Hot off the announcement of third album, ‘Forever Howlong’, Black Country, New Road give us the second taste of what’s to come.
Just over a month from their comeback single ‘Besties’, the Sextet go from strength to strength on new single, ‘Happy Birthday’. This track, written and performed by Tyler Hyde, see’s the band explore their frustration towards young people and the social weight created by generational differences. Written over a sprightly piano part and married with a call and response duet between mandolin and noodly guitar, the track has a whimsical feel. In BC,NR fashion, ‘Happy Birthday’ reaches a large break after an immense sustained note from Hyde, backed by an ensemble of wordless singers making for a truly epic release.
The track was written after many listens through ‘Besties’ and Hyde says herself “The structure of it is heavily influenced by it”. This helps ‘Forever Howlong’ flow seamlessly between songs as Black Country, New Road perfect writing a record in their new formation. It’s clear they’ve worked hard to keep the focus away from any individual singer and more on the group as a whole, honing in the styles and mannerisms that each vocalist brings. ‘Happy Birthday’ is proof that Hyde is a fantastic songwriter, but more so is proof that Black Country, New Road are a once in a lifetime band.
Photo by Eddie Whelan
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