Black Country, New Road
Biography
Black Country, New Road is a seven-piece British band that pairs saxophone and violin with guitars, bass, drums, and keys, fronted at first by Isaac Wood's sprawling spoken-word delivery.[2]
The group formed from the remnants of Nervous Conditions, which dissolved in 2018. The remaining members regrouped, with guitarist Luke Mark joining later.[3] The lineup was Isaac Wood (vocals, guitar), Tyler Hyde (bass), Charlie Wayne (drums), Lewis Evans (saxophone), Georgia Ellery (violin), May Kershaw (keys), and Luke Mark (guitar).[3] They emerged from the Speedy Wunderground scene alongside Black Midi.[1]
Their debut, For the First Time, arrived on Ninja Tune in February 2021.[1] In late January 2022 Wood stepped away for mental health reasons, and the other members continued the band.[3]
Their second album, Ants From Up There, was recorded over three weeks in July 2021 at Chale Abbey Studios on the Isle of Wight and produced by their live sound engineer, Sergio Maschetzko. It was released on 4 February 2022, four days after Wood announced he was leaving, and it debuted at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.[4] The remaining members said they would not perform the songs written with Wood.[4]
References
- Stereogum: Black Country, New Road, "Science Fair" — Release announcement, live-staple status, band statements on the album, Speedy Wunderground context.
- The Fader: Black Country, New Road, "Science Fair" — Premiere piece with Isaac Wood on his writing process and influences, plus production notes.
- Paste: The 10 Best Songs of Black Country, New Road's Isaac Wood Era — Reading of the song, band formation from Nervous Conditions, and Wood's departure.
- Wikipedia: Ants from Up There — Recording, release, chart performance, and Isaac Wood's departure.