Black Country, New Road's latest CD Ants From Up There, displays the band's signature diverse appeal while demonstrating newfound ease and maturity. The long wait for this record was justified by the originality and ingenuity displayed throughout.
Black Country, New Road (BCNR) emerged as a band in 2019 with the release of two singles, Athen's France and Sunglasses, which dealt with themes of fantasy and the contemporary world. The seven-piece, which has a violinist, a saxophonist, and the usual suspects of an indie band, quickly became familiar to listeners needing a palate cleanser. With its jazzy tones and sudden shifts in register, their debut album, For The First Time (2021), was met with immediate critical praise and massive airplay. Yet, they've topped themselves with their newest record.
BCNR sticks to its highly distinctive approach, which is a treat to listen to because of its jumbled tales, pop culture references (check out "Good Will Hunting"), and wonderful musical texture. In addition to the audio album, a number of music videos have also been released. These are just as pleasing to the eye as the record is to the ear. The music is strange and gloomy, yet it is not to be disregarded since it oozes boundless curiosity and vigor, which cleanses the ears.
Unfortunately, the dream dies a natural death at its start. The band stated on Instagram that its lead vocalist Issac Wood was departing the group immediately, even though they had a European tour scheduled for this spring (it was supposed to happen last winter but had to be postponed due to sickness). He left due, in large part, to concerns with his mental health. While many supporters hope this is only a temporary break, we'll have to watch whether the original Black Country, New Road, ever returns.
Ants From Up There (Black Country, New Road, 2022) has been released on YouTube as a potential "constellation" reward for fans of the band.
While the band has stated they would continue recording music under the Black Country, New Road moniker, it should be noted that things will never be the same. However, we shouldn't let this news get us down; instead, we can take solace in Ants From Up There, the parting gift of the original band, and look forward to what the future may hold.
Black Country, New Road's latest CD Ants From Up There, displays the band's signature diverse appeal while demonstrating newfound ease and maturity. The long wait for this record was justified by the originality and ingenuity displayed throughout.
Black Country, New Road (BCNR) emerged as a band in 2019 with the release of two singles, Athen's France and Sunglasses, which dealt with themes of fantasy and the contemporary world. The seven-piece, which has a violinist, a saxophonist, and the usual suspects of an indie band, quickly became familiar to listeners needing a palate cleanser. With its jazzy tones and sudden shifts in register, their debut album, For The First Time (2021), was met with immediate critical praise and massive airplay. Yet, they've topped themselves with their newest record.
BCNR sticks to its highly distinctive approach, which is a treat to listen to because of its jumbled tales, pop culture references (check out "Good Will Hunting"), and wonderful musical texture. In addition to the audio album, a number of music videos have also been released. These are just as pleasing to the eye as the record is to the ear. The music is strange and gloomy, yet it is not to be disregarded since it oozes boundless curiosity and vigor, which cleanses the ears.
Unfortunately, the dream dies a natural death at its start. The band stated on Instagram that its lead vocalist Issac Wood was departing the group immediately, even though they had a European tour scheduled for this spring (it was supposed to happen last winter but had to be postponed due to sickness). He left due, in large part, to concerns with his mental health. While many supporters hope this is only a temporary break, we'll have to watch whether the original Black Country, New Road, ever returns.
Ants From Up There (Black Country, New Road, 2022) has been released on YouTube as a potential "constellation" reward for fans of the band.
While the band has stated they would continue recording music under the Black Country, New Road moniker, it should be noted that things will never be the same. However, we shouldn't let this news get us down; instead, we can take solace in Ants From Up There, the parting gift of the original band, and look forward to what the future may hold.