Black Country, New Road

Born from the independent scene orbiting the Windmill in Brixton, Black Country, New Road formed in London in 2018 as an expanded line‑up in which bass, drums, guitar, saxophone, violin and keyboards underpin an experimental rock informed by post‑rock, post‑punk and art rock, with motifs recalling jazz and klezmer. Partly descended from Nervous Conditions, the band attracted attention with the 2019 singles Athens, France and Sunglasses, before releasing the 2021 album For the first time on Ninja Tune, which captures long, shifting studio compositions with densely referential lyrics. In 2022 they released Ants From Up There, recorded with singer‑guitarist Isaac Wood; his departure just before the album’s release prompted a reorganisation, with the remaining members sharing vocal duties and refocusing the repertoire toward more melodic songwriting often close to chamber pop. In 2023 Black Country, New Road documented this new phase with Live at Bush Hall, recorded in London, which highlights a strengthened collective dynamic and confirms the band’s presence on British, European and North American stages, from independent clubs to festivals.