Black Marble

Influenced by coldwave, early-'80s synth pop, and the mighty bass playing of New Order's Peter Hook, Black Marble is the project of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Chris Stewart. When Stewart debuted in 2012 with The Weight Against the Door EP, he remained true to the frosty gloom of his influences, burying his monotone baritone with layers of echo, reverb, and analog synths. As time went on, however, he let more light and warmth into his music, particularly on 2019's Bigger Than Life and 2021's Fast Idol, both of which reflected his move from Brooklyn to the sunnier climes of Los Angeles. Black Marble's fifth full-length, 2026's Life in Small Spaces introduced even more warmth into the mix with chiming guitars and live drum samples.