BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB – HOWL
[RED INK]
The most common criticism leveled against B.R.M.C.’s last album, Take Them On, On Your Own, was that it failed to show any musical growth from their acclaimed eponymous debut. Whether or not it was with such criticism in mind, the band seems to have made a conscious effort to move their sound in a different direction this time around. The result is their best and most varied album to date.
On Howl, the San Francisco trio notoriously associated with Brit-rockers Jesus & Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine take a trip through Americana. The boys in black have summoned the spirit of the Man in Black (reflected in Peter Hayes’ Cash-like appearance at a recent concert in Toronto) and another American legend, Bob Dylan. There’s still a few looks across the pond, but the main Brit influence here comes from the gospel-inspired Spiritualized. Most importantly, the songs are great throughout the entire record.
This time B.R.M.C. has put together an album that should rise above any valid criticism and should be hailed as one of the year’s best.
5/5
