“Black and Blue” is an accessible, addictive rocker from Scottish trio PAGES., marking their second single since forming in June 2019. Galloping guitars emit a crisply melodic quality and vocals emerge suavely, reminding of acts like Muse and Kings of Leon. An underlying synth arp appears during the infectious “sing to me,” hook, the “say I’m sorry,” concluding refrain playing effectively, in a vein reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys. Twinkling keys and a bass-heavy front lead the ensuing verses, rising back again into the rousing guitars and anthemic vocal backing. The rock-forward verses and synth-tinged emotion of the chorus play cohesively, bridged enjoyably by a guitar solo approaching the three-minute mark. PAGES. deliver a convincing rock success with “Black and Blue.”
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“Black and Blue” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2021’ Spotify playlist.
