Black Satellite - Don’t Forget My Name

Black Satellite

Don’t Forget My Name
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

The debut four-song EP entitled Don’t Forget My Name by Black Satellite contains songs that while may not be reinventing the wheel certainly are a reminder of how a good rock song is supposed to make you feel. Pete Krsikapa (vocals), Juan Cardenas (guitars), Rik Cava (bass), and Frank Juan (drums) treat you to enjoyable, unpretentious songs that have endless replay value while not requiring much effort to enjoy in the first place. Their style is a bit varied in that you hear a bit of ‘80s rock and blues that ends up sounding like something between Kings of Leon and The Raconteurs.

From an aesthetic perspective Don’t Forget My Name sounds great. The band recorded the EP in a professional studio and then professionally mastered it. Suffice it to say the songs are radio ready waiting to be consumed by the masses. 

As the saying goes “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” I think the band realized this sentiment as the first song comes out of the gates fast and hard. The first thing you hear is a steady drumbeat that quickly gets layered by drum and bass. It doesn't take too long for the momentum to get to a boiling point. As soon as the band is in full swing it stops only to be introduced to lone vocals - a move that was quite popular with rock bands in the ‘80s. As the song progresses they get a lot accomplished to establish the band’s strengths.

The band continues to impress with “Red Lights.” It comes equipped with a sweet guitar solo and catchy chorus. I’ll take it. “Awake” contains a good amount of blues influence and is held by a hefty rhythm section. The bass line and drum work doesn’t go unnoticed around the two-minute mark.

Up to this point I was enjoying Krsikapa’s vocals. He has almost a classic ‘80s heavy rock voice but the last track “Shame” was the highlight for me. He belts it out and you can really hear every nuance during the verse, which becomes the focal point of the music. 

Don't Forget My Name is solid debut for Black Satellites. The only kink in the armor I see at this point is that there aren’t enough elements that define the band’s sound. It’s definitely not an easy feat for a rock band but not impossible. Overall, they are off to a great start and if they are able to find that X-factor that gives them an edge then I predict good things to come. 

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