Jan
Well-Known Member
just got notification that my signed copy is waiting at a pickup station for meI can't wait to dive into this one![]()
just got notification that my signed copy is waiting at a pickup station for meI can't wait to dive into this one![]()
First new album release listened to from 2025 Q2: Black Country, New Road with their 3rd LP, Forever Howlong. The British sextet (formerly septet) is back as a new iteration of the band (although the six remaining members are members from their first two LPs). Yes, this is their first album sans lead vocalist Isaac Wood. On Forever Howlong, the vocal chops are shared between the band's three female members, Georgia Ellery, Tyler Hyde, and May Kershaw. And I found that, after my first listen, this offers a female perspective and invigoration to the band that I didn't expect. Because, c'mon, losing a vocalist like Wood would (lol, wood would) normally be pretty detrimental to a group. But BC, NR made the adjustment and ran with it with flying colors on this one. The songwriting and vocal performances from the three ladies were excellent.
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I am a big fan of their first two LPs and I was, admittedly, pretty nervous for how they would follow up those two records without Wood.. But the fresh direction they've gone in with Forever Howlong is a wholly original experience, and I'm left only to applaud the group on their efforts here. There is a certain feel-good, cheeriness on this album that didn't exist on their previous projects. And the band is still taking risks, still being inventive, and still making bold and creative musical choices here. If you weren't a fan of BC, NR's first two albums (or maybe you weren't a fan of Isaac Wood's vocals, specifically) and may be considering skipping over this one, then pump the brakes. If I described you here, then I believe this is definitely something that you should give a chance to. If you're a fan of their previous two efforts, and a fan of Isaac Wood's style, then, surely, this new album will be an adjustment. But, as I said, the core band is still here. The band's instrumentation is still top notch and they were as unpredictable as ever on this one.
Favorite tracks after the initial listen were: 'Nancy Tries to Take the Night', 'Two Horses', 'Salem Sisters', 'For the Cold Country', and 'Socks'. For the numbers people, after one listen, this is a solid 8.5 out of 10 for me. And it may garner a stronger score with more listens. What a great way to kick off a jam-packed Q2!
Yes! I forgot to mention hearing the Joanna Newsome and Fiona Apple similarities as well.Listening to Black Country, New Road - Forever Howlong now and I agree with everything stated here but would also like to expand a bit.
This is not remotely close the post-punk that BC, NR were creating under Isaac Woodās lead. I understand why they would keep the band name the same but this is as big a shift in sound as Fleetwood Mac moving from Prog to Pop with the addition of Buckingham and Nicks. Any comps to the previous iteration of the group will not do this album any favors regardless if people liked or disliked their past albums. This is a completely different beast all together. About the only area that reminds me of the previous albums is some of the avant horn flourishes along with the complete disregard of normal pop song structure, I donāt know if any songs have what I would consider a verse-chorus-verse song structure, to be honest there might not be a typical chorus found throughout the albums runtime. This album is much more orchestral and baroque than anything they have released before.
Comparison wise I think if one enjoys Kate Nash 2007 album Made Of Brick, Joanna Newsomās 2010 record, Have One On Me or any of Fiona Apple/Jon Brion collaborations will like find something to love here. Itās just so different than what came before I would imagine it is gonna be a shock to the system for anyone who hasnāt been paying attention.
I listened to the album while on a morning walk and quite enjoyed it but even knowing that there would be big chances, I feel like I am gonna need to listen further to really work out my full feelings on the album as a whole.
When I listened to it earlier this right here, is the only bit that made my ears perk up and reminded me of old BC,NR. Itās so far removed from what they used to be. Not sure how it compares in quality yet but itās very different.About the only area that reminds me of the previous albums is some of the avant horn flourishes
Same here! And both were great in my opinion. Maybe even AOTY material! I definitely prefer this iteration of BC,NR. I dug their debut and they were great live but I just lost interest with the follow up.Albums Iām looking forward to this week:
Momma - Welcome To My Blue Sky
Black Country, New Road - Forever Howlong
He and I have had many album discussions. Often times when we disagree, he likes to hit me with that quoteAre you sure thatās his quote?
You're fine..I listened to the first to BCNR albums. They were fine.
Yeah, it's hot garbage..Tried listening to the new Sleigh Bells but I could not get through the first song. No thank you.
Have you heard the band Wishy before? Because they put out an album last year that does the same. Also the band Milly. Bands that sound like they came out of 1995 seems to be the rage nowadays. Keep it coming I say!New Momma is scratching the itch that I thought Men I Trust was going to. Light, airy, slacker 90s vibes. Canāt beat it.
Yep I have. I think Wishy is opening for Momma this year. Itās also the former singer of the band Hoops, before they disbanded.Have you heard the band Wishy before? Because they put out an album last year that does the same. Also the band Milly. Bands that sound like they came out of 1995 seems to be the rage nowadays. Keep it coming I say!
Yes! I knew Wishy for a bit but when I found out it was the guy from Hoops, that made perfect sense as to why their songs are so catchy. That first Hoops album is so, so good.Yep I have. I think Wishy is opening for Momma this year. Itās also the former singer of the band Hoops, before they disbanded.