Throughout the course of this site’s history, there have been a number of insanely talented artists, who have released work that I’ve become obsessed with — and have spilled copious amounts of (virtual) ink. Now, if you’ve been frequenting JOVM over any point over its nearly six year history, you’d likely be familiar with New York-based singer/songwriter, bassist and producer Sylvia Gordon, best known as Sylvia Black, who over the past couple of years has received attention for writing, recording and performing as her alter-ego Betty Black. Gordon performing as Sylvia Black has developed an internationally recognized profile as the frontwoman of electro pop outfit K.U.D.U. and for her collaborations with The Black-Eyed Peas, Moby, William Orbit, Kelis, Spank Rock, The Knocks, and Telepopmusik. As Betty Black, Gordon has received attention for seductive and haunting material that draws from garage rock, Southern gothic blues, Spaghetti Western soundtracks and ambient electronica — while thematically, Gordon’s material explores love, lust, longing and obsession.
February 12 will mark the long-awaited release of Gordon’s second Betty Black album, Valley Low — and if you’ve been frequenting this site, you may recall that I’ve written about album singles “Come Back Lover” and “Valley Low.” Valley Low’s latest single “Out Of My Hands,” continues the album’s moody and seductive feel as the song pairs, buzzing guitars, four-on-the-floor-like drumming, swirling feedback and electronics and a sinuous bass line with Gordon’s ethereal and seductive cooing. Sonically speaking the song seems as though it draws from Siouxsie and the Banshees — in particular, “Kiss Them For Me” and “Israel” but moodier and more seductive.
The recently released music video for “Out of My Hands” employs the use of grainy and pixellated VHS-like imagery, psychedelic imagery of faces melting and reforming and geometric shapes coming together and falling apart, and images of space and clouds to create a trippy and surrealistic vibe.
Gordon will be playing a number of live dates in L.A. and in NYC to support Valley Low. Check out tour dates, below.
LIVE DATES
2/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Mint (Betty Black & Cullers)
2/10 – Los Angeles, CA @ Resident (Betty Black & Cullers)
2/12 NYC, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall (Valley Low Record Release Party/Live Show with Prima, Hay Baby, Whiskey Bitches, and Crashing Hotels)