Author/Photographer: Noelle Lee
On May 24th, 2025, Black Country, New Road, ended their west coast tour at the Moore Theatre here in Seattle. The six-piece British ensemble, known for their funky rock tunes, performed their latest album, However Howlong, which was released in April 2025.
Former songwriter and lead vocalist, Lucas Wood, left the band just before the release of their album Ants From Up There, leaving fans curious about the direction the band would follow looking forward. However, with the release of However Howlong, the group’s strength in adaptability and growth only improved. With vocals shared between Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Keshaw, critics have noted that the album offers a unique blend of baroque pop, folk, and indie rock elements, comparing the music to artists such as Joanna Newsom and Randy Newman.
Live at the Moore Theatre, the band delivered a captivating performance. Opening with the track “besties,” the audience was immediately drawn to the music and the colorful light show. The inclusion of various instruments, such as a recorder, flute, and saxophone, is a fantastic example of the band’s musical diversity and talent.
One thing that made the show intriguing was that there was no lead singer. Songs are sung by different group members, making the show feel layered and communal. This gave the group shared authorship in contrast to most bands where the lead singer is mainly spotlighted with the band contributing in the background.
The venue’s acoustics blended nicely with the dynamic range of the band, from the light, flowy harmonies of “Mary” to the intense crescendo of “Nancy Tries to Take the Night.”
Throughout the night, the audience did not disappoint in their commitment. I noted many fans dancing along and swaying with the music and singing back lyrics. The band mainly focused on their new songs from the album, showcasing their commitment to progression.
Overall, exploring new musical territories allowed Black Country, New Road to deliver a reflective and enticing show. For fans and newcomers, this evening offered a glimpse into a promising future for the band.
Noelle Lee I KXSU Blog Photographer