Black Country, New Road
Forever Howlong
(Ninja Tune)
★★★★

BLACK Country, New Road’s third studio record confirms the Cambridge six-piece as one of the most interesting, shapeshifting bands in the UK right now.

Their 2021 debut, an often unhinged shot of post-rock, was followed by the Arcade Fire-influenced Ants from Up There in 2022. Both records were driven forward by the talk-singing of frontman Isaac Wood, and both had many critics in raptures.

Wood leaving the band in 2022 was no doubt a huge blow. However, Forever Howlong shows they have not only been able to continue but have transformed their sound. Vocals are shared among three women — Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Kershaw — with the off-kilter songs generally stripped back compared to their previous work.

From the twee indie of single Besties to the theatrical title song, there’s lots going on here.

Delightful stuff.

Anouar Brahem
After The Last Sky
(ECM)
★★★★★

FROM 2002’s hypnotically Francophile Le Pas Du Chat Noir to his 2009 homage to Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, The Astounding Eyes Of Rita, Anouar Brahem’s back catalogue is incredibly rich and diverse. 

After The Last Sky is another career high, the 67-year-old Tunisian oud master joined by Django Bates on piano, double bassist Dave Holland and band newcomer Anja Lechner on violoncello.

The latter’s superb playing imbues the music with a deep mournfulness, which makes sense when you read the inlay notes in which Brahem writes “the tragedy of Gaza” was very much on his mind during the making of the album. Remembering Hind is presumably a tribute to five-year old Hind Rajab killed by Israeli forces in January 2024, while Never Forget is another aptly titled and emotive track.

An exquisite set of sorrowful instrumental songs.

Jaywalkers
Move On
(Burnt Chilli)
★★★

THE US origins of the name of the Jaywalkers makes sense: although they hail from Chester, England the three-piece play some lovely country music that you can imagine playing on a local radio station in Midwest America.

And speaking of the wireless, opener The Radio is about never being played on the airwaves. The track is so good and hooky I can imagine it may well get some air time – BBC Radio 2, perhaps. 

As well as country, Jay Bradberry (lead vocals and violin), Mike Giverin (mandolin) and Lucille Williams (double bass) are clearly keen students of folk, bluegrass and pop standards. The Longest Day and Gone Forever sound like ruminative love songs, though apparently are actually comments on the climate crisis. 

There’s much to recommend here for fans of artists like The Waifs, Kasey Chambers and Caitlin Cary.