elpais.com
Black Country, New Road: From Collective to Convention
The British experimental rock band Black Country, New Road, known for their unconventional sound and collaborative approach, released their latest album, "Forever Howlong," marking a shift towards a more conventional format and collective vocal presence after the departure of their lead singer.
- What are the key musical and lyrical themes explored in Black Country, New Road's new album, "Forever Howlong"?
- Forever Howlong" showcases a brighter, more baroque sound compared to their previous work. The album explores themes of friendship, with a noticeable shift towards more celebratory and less personally intense lyrical content; the band actively sought to create music enjoyable to perform live.
- How did the departure of Isaac Wood, the former lead singer, impact Black Country, New Road's music and dynamics?
- The departure of Isaac Wood in 2022, due to mental health issues, prompted a complete transformation for the band. Instead of disbanding, they adopted a collective dynamic, resulting in a more collaborative and less rigidly structured sound in their latest album, "Forever Howlong.
- What insights does the band's trajectory offer about the future of collaborative music-making and the evolution of their sound?
- Black Country, New Road's experience suggests a potential trend towards more collaborative and less personality-driven musical projects. Their shift toward shorter, more conventional song structures (aiming for 3.5-minute tracks in their next album) points towards a potential broader embrace of mainstream musical formats within the indie scene, while still retaining their unique identity.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced portrayal of Black Country, New Road, highlighting both their unique musical style and their internal dynamics. While focusing on their collaborative approach and recent album, it also touches upon their past challenges and the departure of a former member. The narrative doesn't overtly favor any specific viewpoint.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and avoids loaded terms. Words like "magnéticas" (magnetic) and "inclasificables" (unclassifiable) are positive but could be considered subjective. However, they are used to describe the band's music rather than making a value judgment. Neutral alternatives could include 'unique' and 'innovative'.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including perspectives beyond the band members. For example, critiques of their music or opinions from industry professionals could offer a more comprehensive view. However, given the focus on the band's internal experience and recent album, these omissions are understandable within the scope of the piece.
Sustainable Development Goals
The band Black Country, New Road, demonstrates a commitment to collaborative decision-making and internal harmony, which can be seen as a positive reflection of the values promoted by SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Their unique collaborative process, described as a "small socialist republic", counters potentially divisive power structures and fosters a healthy and productive work environment. This positive example of conflict resolution and participatory decision-making indirectly contributes to the promotion of stronger institutions and peaceful societies.