BLACK SQUARE: One Glass of Water

Black Square

One Glass of Water

© 2006 Black Square Music (628740817827)

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Black Square’s sound can be described as a blend of ska and reggae delivered with the urgency and intensity of punk rock

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notes

Black Square’s sound can be described as a blend of ska and reggae delivered with the urgency and intensity of punk rock. As reggae music was the backdrop for these Hawaii raised punk rockers, the sound of Black Square came about organically from their musical and geographical upbringing. The band’s name comes from the Russian artist Kasimir Malevich’s 1915 painting of a black square. The theory behind the painting was that the material matter of art was without value and the true value in a work of art was in the feeling it expressed or provoked—without leading the viewer to a specific object based reflection. Black Square seeks to do the same with their music.

Black Square was formed as a Hardcore Punk trio in 2002 by Josh86, Little Brian Kim and Nick Danger. Influenced by bands like Operation Ivy, Minor Threat, Bad Brains and The Clash, Black Square’s lyrical focus aimed at attempting to raise consciousness concerning political, environmental, cultural, and economic issues—many specific to Hawaii.

Black Square released their first CD “End the Cycle” in the summer of 2004. “End the Cycle's” basic punk and reggae sound is a great musical match to the lyrics and stands up to the test of time. Written during the start of the Afghanistan invasion and Iraq war, “End the Cycle” is an early, powerful indictment against Bush-America's global policy. After “End the Cycle” Black Square added a horn section and moved in a more complex musical direction.

Black Square released their second album, “One Glass of Water” in January of 2007. The album features songs covering such diverse concerns as teenage homelessness, globalization, militarization, and the Japanese internment camps during WWII). The added brass of T.R., G-bone, and Babyface make horns sound relevant again. The music, while not losing its edge, incorporates influences such as The Specials and The Aggrolites.

Their third cd "Onward" was released in June 08. In an era of digital perfection, “Onward” is refreshing in its organic musical feel and reflects Black Square’s continued social focus. “Onward” is a groovy-rocksteady jam that showcases the band’s evolution. Direct influence is shown to traditional ska music on this album without compromising any of their unique blend of punk fused reggae tones

Recently Black Square has been touring the mainlandUSA about every six months and is receiving radio play on select stations. Black Square, located on Oahu in the Hawaiian Island chain, is in a market smaller than Toledo, Ohio, with no neighboring cities to play in. Despite their geographic isolation, local and internet support has allowed their activity to be achieved DIY.

Black Square currently consists of Josh86 on guitar, Nick Danger on Bass, Brian Kim on drums, T.R. on alto sax, and G-Bone on the trombone, and Babyface McEvan on tenor sax.

reviews

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  • Makes you come back wanting more!
    author: Michael Lealamanua

    Thank you guys for great music that really relates to our society. I wish I was still in Hawaii to hear you guys live, it must be awesome. Reminds me of the days of Radio Free Hawaii-definitely on the "rotation".

  • CD is awsome
    author: Jerry

    WOW guys you out did yourself i miss seeing you guys play at kemoos and i cant wait to get back to Hawaii to hear you again but you did out do yourself i love the CD and listening to it as i set here in iraq it brings me home you know keep rocking

  • Toe tappingly good
    author: SmurfUK

    A mix of ska punk reggae which makes this cd stand out from most in this genre.

  • i love this band!
    author: Tracy Lovingood
  • Awesome 2nd Cd
    author: Randall Auckerman

    End The Cycle was then, and this is now. That reggae-core sound is even more mighty with songs like "World Nation", "We Believe", "Breaking Glass" and others. This cd is definitely a solid purchase and should be reviewed further by other ska fans. BELIEVE DAT

  • Top Notch
    author: Joshy Rancher

    Ive seen Black Square since they started a few years back....and they just keep getting better. One Glass of Water just emphasizes their skills as a band. End The Cycle was great but this is even better. Cant wait for the next one guys, keep it up

  • Completely satisfied, awesome album
    author: Cheney

    I have been waiting for this CD ever since I first saw Black Square 2004. After only being able to hear these songs live for years, it is nice to finally have the CD. Right now I am liking this CD more than End the Cycle and that used to be my constant default. All in all: an excellent CD and a must have for any Black Square fan or anyone that likes the ska/reggae sounds.

  • BUY THIS SHIZ!
    author: Cameron

    Some great island music from Black Square! I can't wait to come back home to the islands this summer and go to some more of these guys' shows. Buy the CD and support the 808 underground!

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