Simon RushworthSong
Set Me Free
Artist
Project Black
Project Black backstory
When three like-minded friends and musicians sought to bring a bold creative vision to life, Project Black was born.
From the ashes of Fallen Mafia rose the latest big noise to emerge from North East England’s hard rock heartland.
And once Norman McGlen (lead vocals) and Phil Scott (guitars) joined forces with founder members Chris Johnson (guitars), Duncan Emmerson (bass) and Adas Cowan (drums) there was no looking back.
That was 2024.
Fast forward to a new year and a new focus and Project Black is finally ready to bring its unique sound to a brand new audience.
Set Me Free is just the start.
In the band’s own words
“Set Me Free brings inner turmoil front and centre to help those closest to us to understand that things aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.
“The song started as a throwaway comment along the lines of of ‘play us a riff’ one night in the studio.
“It quickly took on a life of its own in one evening. A few tweaks here and there and it was ready to go!”
The verdict on Set Me Free
Set Me Free unleashes the lung-busting powerhouse that is Norman McGlen and it’s immediately clear that Project Black’s blueprint is no-holds-barred, hard rock bombast.
One of the most familiar voices— and faces — on the North East’s buoyant independent scene deserves to be heard far and wide.
And if Set Me Free’s a snapshot of what’s to come then ex-Paris Dancer frontman McGlen’s more than repaying the faith shown in him by Chris Johnson and co.
There’s a US-influenced precision to Project Black’s polished sound — think Buckcherry meets Shinedown via latter day Papa Roach and Daughtry.
And that’s no bad thing.
This is cocksure, compelling, critical listening.
Project Black? Get with the programme.
What’s next for Project Black?
The band’s launch show takes place on home turf at fabled Tyneside rock club Trillians on January 31 — alongside This House We Built.
Expect further releases and live dates later this year.
