Collection: ASkySoBlack

ASkySoBlack: A Cathartic Sound from Philadelphia

Formed in 2020 in the heart of Philadelphia, ASkySoBlack is a band that has proven itself worthy of admiration. While some listeners may attempt to label their sound as "grungegaze," the band itself doesn't subscribe to such definitions. "It's just rock and roll," they insist. For ASkySoBlack, it's about the raw energy—the loud, emotional, and cathartic experience that comes from playing their music. Whether they're shredding guitars, pounding drums, or alternating between screams and melody, the music is an unfiltered expression of their collective soul.

Unlike many contemporary bands often grouped with them, ASkySoBlack draws from influences that resonate on a more subconscious level. "I don’t have any knowledge of music theory," admits the band’s principal songwriter. "I can’t tell you an A chord from a C chord, despite probably playing them all the time." Instead, their music is shaped by the indelible mark left by bands like Citizen, Basement, and Title Fight—icons of an era defined by the influential Run For Cover Records.

One song that has particularly caught the attention of listeners is "See You Sacred." Despite its popularity, the band feels somewhat pigeonholed by its success, as it has drawn comparisons to the "Deftones worship wave." The songwriter reflects on this with a mix of appreciation and frustration, recalling a time when they saw Deftones perform in a small venue for 600 people. Yet, while they’re grateful for the recognition, they believe other tracks—some not even recorded yet—are equally deserving of the attention that "See You Sacred" has received.

ASkySoBlack’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The band only recently solidified a lineup that plays well together, an achievement that was hard-won. For a long time, they struggled to find a cohesive sound. But now, after countless hours of practice and performance, they’ve reached a point where they can take the stage with confidence. "It's nice to finally be at the point where we can play a show and not worry about sucking," the songwriter jokes. 

Their creative process remains unchanged: writing what they want to hear, with each band member contributing their own flair—or rejecting ideas outright. The result is a sound that is authentically ASkySoBlack, unfiltered by outside pressures or trends.

As they gear up for the release of their first full-length record, *Touch Heaven*, the band is poised for even greater heights. The album is a deeply personal project, born from the final years of a decade-long relationship. "It's a lovesick ass record," the songwriter confesses, touching on themes of guilt, doubt, and the inevitable end that looms before the final curtain falls. "I think you always know something's over before it actually ends," they muse, and *Touch Heaven* reflects that painful, introspective journey.

In total, ASkySoBlack plans to release 10 or 11 songs before the year’s end, with hopes that each track will garner the attention it deserves. They’ve already made memories on the road, playing alongside bands like Soul Blind. Their experiences have been unforgettable, from exhilarating performances to missed opportunities like cliff diving between Little Rock and Oklahoma City. Yet through it all, ASkySoBlack remains committed to their craft, driven by the same passion that brought them together in the first place. 

As they continue to carve out their space in the music world, one thing is clear: ASkySoBlack is more than just a band. They’re a testament to the power of music as an emotional outlet, a source of catharsis in a world that often feels overwhelming. And for those who listen, they offer something real, something pure, and something worth holding onto.