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Black Country; New Road - Ants from Up There CD (album) cover

ANTS FROM UP THERE

Black Country; New Road

Post Rock/Math rock

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siLLy puPPy
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
PSIKE, JRF/Canterbury, P Metal, Eclectic
4 stars February 4th has turned out to be a great day for music fans with not only the release of Animal Collective's latest which finds them back on top of their game but also the second anticipated release of Black Country, New Road which took the world by storm last year with its debut that blended a unique concoction of prog, klezmer, punk, jazz and indie rock. To make things even more dramatic, vocalist and guitarist Isaac Wood left the band just a week before this album's release today. Cited mental health issues as the reason, the band is forced to cancel its American tour. Well that sucks! Fortunately before Wood left he contributed his last creative efforts which deliver an amazing payoff with an instantly loveable album in the form of "Ants From Up There" which finds the band taming things a bit in the direction of post-rock, chamber pop and slowcore with only a few heavier moments for contrast. Sounding a bit like a more modern version of David Bowie's art rock from the glam rock days, this album also finds the band sounding a bit like more modern acts like Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade. Also cited as existing in the emo camp, Black Country, New Road's has indeed delivered one of the most consistently brilliant albums of 2022 so far not only in that it instantly crafts memorable melodies but displays a distinct unique sound all its own even setting it apart from last year's debut. So far the best album of 2022 that i've so far experienced and this has been a pretty good year so far!

4.5 but not rounded up

Report this review (#2842152)
Posted Saturday, September 24, 2022 | Review Permalink
santisoux
5 stars This is my personal favorite of 2022 and probably of 2015-2022 (since Steven Wilson's Hand Cannot Erase). Few albums have done what this album has done for me in terms of moving my musical self to a place I had placed for just a few records, melodies and harmonies. This is a perfect record, from a very catchy and petit intro full of textures to the everlasting laments of the last two songs, the album is a rolelrcoaster of emotions, complexed by the vocals of Isaac Wood incredible voice (such a pity he was forced to leave because of personal problems), the multtilayered winds and strings, make this a very special one. I feel the intensity of the album in ways I haven't in the past years. No fillers, no low points, no boredom, just awesome creativity, crafted compositions and impecable execution. And the most important, heartfelt lyrics and abundant emotionality form beginning to end. 5 stars
Report this review (#2851852)
Posted Sunday, November 13, 2022 | Review Permalink
Lobster77
4 stars A few years ago, Black Country, New Road released their album For the First Time, a record that almost managed to live up to the immense hype, but also an album that never grew on me, it always felt like despite the obvious greatness at display, something was missing. Ants From Up There explores completely different territory, sonically, and it appeals to me more than their debut, it feels like a much more complete album that leaves little to be desired.

Lyrically, they're probably not among my favourite bands yet, but the music here is incredible. The opener Chaos Space Marine would probably give you the wrong idea of what you're in for, but it's a fantastic indie rock anthem. Good Will Hunting seems to put off a lot of people with its "Billie Eilish" lyric, but I don't mind it much and adore the riffs and melodies on the track. Isaac Wood's vocals are possibly my favourite thing about the album, fragile yet passionate and distinctive.

I'm always wondering what makes BC,NR stand out from other similar acts, but since I heard this, I had little doubt that it's a modern classic. Maybe it's how incredibly cathartic the build-ups and climaxes feel on this record, maybe the outstanding arrangements with saxophones and strings. Either way, it's one of the best albums of the decade yet, and the last three tracks are unbelievably good. The moment when the drums stop on Snow Globes might be the most beautiful moment in 2022 music next to Richard Dawson's The Hermit, The Place Where He Inserted the Blade is one of the most addictive tracks of the year. Basketball Shoes is a perfect closer to a stunning record.

4.0

Report this review (#3182380)
Posted Thursday, May 1, 2025 | Review Permalink

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