Black Lungs’ New Album Was Almost Electronic

Alexisonfire guitarist Wade MacNeil has become a singer/songwriter.

Well, not exactly... but close. He hasn't traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic and harmonica, but those expecting MacNeil's new Black Lungs side-project to sound anything like the technical screamo he's recognized for are in for a shock.

The band's Send Flowers debut is a far cry from the incensed screaming and abrupt, distorted attack of the St. Catharines, Ont. act. Black Lungs — featuring MacNeil on guitar and vocals, Attack In Black's Ian Romano on drums and Sammi Bogdanski on keyboards — are a stripped-down affair with slower tempos and richer melodies.

Black Lungs initially formed so MacNeil could revert to his punk rock roots, and he admits the band have taken a drastic turn. He had too much time to reflect on Send Flowers, which shifted Black Lungs from a simplified punk act to something poppier.

"Originally, I just wanted it to be a punk band, but it turned into something more because of the time restraints on doing it," says MacNeil. "I'd record here and there, go on tour with Alexisonfire, and listen to it.

"That's when I'd get fed up. On the road listening to it, I'd be bored to death. I was lying in bed thinking about it over and over again. I'd come back for a few days after tour, strip the songs down to just vocals and guitar, and put more stuff on like guitar or organ, different vocal stuff. Eventually, the record became a full arrangement like it is now. We kind of went ass-backwards, recording simplistically first and the drums were last. That's why the record sounds the way it does. Maybe I added too much."

Although Send Flowers is clearly softer than MacNeil expected, its enduring hooks and melodic sensibilities surprise him. While he admits that it may be overdone, he knew when to call it quits.

"I think when we put the drums down and started doing stupid stuff like putting electronic beats on songs, I knew it was over. We goofed around with it for a day and I turned around and went, 'What the hell am I doing? That's it... I'm done!'"

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