Black Country, New Road - “Ants From Up There”
The British band releases their second album. Last year, Black Country, New Road brought us their highly anticipated debut record. An interesting and artsy blend of abstract post-punk, building post-rock and some exotic Klezmer music. With "Ants From Up There", the band’s sound has become more cohesive and distinctive. The post-rock influences are still there, but the band also incorporates elements of baroque music and jazz, which leaves a bigger spotlight for the violin, saxophone and piano. It results in a colorful, theatrical and emotional sound. Compared to the band’s debut, most songs contain a more structured verse-chorus approach, leaving room for more accessible moments. Still, all songs take captivating and adventurous turns, keeping it far from generic. And of course, there are singer Isaac Wood’s one of a kind vocals and lyrics. His poetic wordplay takes you into his troubled mind, plagued by anxiety, heartbreak and melancholia. With beautifully crafted metaphors like the retired Concorde airplane resembling a failed one-sided relationship. It’s all brought in his low and shaky vocal delivery. Unfortunately, it has taken its toll on Wood’s involvement with the band, as he left the Black Country, New Road to get better. However, with well-crafted arrangements, luscious instrumentation and honest songwriting, "Ants From Up There" sees Wood leaving on an artic high.
Best track: “The Place Where He Inserted the Blade”
Rating: 9
Released: February 4, 2022
Ninja Tune
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