Pittsburgh Post Gazette interview

Black Crash: Atmospheric collision

Black Crash has a long history that goes back to singer-guitarists Dean Aloise and Ryan McElroy playing together in seventh grade at Bethel Park High School in the mid-’90s.

Now, Mr. McElroy says, “As we each grow older, we

find ourselves in the peculiar position of being in a ‘band’ while taking on the challenges of adulthood — careers, families, etc. Our lifelong friendships have helped, but it’s also recognizing the uniqueness of being able to create music with three other talented people that keeps us coming back.”

The early influences were Britrock bands like U2 and Joy Division, and those influences are intact on “Sometimes Dreams,” an atmospheric new album with shimmering guitars and moody, melodic vocals. They’ve added some fresh elements as well.

“As music lovers, our tastes grow and change and that surely is reflected in our writing,” he says. “I do think the new album blends sounds that are akin to, say, newer bands like M83 and Washed Out, along with long-lasting influences such as U2 or Radiohead. I’m not sure it’s a conscious effort to connect to those bands so much as an effort to expand our sound with layers and textures.”

While the influences are clearly British, Mr. McElroy doesn’t think the Britpop label entirely fits.

“Shortcuts are easy but rarely do the subject justice. We’re of course American. So, I don’t sing with an English accent and our topics tend to be universal. So stylistically we probably straddle more genres than Britpop. But in a soundbite heavy world, it’s much easier to throw out ‘the Jesus and Mary Chain’ or New Order or Travis than get into a lengthy description. It’s shorthand for describing melodic, textured music with a foundation of guitars, drums and bass and a penchant for the cinematic.”