I didn’t know how much I needed this song before I listened to it.

Black Match is band from a coastal California town that is charged with earthy themes, potent songwriting, and pure emotion. Upon first watch of their music video for their new single “Nowhere,” I found myself drawn in with the quick cuts of slow motion scenes. It is simple, yet complex. It is cohesive, yet choppy. Undoubtedly, it aches with beauty, as it shows the duo Hannah and Ian in their element: singing, experiencing nature, expressing their deepest pains. 

The video fades up from black on a mountainous sherbet sunrise. The fast strum of the acoustic guitar is consistent. I can already tell this song has a serious tone. An airy pad leads into the opening line.

This song is the story of lost love not yet let go. I can feel it in my bones. 

You got a hold on me like, 

like nicotine.

You’re running through my lungs

and into my bloodstream.

A drum is abruptly introduced. It builds the power of the song as an electric guitar joins. The video shows shots of a destroyed house, a billowy white sheet, the pair climbing a mountain or looking away wistfully. The image is clear: something is no longer there. This song is searching for it with a yearning. It is captivating and burning. They sing in front of seemingly infinite evergreen trees:

Taking sips of memories 

of when you cared.

All I see is you painted next to me,

but you’re nowhere.

Black Match has strong lyrics, but their strength comes from the depths of their voices and the sharp harmonies thread throughout the song. Even in the “oohs” that echo after the chorus, the sound is full and expressive. As I listen, I watch a lit match slowly drop and illuminate in fire. It is sparking and impactful. Then, Hannah walks backwards fully clothed into the ocean. It is slow and eerie as she maintains eye contact with the camera. 

The song is fully grown at this point. I can hear their story. It is dark and harmonious. The climax is reached, then the instruments are stripped back. 

Dancing to the same song, 

but you’re not there.

Miss the taste of your mouth

that it’s not fair.

The last image behind these lyrics expresses really how lost this love is. It is nowhere. She drops into the ocean, drowning in that truth and that pain completely.