The last time we placed Pennsylvania artist Gabriel Black on the blog was with his unforgettable single ‘Jump’. Since then, the singer and illustrator has released a genre-bending album, Beautiful Life, which is the finest cross section of emo, rock and hip-hop we’ve ever heard. Black’s first single of the year has finally arrived. Much like ‘Jump’, ‘Dead Yet’ is composed of distinct imagery, back-and-forth rhythm and guesting female vocalist, this time being silvery voiced Phem. Backed by swirling production, punching beats, and Black’s trusty acoustic guitar, he reinvents the allegory of ball-and-chain, of being trapped in a stale relationship and becoming dangerously comfortable in our habits. The take-home line as to be, “I’m just a dog chasing rabbits in the sky, / Tied to your waist, I’m on a chain, I’ll never fly.” The song rocks with frustration and a desire to change; one perhaps we’ll see unfold as we’re treated to more songs throughout the year. - Hannah Thacker