Black Country, New Road - Forever Howlong

‘Forever Howlong’ is so distinct from Black Country, New Road’s past albums that you’d be forgiven for thinking it was made by a different band altogether. If ‘Live at Bush Hall’ (2023) was their tentative first step towards finding their footing after vocalist Isaac Wood’s sudden departure in 2022, then ‘Forever Howlong’ is their jubilant rebirth. Under the masterful guidance of producer James Ford (Fontaines DC, Arctic Monkeys, Blur), and with Tyler Hyde, May Kershaw, and Georgia Ellery stepping in to handle vocal duties, BCNR have shed their post-punk roots entirely to embrace a kaleidoscopic blend of folk, baroque pop, and alternative rock.

The band shaped ‘Forever Howlong’ in real time, performing its songs live night after night allowing them to evolve organically until they reached their final form. And you can hear it: the magnificent orchestral crescendo in ‘For the Cold Country’ crackles with spontaneity, like a feverish jam session caught on tape. Meanwhile, on the title track, meandering lyrics about beans, vitamin B, and microbiome pH unravel like a spur-of-the-moment stream-of consciousness over a surreal tangle of strings and recorders.

It’s also the band’s most uplifting project to date, with harpsichord, banjo, bass clarinet, timpani, and recorders taking centre-stage. Despite their forlorn and occasionally grisly lyrics, the instrumentals of ‘Salem Sister’ and ‘The Big Spin’ are delightfully whimsical, while the exhilarating string and saxophone arrangements in ‘Nancy Takes the Night’ make for a breathtaking introduction to arguably the album’s standout track. Likewise, the jittery harpsichord that kicks off lead single and opening track ‘Besties’ is undeniable proof that BCNR remain as adventurous and unpredictable as ever.

Through the redirection of their sound, lyrics, and indeed, vocalists, ‘Forever Howlong’ redefines who BCNR are. But if one thing remains constant, it’s their unwavering desire to reinvent what their music can be.