Black Dog Unleashed: The Parachute Testers Chase Shadows on “Black Dog Runs Wild”

By Kevin Malton, Editor

The Parachute Testers, a Wexford/Leeds combination, have released their latest single 'Black Dog Runs Wild'. Lifted from their forthcoming album Halfway To Everywhere, this release serves as a welcome teaser to the upcoming long player.

Opening with a drum beat before almost hypnotic guitars come in, 'Black Dog Runs Wild' is an instant attention-grabber. The female-led vocal is produced admirably; there's a distorted filter that gives the track a certain character. Melodically the song flows well, with the refrain "took a look into his eyes" being a memorable hook. As the song progresses as does the intensity. By the end of the three minutes and thirty-nine seconds you're left feeling like you've actually heard something of substance.

The 'Black Dog' here is a well-known metaphor for depression and lyrically, 'Black Dog Runs Wild' details the approach of the Black Dog and facing up to it; looking at it head-on. Both confrontational and defiant, the track serves as a gesture to anyone who can relate to its core message.

Recorded overlooking the Irish Sea at Black Mountain Studios in County Louth, Ireland, there is perhaps not a more apt location to record such a track. The production is professional but not overly polished. Each instrumental track is given space within the recording, allowing the guitars to take centre-stage without overwhelming the finished product. The vocal here though (the production, the delivery and lyrically) remains the highlight however.

The Parachute Testers themselves say that their sound "draws on the emotional restraint and spaciousness of modern indie and dream-folk, while maintaining a strong melodic core and organic sensibility." and this track is a solid representation of that. With their debut album Halfway To Everywhere slated for an October the 30th release, and from what is found in this track 'Black Dog Runs Wild', The Parachute Testers are strong contenders to break-out towards the latter end of the year.

Take a listen to the track below and judge for yourself; The Parachute Testers' catalogue is also worth exploring to see how the band have evolved form earlier singles like 'Set Yourselves Free' and 'Telegraph Hill' to the tracks that are going to be sitting on their debut album, including this latest release.