British math-rock sextet specialists Black Country, New Road have returned to the fold with their third album and recently hit Nottingham with a special live and signing even at Rough Trade...
After it was announced that lead vocalist Isaac Wood was set to leave the band shortly before the release of their second album Ants From Up There in 2022 due to mental health struggles, many thought that that was very much the end of the sprawling alternative affections of Black Country, New Road - with many all but affirming that Wood's input and voice was a key component in keeping the band functioning.
But it turns out we were very much wrong in that department. Superseded with all eyes on them from the indie scene far and wide, what came out was Forever Howlong - an 11-track compendium of lush arrangements with vocals now shared between all three of Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery and May Kershaw.
Ahead of their third studio album release, the band booked in a few dates at Rough Trade venues up and down the country to promote the album. That mini-tour saw the six come to Nottingham last Wednesday. For some - including lead vocalist Tyler Hyde of the group - this was their first time in the city.
In the sweaty 150-capacity attic space of Rough Trade Nottingham, the band produced a special and intimate performance celebrating their new sound - and new chapter - from the alternative rock collective.
Opting not to perform any of their former hard-hitters, the band instead played six off their newest record. Formerly released singles of happy alt-country theme Besties and magnetic stand-out Happy Birthday were among to feature on the setlist, including somber operatic The Big Spin and For the Old Country, a beautiful ensemble of soaring violins, swooning sax and a three-way vocal harmony that is fabulous - a true telling that the band get on just fine without their seemingly "missing piece".
Elsewhere, Two Horses saw Charlie Wayne take up the mantle of banjo guitar in an acoustic jangle of European influence that was not too dissimilar to their earlier works like For the first time in 2021, before he reprised his role on the drum kit for Socks.
The six of them are known for their impressive musicianship - and their performance in Nottingham was certainly no different - no doubt showing that what they have between them, is simply too good to just put an end to.
After their showing, the usual signing took place with avid fans given a poster to sign ahead of the records being posted on the Friday.
Showing signs of Joanna Newson's avant-garde folk and even Fiona Apple's swirling melodies, Black Country New Road's Forever Howling is a dense and enriched record packed full of ideas that have just been screaming to be let loose for three years. It's nice to see the esteemed group back where they belong: in front of a stage or behind a studio desk enthralling thousands.
Black Country, New Road performed at Rough Trade Nottingham on 2nd April 2025. They return to our city on 11th September for a headline show at Rock City.
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