Ganser grapples with language, power, and instinct on ‘Black Sand’
Starling image viaMiles Kalchik
Chicago’s Ganser returns with the scorching new single ‘Black Sand,’ the first taste of their forthcoming third album Animal Hospital, due out August 29 via felte.
Serving as the opening track of the album, ‘Black Sand’ is a commanding reintroduction to the band’s no-wave, art rock, and post-punk sensibilities. Drums hit like warnings, while jagged guitar lines slice through shimmering tension. Vocalist Sophie Sputnik delivers a taunt—“don’t speak, don’t say it, if you put in the air I might catch it”—encapsulating the track’s theme of language as both threat and power.
Vocalist Sophie Sputnik explains:
“When I wrote these lyrics a few years ago there were wildfires, real ones. And a lot of talk around LGBTQ rights in Florida where I’m from. And it’s strange because these things, they don’t just go away. They linger. They shift. They burn, and then they burn differently. And here we are still talking about wildfires and LGBTQ rights in Florida.
“And the thing about language—about ideas—is they’re alive. That’s why people get scared of them. Because once they’re out, you can’t get them back in the box. They spread like smoke under a door. Can’t be held still. That’s the power, and also the danger.”
Ganser will preview Animal Hospital on a short run of Midwest dates, including Minneapolis on June 22, Milwaukee on June 23, and two Chicago shows on July 5 and July 11. ‘Black Sand’ is available now, with the full album to follow at the end of summer.
Connect with Ganser:
Stay up to date with The Daily Music Report’s latest music news & releases. Check out the most exciting and important music news here.
Content shared from thedailymusicreport.com.