Black River Sanction
Alternative • Fulton, MD
Alternative Rock Theatre. A unique blend of art rock, jazz, electronica and psychedelia that relies heavily on mood and textures to propel thought-provoking lyrics into the deep recesses of your consciousness. It's also the creative output of a certifiable madman, albeit one with something to say.
Having always been a huge fan of concept albums, it should come as no surprise that this is my own modus operandi as a songwriter/conceptualist/musician. I am currently at work on my third such album, Shock Therapy. The music has been in the can for some time now. I'm still developing themes for the lyrics and will ultimately have to overcome my customary procrastination for producing another round of vocals.
DISCOGRAPHY
1. The Enemy Inside combines psychological themes of addiction, alienation, self-loathing, megalomania and madness with sociopolitical commentary to present a portrait of a successful, but lonely technology entrepreneur who also moonlights as a modern-day cybermenace.
2. Running After Midnight is the story of a U.S. military war veteran who returns home after several overseas tours, now burdened with guilt and psychological distress. The hero of this story struggles with substance abuse and relationship problems, while also experiencing a political and spiritual awakening.
ARTIST
All songs were written, arranged, performed and produced by Howard Lawrence and his merry band of misfits, Black River Sanction, using a mysterious form of musical alchemy.
ENGINEERS
Mixing by Cooper Anderson (www.hotmixing.com)
Mastering by Vincent Pablo (www.reverbnation.com/vincentpablo)
VIDEOGRAPHER
"Tachycardia," "The Enemy Inside," "Water Over Wine," "Hypnosis For Theatre" and "Far From Heaven" short musical films were written by Howard Lawrence and directed by Chris Mauldin of Mauldin Media Group.
www.mmgprovideo.com
www.youtube.com/mmgprovideo
LYRICS FOR VINCENT PABLO
In addition to my Black River Sanction projects, I have also had the pleasure of composing lyrics for the inimitable Vincent Pablo, most recently on his 2023 double-album masterpiece, Darkly Bryter. Previously, I contributed lyrics to his wondrous 2016 album, The Moontide.
In addition to my music and other artistic projects, I am also a successful financial/tax/estate planning software entrepreneur, a recovered financial/tax advisor and an amateur chef, blissfully married for 37 years to a dream wife.