2021 albums

Yeah, loving it. I'm delighted with how it's come out. As with Black Midi (and with Squid in May..), i've invested so much in this band over the last couple of years so obviously approached the album with some trepidation as to whether they had done themselves justice, but this feels like the perfect summation of their early days. As Karl mentioned, all but one song (Track X) have been the core of their set since the first time I saw them and they have intentionally left a handful of newer songs off the record. This was recorded live and pretty straight which works perfectly for the record.

In fact, they've taken some of the more brash elements out of the arrangements on some of the songs and made them a little more spare; Athen's France, Sunglasses and Opus all have tweaked arrangements from their earlier versions and again, I really think this helps the flow of the album.

Something I've always loved about them is the push and pull of the songs, how something like Science Fair just pulls back for 90% of the song and then it's release is not as intense as you'd expect which is sort of what they've done more of with the tweaks; all of these things I think have been for the benefit of the album, so still capturing the feel of the live set, but making the production a little more album like and timeless.

Can't wait for what comes next, they're already recording the second record (this album was recorded almost a year ago.. so old now). Basketball Shoes is the big one they've left off, a slow building song that stretches to 12/15 minutes and was closing the sets in the months before lockdown.. But for now, glad this is finally out and that I love it.. Squid next!

That's interesting Kev because I felt like the songs were a bit restrained in places, like something was being held back.

I haven't had the same exposure to the band, so am coming at it from a different perspective- was actually due to see them live for the first time next Sunday. But, well.

Also had very little exposure to Black Country, New Road but absolutely loved Sunglasses, staggeringly good so looking forward to getting stuck into the album.

Mostly been listening to The Weather Station this weekend which I am enjoying. Always give new Foo Fighters a chance 'cos I really like Dave Grohl but its pretty bad.

I want to clarify- i don't think any of the songs are bad. I also loved Sunglasses and liked Athens, France. I think Track X is ace.

I don't dislike any of the tracks on the album.

It just doesn't feel like a coherent album to me. It feels like 6 singles or 2 EPS. Almost a mini best of, from what the guys are saying is their live show.

For someone that hasn't had that exposure (me) if feels awkard and unfocused.

Perhaps it will grow on me and I really hope they reschedule the European dates.

It's been universally praised, I'd say it's been the biggest "rock" debut in a long long time, surely due to all the build up "the Windmill scene" has been achieving previously. Both here and when I saw them live I feel they're more interesting on paper than on execution, but obviously I'm far from the target of this band.

Agreed. The arrangements seem very subdued

For want of sounding like i'm bowing to peer group pressure, after a few more listens, i'm digging it hard.

I think i needed to get to know the songs i'd never heard, a bit better.

Science Fair is fucking great, and the new intro to Sunglasses is magnificent.

God, that Jamie is such a pushover!

Both Dry Cleaning and Ryley Walker announced for 2nd April.

Confirmed as the greatest day of my life.

Dying to see them live. I can imagine that's when they really come into their own.

Yeah this Black Country, New Road album is the fuckin tits tbf. Loving it. Had only heard Sunglasses before and while initially didn't like the new recording of it, it's definitely grown repeated listens, and definitely sits better in the album than the previous version would.

Obviously not the same, but they're doing a live streamed gig from Queen Elizabeth Hall on 6th March, £10 through Dice.

Been obsessed with Black Country, New Road this week. So, so good.

Expected something bigger/better/as good as debuts by idles, black midi, Fontaines DC after reading comments from barny and tucker. The aforementioned albums all range from above average to very good. Unfortunately this album is one of the biggest piles of rubbish I’ve ever heard.

MATH ROCK !

Every song sounds the same. The singer sounds like a depressed Franz Ferdinand and the Lyrics are embarrassing, “I’m more than adequate, leave Kanye out of this”

Come on now. Even Karl’s lo-fi math rock psych folk infused classic, “the rolling thunder” is better than anything found on this "big" debut. 

A very poor listening experience, and on a Sunday too, yep, im fucking mad. 

Thanks mate 

In ~24hours new songs by The Horrors, Wolf Alice and Kero Kero Bonito. Nice.

new horrors song is honking. my good friend rod mcneil described it as sounding like limp bizkit and i'd be inclined to agree.

new mogwai album on the other hand is magnificent.