ALBUM REVIEW: Black Country, New Road - Forever Howlong

With April confirming our escape from a blisteringly cold Winter, Cambridge-hailing Black Country, New Road placed the cherry on top of the cake with their new, long awaited ‘Forever Howlong’. Their first studio album since the departure of former frontman Isaac Wood, ‘Forever Howlong’ pursues the Baroque, Folk-Rock sound the band established in their 2023 live album at Bush Hall.

Photo Credit: Eddie Whelan

It’s a stylistic, sonic shift that has divided fans across the often treacherous interwebs, some yearning for the raw, emotion-filled vocals of Isaac, which grounded their work in a more Post-Punk genre. Nevertheless, we are just as fond of the band's new direction; the artistic flair remains, now decorated with the undeniably talented vocals of members Georgia Ellery, May Kershaw, and Tyler Hyde. The result is an interesting, and still emotive new project that is equally as enjoyable to listen to as the group’s previous projects. 

Singles ‘Besties’, ‘Happy Birthday’, and ‘For the Cold Country’ are highlights throughout the album, really concentrating the Baroque and folk sound (‘Besties’ introducing the album with a jolly harpsichord). ‘For the Cold Country’ remains a favourite, its dynamic progression only growing more exciting as the song goes on.

Nevertheless, the album tracks also stand strong, particularly ‘The Big Spin’ and ‘Two Horses’, featuring an addictive whistling section that, admittedly, we have tried and failed to join in on. The Folk instrumentation certainly ties the album together into a coherent project, with mandolins, banjos, and accordions joining the regular Black Country, New Road lineup, the unmistakable sound of the saxophone remaining just as prominent as in previous albums. Finally, it would be wrong of us not to mention the incredible artwork of Jordan Kee, which can be seen on both the cover of the album, as well as the three singles. 

By ignoring the bitterness of some loyalist fans on the Internet who refuse to join in and enjoy the bright whimsy of this new project, it can be seen that this album, though of course sonically different, is still a fantastic piece of work, and we are excited to see Black Country, New Road pursue this direction even further!