I found Black Veil Brides in 2009, and I had just turned 14. I’m almost 21, and it’s been seven years now, seven years of loving BVB, seven years of watching them grow, evolve, change. Seven years of never being let down or disappointed. So, when Andy announced this side project, I’m not going to lie, I got worried. I was worried about the state of Black Veil Brides. He has since quelled these fears for me and many others, by assuring the world that BVB is still going strong. However, I still wasn’t sure how I felt about him making music outside of the band. For a while it didn’t feel right, even though “They Don’t Need to Understand” was a really good song. I felt really weird when he announced the album. Now that it’s out though – everything feels just fine. “The Shadow Side” has exceeded any expectations I had and I love it.
I suppose it’s not that I ever doubted I’d like it, it just felt wrong for Andy to do anything outside of Black Veil Brides. But listening to him talk about it recently (in interviews, etc) the idea has slowly been growing on me, and now that I’ve heard the album, I’m fully on board.
I’m listening to it all the way through for the first time as I type this. I’m about halfway through and I’m really impressed – just as I was with the first song he did with this project – They Don’t Need to Understand
Totally Different Direction
I can see why he wanted to take this out of the context of Black Veil Brides, though. It’s not something I could see the band doing. They’ve certainly made some changes to their sound over the years, but this isn’t a direction I ever see them going. And yet, it suits Andy very well. I don’t know him personally of course (although after 7+ years of obsession, sometimes it feels like I do!) but from what I have seen of him in interviews, the three times I’ve met him, and the 11 or 12 times I’ve seen BVB in concert, I feel pretty comfortable saying that it’s very him.
In general, the album is a little slower than what BVB has done, and yet it’s got a much darker feel to it. While Black Veil Brides has gotten quite heavy in places, and their message is definitely a strong and very deep one, their songs are generally very fast-paced and high energy. These songs take on a slower, darker, and more emotional tone.
Track number nine is called “Paint it Black” and this one really stands out to me. Probably because “Paint it Black” by The Rolling Stones has always been a favourite of mine. So far, I can’t tell if Andy’s “Paint it Black” is supposed to be a reference to the original song by The Stones, but perhaps a few more listens and I’ll have a better idea. One thing I do know is that it’s a completely different song. No similarities in sound at least.
Every time you walk away
I lose the one I need to save
I just paint it black
Like starting over
That is probably my favourite line from “Paint it Black.” It’s just so true to what Andy would write. That’s one thing I can say about this album with absolute certainty – the lyrics he’s put out here, have not lost an ounce of their strength or meaning. I don’t think he’s even capable of writing something shallow or empty.
A Good Mix
“The Shadow Side” seems to be a good mixture of the slower, darker songs I mentioned earlier, and faster, more upbeat and energetic songs (We Don’t Have to Dance, and Ribcage for example).
I really like this combination. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with an album having one “sound’ throughout, but it just provides a more linear experience. When you have a good combination of sounds like this album does, it really takes you on a journey. A bit of an emotional roller coaster if you will. One minute you’re dancing along (be it mentally, or physically) and five minutes later you’re sitting down contemplating life. I love it.
I read an interview Andy did with a magazine many, many years ago and he’d said something that has stuck with me ever since. I don’t remember what magazine or even what song /album he was talking about, but I’ll never forget what he said. I honestly don’t even remember the question, but he was talking about writing songs and he said (I’m paraphrasing) “You shouldn’t be afraid of melodies and there’s nothing wrong with writing a good pop song.” It was something along the lines of that, and it stuck with me because it’s so, so true. Contrary to what many people who know me believe, I’m actually not against pop music and I never have been. It’s empty, meaningless, computerized pop that I detest. Many songs on “The Shadow Side” could probably be considered pop, but it’s good. The music is real music, and the lyrics are really amazing.
One Surprise
There was one thing about this album that did surprise me quite a bit. If you listen to Black Veil Brides you’ve probably noticed that they don’t swear in their music. They swear plenty when they speak, but it’s always been kept out of their music, with the exception of the original version of We Stitch These Wounds, and it’s one single word. I don’t remember if it was an interview I watched or read, but Andy actually addressed this once, saying he knew they had young fans/fans of all kinds (including some who didn’t like/appreciate swearing) and he wanted everyone to be able to listen happily. It was something like that, and I really respected him and the whole band for it. I respected it a lot.
So, when I discovered that some of these songs contain (minimal) swearing, I won’t lie, I was a little surprised. Not offended or upset, just surprised. I’ve never been one to care much about swearing in music, but as I said, I respected BVB a lot for keeping their music free from it. I suppose it’s because this is a solo thing that’s all his, and he certainly has the right to swear if he wants to, I just wasn’t expecting it.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I think this was a huge success for Andy. The way he’s been talking about this whole thing since it’s conception, anyone can see how much it means to him, and how excited he was about it. I think it’s important to him not only because he was able to create something that he’s been wanting for a while (it would seem) but he could never do with BVB, but also because of all the people he had in to help work on it. I can only imagine how interesting and exciting of a process it would have been, and the fact that it’s resulted in something so wonderful has to make him super happy.
As someone who’s been following him and BVB for so many years, I can honestly say that despite my initial doubts, I’m really happy with how this has turned out for him, and I do hope he’ll make more music like this.
Want to Listen?
The Shadow Side is available for purchase on Amazon:
You seem very devoted to Black Veil Brides, I mean you met them when you were 14, now you are 21, and you still follow them. I can`t believe you have talked to Andy Black more than once in person, that is so amazing. I hope things go well for the band, and that they become more famous in the future.
Devoted is a good word! They have been my favourite band for so long. Meeting them was pretty amazing too! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Hi Steph,
From your story, I can see how devoted you are to BVB. In fact, I can understand why Andy Black wanted to do this, being in a group band, you will not able to be truly yourself or do the music you love the best, it has to be in a good mutual decision, just like the swearing thing and he would prefer a deep emotional songs like the ones in his album. This is the first time I have the chance to listen to his song, thank you for introducing Andy Black to me, I think he has so much charm in singing, so cool! The entire images and video look very black too, just like his name and it is related to BVB. Will love to read more updates from you!
You’re absolutely right, I know he loves his band but everything has to be a group decision. I too understand why he’d want to try something like this out. It just took some getting used to for me.
Anyway, So glad you like him and the song! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Wow you really know about this! I like it.
Really glad you like it! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Wow
I love your site! It is so easy on the eyes. I had no idea who Andy Black was, so your article was very informative and really had me entertained from beginning to the end. I really liked the Youtube video you had as well as the link to the itunes store to listen along
I’m glad you liked the video, It really is such a good song!
Awesome Post! I have never heard of Andy Black before but I am definitely going to have to check him out now! I love that you have been a long time fan because it really shows with your writing to people like me who do not know much about him. I think I’ll have to check out some more of his music on my Spotify account now! Keep up with the great content. Love the look of your website as well as the pictures and videos you have throughout the post.
Thank you!
His album is indeed on Spotify, you should definitely check it out for sure! 🙂
Paint it black is about his wife juliet simms and moving past their fights and being able to forget. And to remember that they love each other and can make it through anything. It’s directly a love song to her. Something he’s wanted to do for a while but couldn’t with bvb though he did reference done for you when he explained this.
That’s cool, I didn’t actually know that, thanks for shedding some light! Makes perfect sense though when I think about it. When/where did he explain this? I have such a hard time keeping track of all his interviews and articles these days haha
I totally get what you thought when you said you were worried about Andy going solo because I’ve had the same experience with some other great singers who were in a band and then they got their solo album. I’m glad this turned out great for Andy and wish him all the luck in his future projects
Yeah it’s unfortunate, a lot of singers do find they like the freedom after starting a solo project and they leave their band. Andy isn’t one of those people though, thank goodness!
Hey Steph
I don’t know much about Black Veil Brides band but I like your websites designed. Nice choice of colors and text fonts. Well organized and easy on the eyes.
What make you decided to create a website on this band? Are you able to constantly push out content for your readers?
I created the website to talk about many, many different bands, as well as books and movies! I just happen to have a few posts about/related to this band, as they happen to be my favourite. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for the review by the long time fan. To be honest, I have never listened Andy Black but as I read your review I believe that I am eager to try.
I listened the song you had embedded and it sounds like “typical” contemporary music. Easy music to listen. 🙂
My favorite music style is 80s rock music. 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m glad you like the song!
I think he was going for more of an old school type of vibe, so I think you might like the whole album too, you should definitely check it out!
I really like the idea behind this website because I like seeing movies that maybe are not so popular or well known. The content is good. Would like to see more headings and/or keys to break down the sections a little bit, just to make the reading easier. The graphic at the top of the first page is really excellent. This is a page that I would personally like to visit. I know this site will do well
Thanks Jimmie, really glad you like the look of everything! I do hope you’ll return 🙂
I think it is really cool he is branching out and growing in other areas.
I thought the new material was a bit darker but I think I like that myself.
I was surprised at how much the new stuff is processed but that is a sign of the times I guess.
Overall, I like it.
Shawn>>
Processed perhaps but still good, and it’s the lyrics that really do it for me to be honest. Glad you like it 🙂