Black Country, New Road’s Forever Howlong is an ambitious reinvention that both captivates and, at times, frustrates. Following Isaac Wood’s departure, the band leans into a more collaborative and folk-inspired direction, trading their post-punk chaos for something more delicate and introspective. It’s a bold move, and one that yields some truly beautiful moments, even if the overall experience doesn’t fully resonate.
Tracks like “Two Horses” and “The Boy” stand out for their emotional clarity and nuanced storytelling. The former, in particular, showcases the band’s ability to create intimacy with minimalism: gentle piano, understated vocals, and lyrics that feel lived-in. The vocal trade-offs between band members add a warmth and vulnerability that can be genuinely moving.
But elsewhere, the album dips into something that feels more like musical theatre than a natural evolution of the band’s sound. The arrangements are ornate and whimsical, the lyrics often narrative-driven in a way that can feel overly dramatised or even a bit performative. It’s not that the songwriting lacks sincerity, but rather that the presentation can feel overly staged, like watching a play rather than being immersed in the emotion.
This shift toward theatricality, while intentional, risks alienating listeners drawn to the raw immediacy of their earlier work. The album’s slower pacing and emphasis on character-driven lyrics create a mood that’s more quaint than gripping. For some, this will be enchanting; for others, it may feel like the band is holding back the fire that once made them feel vital and unpredictable.
Forever Howlong is clearly made with care, and at its best, it’s tender and daring. But for those less inclined toward its dramatic, almost musical-like sensibility, it may leave you admiring the craft more than truly feeling it.
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