BLKLST Breakdown Their Latest Track, 'Hypocrite'

24 September 2018 | 4:08 pm | Alex Sievers
Originally Appeared In

BLKLST reveal to us more regarding the creation & story behind their latest single, 'Hypocrite'.

"I was holding onto something that was destroying me and I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it at the time."



We've been following BLKLST since they first started up a few years ago. Though, newest single 'Hypocrite' sees the mosh-loving, nu-metalcore group coming a long way since their inception. Namely how the Melbourne band are at not only their most dynamic and darkest here, but also at their most interesting too. Pulling from the best 90s alternative/nu-metal acts like Deftones with a wider sense of melody and space (and sounding like a better, stronger take on what they were getting at with 'Need You'), they also create an engaging modern metal mood by incorporating back in their heavy guitar riffs and hard-hitting breakdowns with real weight. It's something somewhat fresh for BLKLST whilst also still sounding like them too. 'Hypocrite' is a best of both worlds situation in that regard, and easily my favourite song from the group so far.

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In general, 'Hypocrite' has one core message to it, suggesting that we're all hypocrites in some way, shape, or form. However, frontman Joshua Westwick has mentioned previously that the songs from their upcoming EP, 'Hard To Swallow', are all open to interpretation. "Each song has a very personal meaning to me but I try to not be too direct about it. I prefer for people to take what they can from the songs and engage with it in their own way, rather than be told exactly what they are about", he stated in the band's latest press release. Yet with a little push from myself, the vocalist opened up more about this newest song's creative process and its original intent.

"'Hypocrite' was originally written as an instrumental and it included a long drawn out half-time breakdown at the end of the track because we thought it was going to be a lot heavier initially", he recalls. "Once we tracked the vocals we felt the mood of the song had shifted so we decided to shorten the track to highlight the chorus."

Lyrically, 'Hypocrite' creates a feeling that you're being cheated or lied to, or that maybe you're even the one doing said shitty things. It's a call-out as much as it is a self-reflection. However, Joshua is still keeping some cards close to his chest regarding the track's source. "'Hypocrite', like most songs, has a very personal meaning behind it that I’m really not comfortable explaining in detail. I will say the song has no intention to upset or blame anyone."

That being said, he does share more regarding the sentiment of the track for him and the catharsis involved. "I use music to help better myself, reflect on and understand my past, my emotions and my future. Recording 'Hypocrite', in particular, really helped me let go of a lot of the pain. I was becoming someone I didn’t want to be and [it] helped me vent a lot of frustration. I was holding onto something that was destroying me and I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it at the time. That’s why this song is so special to me".

'Hard To Swallow' drops Friday, October 26th. Try and let go of what's eating you up below with 'Hypocrite'. Maybe it'll be special to you as well.