Black Country, New Road: A Completely Different Realm

"Any direction we took would be unique, but it’s somewhat comforting that the change needs to arise from external circumstances."

— Charlie WayneAs a band progresses to their third album, there can be a tendency to fall back on familiar elements, giving listeners what they anticipate. However, in this case, the band avoids the straightforward tactics they could use at this juncture (boisterous guitar breakdowns, grating saxophone solos). Instead, they choose to feature smooth chord progressions and sophisticated, mature instrumentation. “Maturing as a band is often interpreted as ‘making music that’s dull,’” Charlie chuckles. “This record might be less angular, but it covers a wide range of territory in quite captivating musical ways – just perhaps without the same intensity or chaos.”Another concept that emerges is the idea of crafting parts that serve the song instead of individual musicians. “There was definitely a time when we wouldn’t have allowed ourselves that flexibility, as it didn’t seem like good musicianship or progressive,” Charlie notes. “Maybe that’s due to the earlier BC,NR music being quite complex and intentionally obscure. Now, with our third album, it feels like we can musically breathe, which feels just as progressive as going really loud and then really soft.”Tyler chimes in: “Do you hear what’s playing right now?” In another room of the pub, the unmistakable sound of The Band fills the air. The three share a laugh at the coincidence – they’ve acknowledged the Americana group as a significant influence on their new album, alongside Joanna Newsom and Fiona Apple. They mention a concept with these artists, a sense of ‘groove’ – neither rushing nor dragging, meeting the songs on their own terms. “Playing songs you can groove to isn’t something we’ve done very often; it just happened,” Charlie clarifies. Tyler nods in agreement: “It helps us distance ourselves from the angst, which we certainly embraced before.”While a lack of angst might seem odd in songs that discuss themes like unrequited love, depression, and high school struggles, they are presented lightly. The narratives are both personal and subtly broad; the soaring drama of daily challenges. This is perhaps where the contrast with Black Country, New Road 1.0 is most noticeable, but it's thrilling to see three vocalists confidently stepping into the limelight together.Reflecting on her own shift to a more prominent role, Tyler beams: “I’m not sure how to express it without sounding conceited, but it feels fantastic – because I’m not alone. There’s no feeling of leading anything, no sense of being in the spotlight; I just enjoy it a lot.” She takes a moment. “I truly sense that I’m sharing something with Georgia and May, and with everyone else as well.”A tangible sense of happiness surrounds the group, with Charlie and Luke encouraging their friends in a step that is both intimidating and gratifying – and they feel pride in it. “In the studio, I was struck by how quickly they delivered a performance, and how unselfconscious they were.”Tyler agrees. “I adore singing with the two girls; it feels like we’re sisters … because we are sisters! It feels like I’m part of The Roches, living out a dream.”Sisterhood is a recurring theme for them, suggesting that the album’s feminine viewpoint sets it apart from their earlier work – the band has been quoted as saying the lyrics represent ‘an encyclopaedia of womanhood,’ but Tyler finds that description simplistic. “To be honest, we frame it that way to give it a conceptual feel,” she shares, “but it’s really just a collection of different stories from me, May, and Georgia about our experiences. That’s why it’s termed an ‘encyclopaedia of womanhood,’ because it’s just stories from three women, but that's not the essence of the album... Who knows what the album truly reflects?”Six years after their debut single, it seems Black Country, New Road can finally find some peace. What is it like to be in a more conventional cycle of tours and albums? “I want it to feel different,” Luke responds. “It does have its own daunting aspects,” Charlie adds, “because there’s nothing external to hinder it. We’re genuinely doing it now, and it is as it is.”