist Sanford Parker describes the dark track's genesis:
"'Eyes From Nowhere' started with me channeling a raw, Jesus Lizard-type energy, then Marcus and Andrew pulled it in a completely unexpected direction – right into dark, punk-fueled Depeche Mode."
Keyboardist Andrew Ragin adds:
"To me, this track screams RoboCop. It’s a sophisticated blend of elements that explores identity, humanity, and the consequences of unchecked corporatism through the story of a murdered police officer transformed into a cyborg."
Starting at the end of the month, Black Cross Hotel will tour in support of Boise sludge mistresses Lemon Blood (featuring Built To Spill bassist Melanie Radford).
Tour with Blood Lemon:
10/29 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
10/30 Indianapolis, IN @ Healer
10/31 Tolono, IL @ Loose Cobra
11/01 Athens, OH @ The Union
11/02 Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit
11/03 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
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