There’s something in the air right now…more people seem to be embracing the dark side of music and fashion, and the sometimes ridiculed and previously underground and shadowy world of goth and 80s-style post punk is exhibiting something of a renaissance, with more bands emerging and developing the sound and style.
One of the most prominent of those bands is Black Doldrums; they’ve been around for some time now but have hit a rich vein of creativity in recent years. This release is their third studio album since 2022 and they’ve also put out two live albums this year that showcase exactly why they’re picked up such a strong and dedicated following.
‘Repetition Compulsion’ completes the trilogy of releases on Fuzz Club records, that started with ‘Dead Awake’ and then continued through ‘In Limerence’. Across these releases the band explore ‘the psychological forces that shape identity, memory and human connection’. Check out their socials for more of their own insights into the themes and concepts behind the albums . The atmosphere created by their music and lyrics reflects that slightly introspective and inward looking theme; they occupy the borderlands between cold reality and a more liminal, less defined space.
The album is saturated in atmosphere from the opening track ‘Repetition’ with layers of sepulchral electronics and uneasy rattles coalescing into a pulsing dancefloor-friendly experience. Skeletal guitar lines and cavernous vocals combine for an instant classic that sits well with its twin sister – the taut and determined recent single release ‘Compulsion’ – that appears later in the album. As dark as this music might initially sound, both feel uplifting and positive.
There is a deep resonant synth sound washing over much of the album and the increased prominence of the electronics is a feature throughout. They haven’t reinvented their sound, but they have developed and grown it, fleshed it out and put more meat on the bones making it richer and more rounded. Sophie Landers’ distinctive drumming now sounds heavier, with more bite and variety, and combines effectively to drive the tracks along with the prominent melodic bass lines. Kevin Gibbards’ vocals are deeper and more commanding each time they record, and he seems to have an unfailing ability to use guitar and effects to evoke moods and create brooding atmospheres.
For me, ‘Beat The Rain’ and ‘No Words Can’t Lie’ are the two colossal centres of gravity around which the rest of the album’s tracks orbit – Black Doldrums at their deepest and darkest. Both tracks are dense and claustrophobic, more authentically gothic in feel than anything they’ve done before – subterranean vocals, cold and spacious yet also crushing and enveloping. There’s a sacred quality to both tracks; while the former is loaded full of dread the latter is beautiful and doomily romantic.
Black Doldrums have developed a knack for hitting that sweet spot that meshes melancholy and exaltation into a palpable and unique surge of emotions (check out ‘Bat Bomb’ or ‘Waiting’). It can be weighty and at times mournful but offers salvation and redemption. Whether you’re seeking epic moments of revelation or a banging dark hymn to dance to, this album delivers.
They may take inspiration from some of the most notable and innovative bands from a few decades ago, but they are not slaves to the tropes and constraints of the genre. With a solid back catalogue of releases already behind them, this raises the level and surpasses everything that has come before; more assured and stronger sounding and will certainly be winning over a new set of admirers. This is not a nostalgia trip built around a good record collection…it’s post punk reinvented and reinvigorated for current times by a band beginning to peak and realise their vision. This album is a fantastic basis for an already powerful live set so be sure to check them out on their 2027 UK and European tour.
In years to come ‘Repetition Compulsion’ will take its place amongst the acknowledged classics of the darker end of post punk. In the meantime as autumn turns to winter it is a beautiful and energising soundtrack to this shadowy transitional time of year…
Gary Powell, November 2026
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