Black Country, New Road

On February 5, 2021, Black Country, New Road released their debut studio album, For the first time, through Ninja Tune. The album was recorded in March 2020 during the initial phase of the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown. It featured reworked versions of their earlier singles “Athens, France” and “Sunglasses,” alongside new compositions like “Science Fair” and “Track X.”

For the first time received critical acclaim for its dynamic instrumentation and fusion of experimental rock, post-punk, post-rock, klezmer, and free jazz elements. The album explored themes of identity, anxiety, and cultural disillusionment, delivered through Isaac Wood’s vocal style. It was nominated for the 2021 Mercury Prize and debuted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant entry into the music landscape.

Black Country, New Road’s second studio album, Ants From Up There, was released on February 4, 2022, almost exactly one year after their debut. Recorded in July 2021 on the Isle of Wight, the album continued their musical evolution, leaning into indie rock, chamber pop, and post-rock.

However, four days prior to the album’s release, lead vocalist and guitarist Isaac Wood announced his departure from the band, citing struggles with his mental health. This unexpected news led to the cancellation of their planned North American tour. Despite the change in lineup, Ants From Up There received unanimous critical acclaim for its songwriting and emotional depth, becoming their highest-charting album at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. The remaining six members confirmed they would continue as Black Country, New Road, but would retire all music written with Wood out of respect.

Following Isaac Wood’s departure, the remaining six members—Tyler Hyde, Lewis Evans, Georgia Ellery, May Kershaw, Charlie Wayne, and Luke Mark—began to write and perform entirely new material. This period saw Hyde, Ellery, and Kershaw sharing lead vocal responsibilities, marking a significant shift in the band’s dynamic and sound. They embarked on tours throughout 2022, using these performances to develop their new songs.

This new phase culminated in the release of the concert film and live album Live at Bush Hall. Recorded during three sold-out shows in London in December 2022, the project showcased the band’s post-Wood compositions. The film premiered on YouTube in February 2023, with the digital album following in March and physical releases in April 2023. Live at Bush Hall served as the band’s first official release of new music since Wood’s exit, demonstrating their adaptability and continued artistic output.

In 2025, Black Country, New Road released their third studio album, Forever Howlong. This album represented a further development of their sound in the post-Isaac Wood era, incorporating elements of folk, progressive rock, baroque pop, and alternative rock. The album highlighted the collective’s songwriting and instrumental arrangements, with the three vocalists contributing to a cohesive new sound.

The release of Forever Howlong demonstrated the band’s ability to adapt and reinvent their musical identity. They continued to tour extensively, performing new material and engaging with audiences globally. Black Country, New Road’s career trajectory since their formation has been marked by both critical acclaim and significant internal changes, yet they maintain a commitment to their collaborative creative process.