Page 467 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

much unexplained. Their music matches this approach as well, as although at first it
would seem the attention should fall on Isaac Wood’s distinctive lyrics and quivering
half – spoken vocals, however on a second glance each member of the group offers
something highly distinctive that comprises the final sound. The band seem to be
proof of the notion that band members don’t have to have an identity to behind their
music, as it itself should be interesting enough. Track X is a standout track, sounding
far softer than the rest of the album and, having first been worked on in 2018, falls
into the albums theme of covering where then band has been and mapping out hints
of where it could go.

Rather than falling into the territory of giving away too much too soon the album
documents the two-year ground building up to it by the band as well as leaves
enough unsaid to make Black Country, New Road a band to watch out for in the
future, especially once they are allowed to perform live again.

Their music is reckless, raw, disturbing and chaotic – it’s made for
a time of uncertainty and change in which we all navigate in. There
is no charming uplifting or hedonistic disco approach in this new
wave of British guitar music like it was 15 to 20 years ago – it’s the
sound of a new generation that has nothing left to lose than this
music and the hope to make things better. Well, somehow.

It’s unpleasant music for unpleasant times and that’s what makes it so incredibly on-
point. With the album being recorded last March it can be assumed the band have
been working on new material since then and that at the time of its release they are
already exploring new ideas. What they are the world eagerly awaits to find out.

For The First Time by Black Country, New Road is out now via Ninja Tune.