Black Country, New Road – Forever Howlong
Forever Howlong proves that the possibilities for Black Country, New Road remain endless
Many would’ve written off the idea of Black Country, New Road sustaining their buzzy heights of popularity after frontman Isaac Wood left suddenly after their sophomore effort, Ants From Up There. But naysayers should think again. Catalysed by their restless knack for reinvention, BCNR’s new album Forever Howlong proves that the possibilities for this tight bunch remain endless.
With vocals now split between Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery (Jockstrap), and May Kershaw, the band’s female sense of perspective brings a refreshing new light to their material. Tracks including Besties and Salem Sisters evoke the six-piece’s resilience and commitment to female friendship, while Hyde’s lyrics in Socks offer an irrepressible exposé on patriarchal pressures: 'Baby you're always gonna lose / Well, that's what the demons say / I never liked those guys anyway'.
A distinctly Baroque feel also permeates throughout, with harpsichord lines and trademark shapeshifting song structures owing to the group’s classical music training. However, it’s their awareness of when to slow things down that’s most impressive – especially on the beautifully minimal, lyrically whimsical title track, which wouldn’t sound amiss in the mystical woods of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Forever Howlong sees Black Country, New Road take their individualistic aura another gallant stride forward. What comes next is anyone’s guess.
Listen to: Besties, Forever Howlong