by Black Country, New Road
Released March 24, 2023 via Ninja Tune
Reviewed May 16, 2023
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Turbines/Pigs (79%), Dancers (58%), Up Song (39%)
The re-grouping of Black Country, New Road sees frontman Isaac Wood step out of the spotlight and fellow BC, NR friends step forward. Live at Bush Hall starts strong, dips a bit, and finishes with an exquisite flurry of songs in “Turbines/Pigs,” “Dancers,” and “Up Song(Reprise).” It tends to get high on its own high-brow supply at times. Lyrics can feel forced as things are said to make ends meet and sound a certain way, while words are drawn out to make up for a lack of songwriting skills. The nuance of Isaac Wood is certainly missed; but these things take time—even for BC, NR—who seem to have been fully formed from the jump. The band is still a masterclass of chamber pop and art rock. A superb band still finding their feet amid re-workings. Happy prom night. – Peter (7.5/10)
Dominick: 8.5/10 | Peter: 7.5/10 | Cam: 7/10 | DeVán: 7/10
Community Reviews:
As a quick fix for their 2022 tours following the departure of frontman Issac Wood, the band manage to keep the quality in different forms. This allows band members to make more of the spotlight and the result is a magnificent live album leaving fans excited for what’s next. – Connor (9/10)
Top Tracks: Laughing Song, Turbines/Pigs, Dancers
