Electronica synth-pop duo Blaqk Audio is a side project created by Davey Havok and Jade Puget of AFI. The pair are set to hit the road this fall with The Sisters Of Mercy — but, who exactly are Blaqk Audio? Certainly not AFI 2.0, or are they? Their sound may or may not surprise you (depending on your familiarity of their other projects), but it certainly will intrigue you.
Though different from the evolutionary post-hardcore and alternative sounds of AFI, Blaqk Audio presents a symphony of darkwave dance and synth-pop goodness that infact, does have ties to some of AFI’s most infamous discography.
The duo first birthed the electronica sound of Blaqk Audio in the early 2000s, in the midst of AFI climbing in popularity and success — in tow with a transformative sound. Traces of Jade on the keyboard intricately slipped into some of AFI’s tracks on both Sing The Sorrow and Decemberunderground. The wildly-cherished “Love Like Winter” and sensually slow deep-cut “37mm” were both originally intended as Blaqk Audio songs before they found a home on AFI’s Decemberunderground.
The pair has released six studio albums in total — beginning with their 2007 debut, CexCells. A remix of their first single “Stiff Kittens” was (very appropriately) featured on the movie soundtrack to Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans. With a distinctive industrial essence, this album was on regular rotation at LA’s Bar Sinister and throughout every goth-dominated club in existence. Whispers swirled that a second Blaqk Audio album had already been recorded and was ready for launch not long after their initial premiere of CexCells. That highly anticipated follow-up record, Bright Black Heaven, remained stashed away until 2012, with Davey and Jade lending priority to AFI. After reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Dance charts with both albums, Blaqk Audio peaked yet again at number one with their third album, Material. Additionally, all three records climbed as high as 5th on the Billboard Alternative charts.
From there, Davey and Jade continued to flourish in their songwriting through 2019, when they released their fourth album, Only Things We Love. It was revealed that there had been a staggering 69 songs written in consideration for the album — with only a dozen making the cut. Only a year and a half later, their fifth album, Beneath the Black Palms dropped, surprising fans with even more new material. Most recently, Trop d’amour graced our ears in 2022. We were lucky enough to celebrate at their album release show in Los Angeles. The Fonda Theatre was packed wall to wall, proving just how strong their fanbase has remained over the years.
This radiating euphoria backed by transformative instrumentals easily carries any listener to a their own sanctuary. (Personally, I can say their music is the perfect soundtrack to unwind to over a refreshing night drive.) Each album holds subtle yet distinct elements that highlight the duo’s ability to build upon their naturally eclectic sound. Most recently, darkwave, punchy percussion and 80’s derived sounds mixed with gleaming synth melt together seamlessly throughout their latest release, Trop d’Amour. There is a captivating, ethereal aura paired with a dreamy electronica sound that surrounds Blaqk Audio overall. Davey and Jade are master songwriters — you can feel their talent and emotion bursting through every track across all albums. Their immense flair can be easily detected in both studio recordings as well their charged live performances. The energy released and received is both powerful and grounding, yet makes us want to dance the night away and forget about the world — it is truly exceptional artistry. For anyone who adores any of the subgenres and instrumental characteristics previously mentioned, we assure you will fall in love with Blaqk Audio — if you haven’t already.
Experience Blaqk Audio for yourself this fall as they join The Sisters Of Mercy across their North American tour this fall. See dates below to find their stop nearest you.
