The Black Wizards - Force Majeure & The Acts Of God

 
The Black Wizards - the Porto-based trio of Joana Brito (guitar / vocals), José Gomes (bass / vocals) and Helena Peixoto (drums) - present their new album ‘Force Majeure & The Acts Of God’, via Hassle Records. 

There’s a dark humour to ‘Force Majeure & The Acts Of God’ - named after the legal phrase used to describe uncontrollable circumstances, the title reflects the chaos surrounding the record’s creation, while hinting at the band’s own sense of mischief and defiance.

Written as political landscapes across the world spiral into disarray, the album channels frustration and urgency without sinking into hopelessness. While compiling lyrics,
frontwoman Joana Brito drew inspiration from books on politics, gender and toxic masculinity, ideas that surface in songs taking aim at hollow leadership and social division.
‘Killing The Buzz’ in particular cuts through political spectacle with sharp humour and punk energy.

Musically, ‘Force Majeure & The Acts Of God’ marks a decisive shift for the band. Moving beyond the sprawling haze of their earlier heavy psych sound, The Black Wizards lean into something leaner, rawer and more immediate. There’s garage rock swagger, wiry proto-punk tension and relentless rhythmic drive throughout, led by Brito’s jagged, commanding vocals, José Gomes’ gravelly replies and Helena Peixoto’s forceful drumming. Recorded
in an intense five-day session with Cooper Crain in Porto, the album thrives on urgency, rough edges and volatile live energy.

For fans of Glyders, Slift, Ty Segall, Ghostwoman.

LP pressed onto Opaque Purple vinyl.

Tracklist

Ain’t Talking
Loose
Killing The Buzz
9 to 5
Beat
Wishing Well
Ain’t Joking
Caffeine
Elevator 15
Astrophile