L.A.-based Courtney Ranshaw combines a strongly developed brain – he is a rocket scientist (i.e., an aerospace engineer), a feat too cool to leave out of this post, with a punk rock heart. Ranshaw writes music under the Black Adidas moniker. On the sophomore Black Adidas LP, which like the 2018 debut is self-titled, Ranshaw is joined by Daniel Alexander (keyboards), Carl Raether (bass), and drummers Kari G. Child and Rob Wolk who share their drumsticks across the record.
The Black Adidas LP is a powerful record full of midpaced gritty and soulful punk rock tunes. Ranshaw has a distinct voice that at times reminds me of Tim Armstrong or Johnny Peebucks (Swingin’ Utters), but operates at a lower register. Listen to My Favourite Song for example, one of the standout tracks on the record. Ranshaw’s voice has a required taste kind of quality. To some listeners it could be off putting, but to most ears (including mine) Ranshaw’s vocals – mixing singing with barking and something eerily close to talksinging, will be a major part of the appeal of the band’s sound. What also stands out with the Black Adidas LP is its anthemic quality, a lot of these songs sound huge. Though sonically different, the band reminds me of The Hold Steady in terms of being unafraid to rock out and channeling classic rock to create something powerful, familiar and cummunal, inviting fans to shout along and forget their daily struggles for a while.
Featuring 8 originals and one Ramones cover (Howling at the Moon), Black Adidas is out now through Dirt Cult.
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