Following on almost exactly a year to the day from the release of their lauded debut For the first time, Black Country, New Road have harnessed the momentum from that record and run full pelt into their second, with Ants From Up There striking a skilful balance between bold stylistic overhaul and natural progression.
The band says “Releasing two albums in one year has been a fun and interesting challenge. At the start of 2021 we decided to make something really good together. We were lucky enough to leave London and cross a small body of water to go to the Isle of Wight to record the album – being in the countryside was a creatively enriching experience. We’re incredibly proud of it. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it.”
On For the first time the band melded klezmer, post-rock, indie and an often intense spoken word delivery. On Ants From Up There they have expanded on this unique concoction to create a singular sonic middle ground that traverses classical minimalism, indie-folk, pop, alt rock and a distinct tone that is already unique to the band. The album sees the band shift between delicacy and enormity, finding them at their most potent and arresting.
Recorded at Chale Abbey Studios, Isle Of Wight, across the summer with the band’s long-term live engineer Sergio Maschetzko, Ants From Up There comes loaded with a deep-rooted conviction in the end result. “We were just so hyped the whole time,” says bassist Tyler Hyde. “It was such a pleasure to make. I’ve kind of accepted that this might be the best thing that I’m ever part of for the rest of my life. And that’s fine.”
Release: February 4th, 2021, Ninja Tune/Inertia