Album Review Black Honey - Written & Directed

Over two years on since their self-titled debut arrived as a thrilling first output, Black Honey are back with their second offering, and they’re going bigger and bolder. Self-described by the band as their sound “on steroids,” ‘Written & Directed’ sees the quartet evolving into the rock outfit they’d always threatened to be. Take the thrashing end of ‘Disinfect’ as the purest example of their reinvigorated rock attitude. Elsewhere, their beloved Americana-tinged sound still shines, with retro leaning lead single ‘Beaches’ and spine-tingling opener ‘I Like The Way You Die’ acting as classic Black Honey bops, while ‘I Do It To Myself’ is a mesmerising number about confronting your inner demons. Lead by Izzy B Phillips’ biting vocals throughout, her songwriting is what strikes in the record, coining the phrase “vagina rock” to describe her empowering anthems, with ‘Fire’ being the best example of her moving and rousing lyrical ability.