Looking forward to 2012, there are many interesting music acts out there who are vying for our attention, one of those that Grumpyrocker is keeping an eye on is Blacklisters or Blklstrs as they seem to prefer to be called. Billy Mason Wood (Vocals), Dan Beesley (Guitar), Owen Griffiths (Bass) and Alistair Stobbart (drums) are the creative source behind Blacklisters and since being signed to Brew records as covered by this site back in July, there is hot anticipation for Blacklisters forthcoming album in the New Year.

As a prelude to the new album, Blacklisters have a new single out titled I Can Confirm. After a quick shot of drum, the guitars verb into a dirty tempo, before Billy launches into his vocals. There is something a little more subtle about Billy’s vocals in comparison to Swords, which was their giveaway single when they signed to Brew Records. If you imagine your clench fist is a microphone and you aggressively taunt your vocals inbetween the fingers, you are getting close to how Billy’s vocals come across. It’s that constrained ire of someone who is in control, but still raging about it all. The other band members are more than happy to join Billy in ranting their instruments, although there are moments of lightness when either guitar or Alistair’s drums provide ample support. However, its when Blacklisters let go and rock that the real enjoyment shines through, none more so when I Can Confirm begins its final climb to the moment when Billy is left in a haze of distortion almost crying “I can’t help it” as though we should have suddenly found some sympathy for him. I Can Confirm offers the kind of controlled brutality of hardcore rock which when balanced the Blacklisters way is an exciting anticipation for the future.

Although traditionally a quiet time year in terms of musical output, I Can Confirm is a wonderful antidote to lashings of Christmassy Slade, Wizard and the no doubt obligatory X-Factor Christmas Number One (sadly Rage Against The Machine is seemingly that one swallow which doesn’t make a Summer). After hearing I Can Confirm, you'll be wishing the year away and looking forward to 2012 and Blacklisters full-length debut album.

Reviewed by Jimbo Walsh.

Blacklisters' I Can Confirm is out now and available from the lad's Bandcamp site, or alternatively head over to Brew Records and order the single with either a t-shirt or a screen print.