Black Country, New Road

Black Country, New Road (BCNR) is a pioneering rock band hailing from Cambridge, England, formed in 2018. The group consists of Tyler Hyde (bass, vocals), Lewis Evans (saxophone, flute, vocals), Georgia Ellery (violin, vocals), May Kershaw (keyboards, vocals), Charlie Wayne (drums), and Luke Mark (guitar). BCNR made their debut within the dynamic Brixton Windmill scene, capturing attention with their eclectic mix of post-rock, jazz-influenced post-punk, and art-pop.

Their first single, “Athens, France,” released in January 2019, quickly garnered praise, followed by the equally well-received track “Sunglasses.” These songs showcased their experimental edge, with “Sunglasses” being described as a “wild ride” by Stereogum. In 2021, BCNR released their debut album For the First Time, which reached number four on the UK Albums Chart and earned a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Prize.

The band’s second album, Ants from Up There, debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart in February 2022. However, shortly before its release, lead vocalist Isaac Wood left the band due to mental health challenges. Despite this setback, the remaining members of BCNR continued to grow musically, with vocal duties shared among Hyde, Evans, Ellery, and Kershaw.

In 2025, BCNR released their third album, Forever Howlong, marking a significant shift in their sound. The album explores a softer, more pastoral direction, incorporating acoustic instruments and whimsical textures. Tracks like “Besties” and “For the Cold Country” highlight their evolution, and the band remains active, bringing their distinct performances to fans across Europe and North America.