BLACK COUNTRY; NEW ROAD

Experimental art-rockers Black Country, New Road released their debut studio album 'For the first time' in early 2021 and have since become one of the emblematic representatives of the so-called Windmill Scene, alongside similar new acts like black midi and Squid. The septet of young British musicians present a jarring collection of six tracks that combine the affinities and desperate romanticism of post-punk with the avant-garde turmoil of the art rock movement, emulating enough of that King Crimson/Talking Heads bravado, all essential elements of the innovative playing and writing that BCNR bolster here. The music is neurotic and complex, unpredictable and suspenseful, elevated by the sprechgesang of then-lead vocalist and guitar player Isaac Wood, who delivers some of the most unnerving yet fascinating lyrics to be heard on any newer experimental rock release. And on that note, the guitar playing here is angular, angsty and temperamental, in line with the "orderly chaos" of the songs, which are also rich in percussion, violins, and sax, giving the album a tint of fusion, among all the intricacy carried on by the strong musicianship of the group.

The sharp contrasts between quiet playing, an aspect of this band's music that has been explored thoroughly and excellently, and the dynamic, instant jabs of aggressive playing are what drive the songs on here; there is a genuine, sheer intensity to the music of this young band, which makes BCNR one of the really inventive contemporary acts hailing from the UK. The absurdity of the lyrics and the vocal delivery remain one of the distinctive features of the album, which also exhibits neuroticism, indulgence and compulsion in large amounts. Instrumental opener track is a nice and quirky piece that sets a daring, atmospheric and somewhat dissonant tone, followed by the surrealist rocker 'Athens, France', the first real taster of the group's peculiarities in terms of singing and instrumentation. The mellow, pensive ending of this song gives way to the distressful 'Science Fair', one of the more chaotic numbers on here, a song that can become overbearing and overindulgent at times. Yet among all this clatter, the listener will catch the brilliant post-rock riffing and distorted compulsions, which can be sufficiently adventurous and experimental here, among all the recognizable rock tropes. Then the second half of the record goes into a jazzier direction, as the band explores more unconventional song structures, rhythms and tempo changes, depicted perfectly by the 10-minute centerpiece 'Sunglasses'. 'Track X' has a more somber, pensive mood to it, while the closing 'Opus' is a technical onslaught that finishes off brilliantly this noisy, experimental album. Just a brilliant first idea of Black Country, New Road - as manic as their music can get, there are a lot of subtle elements here that contribute to the overall consistency of the album, one of the best debuts of the 2020s.

Wasn't a fan of their first 2 albums, but was hopeful that with a different singer they would be much improved, and I think this is their best album, a major improvement fro the 1st two, as it is a bit brighter, poppier, with some actual semblances of melody here and there. But it still just doesn't connect with me, I just don't see the appeal or get why this band has been so praised. There are some interesting things instrumentally, with their use of horns and twisted pastiche of styles from the 1930's and 40's, but the mix with their post-rock hipster vibe just doesn't work for me. An improvement, but not enough. Rating 2.5

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

Now, if you've ever known me, you would know that my relationship with Black Country, New Road is?rocky at best. I cannot deny they do have some talent, but they never wowed me unlike other bands in the Windmill Scene, and, in fact, I would go so far as to say I don't get why people seemed to love them in the past, especially in regards to Ants From Up There. I don't like Ants From Up There, I'm sorry, but it just feels like such a basic post rock album to me that I'd rather listen to This Will Destroy You or Explosions In The Sky.

However, it seems like we got the glow up of the century with their recent studio workout of Forever Howlong, and honestly?yeah this is a massive improvement compared to their last two records for me.

The line-up changed quite a bit, specifically with the new lead singers of Georgia Ellery, Tyler Hyde, and May Kershaw. They have been in the band before as backing vocalists, but now they're in the forefront, and honestly they really brighten this album up. They're all really amazing vocalists to me, and they capture the energy and spirit of this new direction for BCNR so well. I don't quite know who's who, so I cannot really say who my favorite is, but they all do a really great job so even if I did know who's voice is who's, I'd still have a hard time deciding.

But obviously the real meat and potatoes is the musical change, as they basically moved far, far away from post rock, and head dive straight into chamber and baroque pop.

If there is something I could commend the band for in the past, it would be that they could make really stellar pop music when they did get poppy. So, honestly, when I first heard Besties and realized they would go into a pop direction, I was honestly excited, though cautious because of my dislike of Ants From Up There. Luckily, they focus primarily on pop, and in doing so create a very rich and jovial sound that I really adore. This might be probably the strongest pop record I heard this year. The mix of pop and folk music create an energy that's uniquely theirs, with a great baroque sensibility that's not too far off from classic bands of the 60s like The Moody Blues and Sagittarius.

It all culminates in a sound that is certainly new, but doesn't take away the feelings that BCNR has carried since For The First Time. In fact, I'd say this direction is probably a healthy one, as they sound much happier and freeform compared to the past, but they still keep what made them special for so many people alive in some shape or form. Everything in the music, especially on tracks like Besties, Two Horses, Happy Birthday, For the Cold Country, and Goodbye (Don't Tell Me), has this energy that cannot compare to their older works, yet has the spirit of them, and such makes me so happy that they decided to go in this direction.

I do have one complaint though, and that's, while I may have not liked their post rock sound in the past, I do think it would be kind of neat if they had at least one post rock moment on here, like make one of the tracks a bit longer and have a moment that's kinda reminiscent of some songs off of For The First Time or Ants From Up There. In this new pop direction, I bet they could really make it work well. It might make this album the quintessential BCNR record-I mean it is for me but it would be more so for the diehard fans. Just feel like it's one missed opportunity in a sea of great opportunities.

I was super, super surprised with how much I loved this album. I thought BCNR would just be one of those bands I would never get into, but they clearly proved me wrong in the best ways possible. While Forever Howlong isn't perfect by any means, I think it has so many great moments and songs that it's hard for me to at least not find it pretty good at worst, and at best, an amazing baroque and chamber pop journey through the English countryside. Most certainly a must listen in my humble opinion, and I really do hope they keep up this direction in the future. They finally did it, they made an album I like!

Best tracks: Besties, Two Horses, Happy Birthday, For the Cold Country, Goodbye (Don't Tell Me)

Worst track: N/A

For The First Time is a unique and promising debut album from relatively new Prog/Art Rock act Black Country, New Road. The album is what i would describe as if Spiderland by Slint was made by a Prog band in the 70s, BCNR is a crossover between Post Rock and Prog Rock and here it really shows, the Slint influence bleeds all over this album with some King Crimson and even some Van Der Graaf Generator like elements here. Probably my favorite thing about this record is the comic book like writing style it has especially on tracks like Sunglasses and Science Fair, that combined with the super unique sounding vocals of Isaac Wood you get a really interesting album especially with how eclectic it is taking elements of Post Rock, Prog, Punk, Jazz and even Klezmer. Safe to say this album and band will defiy the 2020s

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

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

While the internet has allowed artists from once unthinkable geographic regions to spawn interesting new music, former musical meccas such as London, England still seem to be going strong with new generations of musicians gathering to catch the next wave of whatever is en vogue. Here is one of England's newest up and coming artists called BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD which formed in 2018 out of the ashes of a band called Nervous Conditions but due to multiple sexual assault allegations against member Connor Browne, the members of Tyler Hyde (bass), Isaac Wood aka The Guest (vocals, guitar), Lewis Evans aka Good With Parents (saxophone), Charlie Wayne (drums) and May Kershaw (drums) left and created BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD and rarely does a band hit the ground running with a sound that stands out from the millions of bands that exist these days.

Just recently released on 5 February 2021, FOR THE FIRST TIME showcases an innovative mix of post-punk, free jazz, math rock and a style of post-rock most often compared to Slint's "Spiderland" but what sets this album truly apart from any other is the addition of klezmer which adds a festive jocularity to the otherwise post-rock processions that implement heavy doses of post-punk guitar dissonance that in tandem with episodic bouts of free jazz can resemble the irreverent skronk of 80s no wave or the detached free-flowing reverie of Maudlin of the Well's more contemplative moments. The addition of Georgia Ellergy on the violin who has played in the pop band Jockstrap as well as the wild Happy Bagel Klezmer Orchestra adds a contrasting heft to FOR THE FIRST TIME unlike any other rock album i've heard outside the more experimental realms of techy progressive rock that is.

After the fittingly named introduction of "Instrumental" which sets the overall mood for the album, the true distinguishing sound of BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD comes from lead singer Isaac Wood whose paranoid fueled lyrics and half-spoken, half-sung singing style that brings David Byrne's similar outbursts in the Talking Heads to mind. Although Wood also has channeled his inner Bryan Ferry as a hopeless romantic trying to navigate a world gone made. For an experimental rock album FOR THE FIRST TIME successfully straddles the world of post-rock which provides the cyclical loops that in the case of "Sunglasses" sprawls on to almost 10 minutes of playing time but fortified with post-rock guitar heft providing the sinewy textures for the klezmer and crafty atmospheres to weave around while Wood provides the perfect counterpoints with his moody oft unstable vocal contributions.

We can thank the UK label Ninja Tune for bringing BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD out of the seas of Bandcamp artists. Although this label that has been around since 1990 and specializes in downtempo and nu jazz releases, they clearly have their ears on the pulse of the modern music market and recognize a winning stylistic approach when they hear it. The beauty of FOR THE FIRST TIME is that it perfectly balances the constituent sum of the parts so deftly as to perfectly align them so that they reflect a completely unique display of music that transcends the influences that have been incorporated. While many have compared this to "Spiderland," in reality this album goes far beyond that album and not being the biggest fan of Slint's so-called magnum opus, i personally find this album to be a much more interesting listening experience as it adds so many more elements and juggles them with a circus performance precision unlike many first timers these days. This is indeed a band that has crafted a winning formula in this third decade of the 21st century and hopefully will continue to do so.