Black Pumas share new single ‘Ice Cream (Pay Phone)’
Black Pumas have shared their new track ‘Ice Cream (Pay Phone)’. The single is the final teaser from Chronicles of a Diamond, which arrives on October 27th as the two-piece continue their ever-extending sonic journey.
Following the release of singles ‘Mrs Postman’, ‘Angel’ and ‘More Than A Love Song’, ‘Ice Cream (Payphone)’ delivers the same soulful psychedelia you’ve come to know and love from the band. Leaning heavily into the band’s R&B influences, ‘Ice Cream (Payphone)’ masterfully merges classic rock guitars with the groove of a blues number.
Discussing the new work, singer Erin Burton said of the writing process: “When left alone I tend to work in an unorthodox way, where the colours don’t go together quite like you’d expect them to”.
However, when guitarist Adrian Quesada jumped on the track during a session, it came together in their usual beautiful way. Burton explained how “with that song the big, distorted guitar doesn’t seem like it should work with how I’m singing, but it sounded so soulful in a way that felt just right to me.”
The track has become a fast favourite within the band, with Quesada adding, “As soon as I heard ‘Ice Cream’ I loved it, because it was so radically different from anything we’d done before, or anything I would’ve come up with on my own.”
As seven-time Grammy nominees with only one album currently out, Black Puma’s sophomore release Chronicles of a Diamond has been intensely anticipated. Continuing the hype they fostered on 2019’s Colors, which saw them performing at President Biden’s inauguration and being nominated for both record and album of the year at the 2021 Grammys – all ears are on them to see if they can level up on their second album.
If ‘Ice Cream (Pay Phone)’ is anything to go off, Chronicles of a Diamond is sure to deliver. Expanding their sound into bigger territories and drawing on a wider pool of musical influences, Black Pumas stay true to their distinct vision while connecting to a whole history of rock and soul artists that came before them.
Watch the video below for ‘Ice Cream (Pay Phone)’.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.