“Besties,” the first studio release from Black Country, New Road since Ants From Up There and the departure of Isaac Wood, is the lead single for their upcoming album Forever Howlong. The track is a triumphant return for one of 2020’s most exciting musical acts as they continue to indulge in baroque/chamber pop influences, marking the start of a new period for Black Country, New Road.
The song opens up with a harpsichord before suddenly bursting into large anthemic vocals, immediately giving the track a grandiose and baroque feeling. The verses are beautifully layered with a soft plucked guitar mixing seamlessly with Lewis Evans’ saxophone, marking the song with its signature Black Country, New Road feel. Throughout the ending refrain, vocal melodies are blissfully arranged in a way that is reminiscent of 60/70s sunshine pop. It’s evident that artists like Johanna Newson, Arcade Fire, and 70s pop acts have had a large influence on the band, as they have all but ditched the sounds from For The First Time.
On “Besties,” Georgia Ellery is the lead vocalist, performing in that role for the first time in a Black Country, New Road release. Her soft voice matches the lyrical content of the single as she reflects on the innocence of friendship and camaraderie. This is emphasized during the chorus, as Georgia sings “I know what’s expected of me, Besties night and day.” The overall song reflects the sentiment shared on another Black Country, New Road release, “Up Song,” with its themes of friendship and sticking together. This has certainly turned away a section of their fanbase who favored Isaac Wood’s confessional lyricism and tormented delivery. However, it’s clear that the rest of Black Country, New Road are immensely talented musicians, capable of making high-quality music.
“Besties,” while lacking the angsty edge of Isaac Wood era Black Country New Road, still keeps the gorgeous and complex arrangements that made albums like Ants From Up There so special.
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