Black Country, New Road - For The First Time FIRST REACTION

[@retnugnahte]

jon if bcnr is "crazy" sometimes then you'll be absolutely shocked by black midi. both bands are my favourite bands in the world right now

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

I think their latest single "Welcome To Hell" would actually be a great entree.

[@retnugnahte]

@@justsomejusstsome8994 one of the best songs of the year

[@jens2049]

Yeah, Black Country, New Road is just more my thing

[@frabbleton2441]

He should listen to schlagenheim!

[@nujabes8136]

couldn't agree more, we need a black midi reaction

[@Bandstand]

Ohhhhh yeah this channel is geared more to my listening habits. let’s get it

[@athensfrance3591]

21:57 Yeah, Black Midi are practically best friends with BCNR. They've been playing together way before they'd both released their debuts.

[@williamhornabrook8081]

Black Midi's most recent performance on KEXP features Lewis on saxophone in the horn section. That performance absolutely slaps, it's totally original live arrangements from the album versions that are just as good or better.

[@cartmansnipples]

@@williamhornabrook8081 also the Black Midi, New Road performances - which are some of the most fun I’ve had watching a bunch of musicians jam together

[@murphy7959]

Even with the Kendrick drop ‘Ants From Up There’ is still my favourite album of the year so far. Even so, Sunglasses is my favourite BCNR song. Masterpiece

[@derk486]

Thoughts on Hellfire?

[@murphy7959]

@@derk486 some of the best moments of the year on there like Sugar/Tzu and Race is about to begin. I respect the technical skill hugely but I don’t have the emotional connection with Black Midis music that I do with BCNR

[@DEAKY0921]

@@murphy7959 How can you like rap and Progressive rock at the same time

[@brocolyrics4331]

@@DEAKY0921 how are they mutually exclusive

[@OtherSideLLC]

@@DEAKY0921 some people just appreciate music no matter the genre

[@Plsticc]

I love AFUT but this is the sound that made me fell in love with them. Now, black midi time :)

[@acooper2442]

the phoebe bridgers reference in athens, france always makes me laugh

[@pipe]

yeah Sunglasses is probably the song that entirely changed me once I listened to it back in 2019. Couldn’t believe how some guys could write something like that (all of them having at most 19 years). They didn’t even have any singles up on streaming, so it was all online bootlegs, the band and that music scene in general felt like the best secret you could find on the internet. Same goes to black midi, who I found first and still are to this day my favorite band of all time.

[@conradical8827]

have you heard of car seat headrest before? I think you'd enjoy them

[@valtteri4888]

The outro to Athens, France is one of my favourite musical moments from recent years. It's pure sonic perfection.

[@Lipo-man]

I’ve never understood the point of reaction videos. And then I watched your two BCNR reactions for those amazing albums and suddenly I get it. It was like listening for the first time all over again with a friend who’s a fellow music nut, and seeing them share your own joy. It was nearly as enjoyable as listening to the album. Nearly. My new favourite music channel.

[@j0rdeh]

It's so upsetting that Isaac had to leave, so much potential for this lineup on the table. Absolutely fucking incredible, most exciting band since I first heard Radiohead in 2016. Hope Isaacs okay, would love to see him come back!

[@wconniff878]

At the same time im incredibly interested in what they can do without him

[@supersupera82]

@@wconniff878 i’m not

[@jens2049]

Discovering this album and them has helped me a lot last year. I lovr love love this album and always will.

[@felixgisse2265]

Timestamps: 0:29 - Instrumental 3:37 - Athens, France 7:33 - Science Fair 12:34 - Sunglasses 20:01 - Track X 23:17 - Opus Have a great day

[@iamadamkappakappa]

godsend 🙏

[@lucasglanville2880]

Their new tour literally starts tonight! They’re playing exclusively new stuff, will be fascinating to hear it. Hopefully someone will livestream/record it

[@benturner2727]

Seeing them in Bristol on Saturday. Cannot wait!!

[@damando6631]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r37ZeGWtr92LptU

[@sackofsav]

fun fact, the og version of Athens, France is the sample on Injury Reserve's Superman That

[@colloquially]

Oh shit really?

[@andrewwdavvid]

W H A T

[@PixelCrabs]

And Knees samples Sweater by black midi

[@JohnBoogle]

Injury Reserve sampled the end bit of ' _Athens, France_ ' for ' _Superman That_ ' on their stunning 2021 release. They also sampled a load of other things around this new core of avant-prog/art-rock, like sampling black midi's ' _Sweater_ ' on the track ' _Knees_ '. Cool seeing these artists all recognizing each other even performing together on multiple occasions.

[@CanadianSkylights]

Injury reserve opened for black midi at their show this spring in Vancouver, so sick

[@endgravity]

omg its john boogle you carried my first battle cats playthrough

[@7letters4letters49]

so happy you're into them. just goes to show you have a curious ear and truly get excited about new things. "music is happening right now" absolutely right it is. the group performed new tracks recently and early tweet reactions suggest something really good is on the way

[@mrfrosty3]

I'm very encouraged by the new bands coming out of the UK, it seems like talent and musicianship is back.

[@mwstriker98]

Love how much more punchy and raw this album is. Certainly not as great as AFUT, but I have a soft spot for it. Sunglasses and Opus are also 10/10 bangers, especially the original version.

[@joshuadoty4682]

i like the lyrics of OG sunglasses more, but the cleaned up instrumental on this version has so much more of a punch to me especially when it explodes in the second half

[@jens2049]

It is as great an album in my personal experience

[@ЯнШляков-у9щ]

hope john fifty comes to town soon

[@beirasumidouro]

despite how close they are as friends, black midi and bcnr sound completely different. i can't believe how many people talk about them as if they were even close. and yes, that includes both bands debuts. nothing alike. that being said, the difference between schlagenheim (black midi's debut) and cavalcade (their sophomore) is even more abysmal than the difference between 'for the first time' and AFUT. truly giant stylistic step, including a wild change in band formation (one guitar out, a saxophone and a piano in) so you kind of have to listen to both. their third album on the way apparently sounds (from many live performances) closer to cavalcade but more abrasive and violent.

[@The_RedVIII]

I totally agree. I absolutely love BCNR, but I just can't get into Black Midi, personally. So yeah, they sound different.

[@joaoassumpcao3347]

Yeah, and I think that's a problem with these UK bands in general. You can bunch those two, Squid, shame, etc together but they have wildly different sounds. The only thing in common is they are guitar-centric and wild (and even then, bcnr became much less guitar-centric in AFUT). But all great ands, and it's a great time to be a fan of guitar music

[@beirasumidouro]

@@joaoassumpcao3347 and thats why i love the genre label they all have been given: 'post-brexit'. it inserts the movement as a historic phenomenon, brought by the absurdities, uncertainties and emptiness of the current world, something every single one of these band share and talk about in their music, while also not trying at all to cluster them when it comes to style.

[@condimentking414]

Not that different. Both have similar elements, it's just their influences are different Whereas black midi has plenty of King Crimson and Mahavishnu Orchestra vibes, Black Country, New Road seem to be inspired by Slint and American Football, but both bands are certainly going through post punk and post rock. post-Brexit bands such as IDLES, Squid, shame, black midi, Black Country, New Road and Wet Leg sounds quite different between each other, but they all got a clear post punk base at last.

[@asmahism]

@@condimentking414I agree completely about all the bands you listed, this “scene” reminds me of the explosion of creativity that happened in the U.K. In the late 70s early 80s. I’ve taken to calling this crop of bands “Brexitcore” since there’s not really an overarching sound that connects them but they came about around the same time.

[@shainetm1691]

BCNR as well as black midi are just something else at the moment. Ever since I discovered them about 2 years ago I just loved everything they did more than anything I've heard from anyone else... and I listen to a lot of stuff. They are so skilled at their instruments. They seem to have such a deep knowledge about music in multiple genres over all the decades of the past and present since with every new release they pull ideas from new inspirations. Everything they do is incredibly original and exciting. They seem to be mega confident when it comes to their craft. Like they are just vibing and having fun together while creating nothing but legendary material in the process. It gets even crazier when you think about the fact that they are all in their early 20s, like how is that even possible?? Honestly blows my mind

[@jagged546]

Been anticipating this!

[@phoenixtempleeviltruth8074]

Would definitely recommend Spiderland by Slint if you liked this album in particular. In general, Schlagenheim by Black Midi would be another great listen if you like this band.

[@zolris5498]

actually some of the songs on ants from up there are older than FTFT, notably basketball shoes which they built the album around. these 2 albums are like 5 years of work and live performances theyve put in. FTFT is meant more to be a representation of their earlier years and AFUT is their newer sound which made waiting for how AFUT would sound absolutely enthralling. idk about FTFT but AFUT was recorded mostly live with minimal takes and overdubbing. pretty sure concorde was only like 3-4 takes to get the recording they used for the record. insanely talented musicians. also check out black midi, they're from the same scene as black country new road and are similarly incredibly talented and have their 3rd record coming out in a month

[@photriongames245]

Yes, Schlagenheim by black midi followed by Cavalcade. Also their third Album is releasing in July

[@Sparty1224]

Another bump for black midi. If you like this, you will love them. Also, so glad you were inspired to check out LP1. While I don't think it's as good as LP2, it still has it's moments of brilliance. Definitely a more challenging listen.

[@oliver6530]

This is the perfect gateway drug to more experimental rock music! Go from here to Swans maybe..??

[@oliver6530]

Would be amazing to see your journey into more challenging stuff

[@frackingfluidinjection]

Swans is a HUGE leap honestly. i’d rather jon dip his toes a little more into the genre before tackling a swans album.

[@oliver6530]

@@frackingfluidinjection Youre probably right, its quite an undertaking. But thats why itll make such an entertaining reaction regardless!Maybe something like Third by Portishead or some Black Midi first to train the pallete

[@goclbert]

Swans is a great experience, not really a great reaction album though let's be honest

[@oliver6530]

@@goclbert a lot of their records arnt, but tbk definitely is. So many wild twists and turns. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5q0fIuripefoqM

[@letthebeatr0ck]

I am REALLY looking forward to the inevitable black midi reactions. They’re going to be amazing

[@el_mal_de_ojo]

When the 'Athens, France', 'Sunglasses' and 'Science Fair' singles came out before the album, the hype machine fucking exploded. I'm glad that, thus far, the hype was warranted completely. The single version of 'Sunglasses' might be one my favorite first-listens of the past decade (still prefer it to the album version), and my mind exploded first time I heard 'Science Fair', those tracks are essentially everything I want out of music. I think they definitely wore their influences a lot more on their sleeves on the debut (sorry, but I hear Slint all over the place on 'For The First Time', and that is not a bad thing. A little This Heat thrown in there, again - only good can come of that), whereas the 'Ants From Up There' album sees them coming into their own sound more fully. You absolutely need to react to black midi, chronologically. I'm gonna look forward to the Schlagenheim reaction, there's so many mind exploding moments on that album. It's really an amazing time to be a rock fan, so many young bands putting out truly great work that takes post rock, post punk, and post hardcore frameworks and injecting funk, jazz, noise, klezmer, (BC, NR), etc etc, to incredible results. I'm interested seeing where they go after Isaac left, but I will admit that frontmen like him don't come around every day. Such an idiosyncratic voice, presence, and approach to songwriting and lyricism, I'm truly sad I never saw them live before he departed the band. Seeing them at Primavera Sound in June.

[@rubengonzales1208]

Hell ya glad you reviewed this! Great reaction as always! You should check out the single versions of Athens,France and Sunglasses. The sound on both is so much bigger and raw with more passion and vulgarity from Isaac it makes them 10x better!

[@JulienIsTheMan]

The "Thanks" during Track X was so unexpected, I laughed out loud, my god

[@Zekew24]

If you thought the album version of Sunglasses got uncomfortable there for a second then you need to hear the single version released before the album. The intensity is everything. No guitar solo intro though :(

[@XercesBlues]

Definitely worth listening to the original single versions of the songs that made it onto For The First Time, I dont know if its just that i got used to them first but I still prefer them even now. Just something about the raw emotion and more uncomfortable lyrics was really potent, especially the original version of sunglasses.

[@maxwagner6342]

Black midi’s cavalcade is insanity, i think you’d love it.

[@maxwagner6342]

And schlagenheim is even crazier

[@adamh234]

Gotta listen to the original version of sunglasses, both are outstanding but absolutely love the original version feel like Isaacs performance on it is even more intense

[@jakenap7184]

If you liked this, react to Spiderland by Slint. BCNR cites themselves as the world’s second best Slint tribute act on Science Fair.

[@georgesykes181]

so excited to watch this :)

[@idontgetthejoke7974]

This albums absolutely captivated me. Knew nothing about the band, but when I first listened to it, I had to stop what I was doing and just digest. Fucking phenomenal, and it's only grown on me.

[@mairtintorpey]

The violinist in BCNR is also in a band/duo called jockstrap, well worth a listen aswell

[@manmoth2238]

This album was the sort of stuff they’d been playing for a couple of years prior to this albums release. Iirc by the time this album released they had already moved away from this sound to that of AFUT. This album was sort of a farewell to the sort of music they had been playing up to that point

[@coasterking9536]

After this, you have to do some black midi. They are almost as good as BC, NR and friends of the band. You also must hear Spiderland by Slint, it's a post-punk masterpiece and heavily inspired this albums sound.

[@shainetm1691]

As much as I love BCNR (very much) I'd honestly probably prefer black midi over them if I had to choose. Thank god I don't have to lol

[@chrilborn4138]

@@shainetm1691 hard to choose, but I'd probably pick BC,NR too if I had to. Black Midi gets a little too Primus-y for my taste (more on Cavalcade than Shlagenheim) sometimes

[@shainetm1691]

@@chrilborn4138 Yeah I can totally unterstand that. For me black midi is just all in all the slightly more exciting and adventurous band. You just never know what you get with them until you hit that play button. Like they can go completely apeshit in terms of complexity and energy with songs like John L, Hogwash and Balderdash or Welcome to Hell. Then they do a beautiful soft psychedelic piece like Diamond Stuff. Then they do a 10 minute operatic crooner piece with Ascending Forth. They are confident in trying out new stuff all the time and they nailed everything for me so far. The possibilities seem to be endless with them. BCNR have a more consistent vibe and they know how to absolutely nail that. BCNR is also definitely much more powerful in portraying deep intimate emotions... As I said earlier, I'm glad I don't have to choose lol

[@mejsn]

i have just listened to spiderland and wow.. It is like listening to For The First Time again.. It's incredibely similiar and also amazing.

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

Spiderland is NOT post-punk... Where did you get that from? It's more Post-Rock/Post-Hardcore

[@AlmightyNata]

27:52 glad you pointed out how Opus remind you of Hades haha. I thought that too as well as instrumental

[@brandonburroughs7128]

Yessss thank you for doing this!

[@ellie.doyl3]

Jesus havent listened to "sunglasses" in a while and almost brought me to tears, glad you could enjoy it

[@retnugnahte]

one of the best albums from 2021

[@Canela33]

The best*

[@retnugnahte]

@@Canela33 imma have to give that to Nurture and SIMBI but this is a very close third alongside LP!

[@ElGrexoOfficial]

Athens and France are my two favourite cities and this is my favourite song by Black Country, New Road

[@Shnagovic]

These guys are brilliant! But you must also check out SQUID. Also a potentially legendary band

[@JuanFelipeMedina]

amazing video dude

[@gonzalotejedar]

The absolute pinnacle of british engineering

[@neb5086]

Big Thief's new album mate It's unreal

[@arvid15]

Literally when i first heard science fair i had goosebumps. It sounds pretty terrifying. And it’s terribly good

[@isaacarnxld7731]

Audibly gasped when I saw this on my home page. Both their albums are top 3 albums of all time for me haha

[@The_RedVIII]

I would not call this less mature, in fact, I think this first album is way more complex, complicated and experimental than their second album. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of complexity in Ants, and I love it, but this album is something else, and it's amazing. Ants was way more inspired by Arcade Fire and beautiful melodies, which is great, but still.

[@patrickevans2041]

I will still maintain that the single version of sunglasses is better

[@AquaticDot]

Although Isaac's departure is sad, just imagine how absolutely spectacular this band's gonna sound five or ten years down the line. I think we haven't even come close to hearing their best work yet.

[@christiansanders6242]

If they ever make an album that tops ants from up there, it will rip my fucking skull apart. The best part is that I am almost certain they’ll do it

[@supersupera82]

they can’t without him. he was too large of an appeal and his influence on the band was immeasurable

[@AquaticDot]

@@supersupera82 It makes me sad that you're selling the rest of this incredibly talented and creative band short. Of course, it won't be the same without Isaac, but it'll be excellent

[@supersupera82]

@@AquaticDot the likelihood that this band goes from “joy division to new order” is very low. that’s just statistically fuckin rare. i’m not saying the rest of the band members aren’t talented, bc they are, very much so. but isaac was simply otherworldly, a once in a generation talent. but truth be told i enjoyed their latest release, ‘live at bush hall’ quite a bit so i still believe they’re capable of producing good music. but i’m irrevocably disappointed/saddened at the loss of isaac

[@ethang.miller4861]

Now you have to do Cavalcade by black midi!!

[@ciscomoto]

Yo Jon, Think your reaction mirrored mine - I listened to the the right way around ;) I was stunned, intoxicated and bewildered by the music, lyrics, voice, delivery - basically everything just melded into a beautifully creative sonic masterpiece. A year or so later I still think "For The First Time" is genius level debut material, and "Ants From Up There" is a level up. Still my favourite band of recent times - I like Black Midi but in smaller doses, way too intense for prolonged listening for me, but very, very creative and dynamic. Take care!

[@wkeydaddy]

Please please please check out black midi, one of the best bands to come out recently imo.

[@callumjmccurley]

you have to listen to "Twin Fantasy" by car seat headrest, specifically the 2018 version i think it would blow your mind

[@hivedrops8326]

thanks for doing this. i think you'd really like Deathconsciousness by Have A Nice Life, please consider reacting or, if not, listening in your own time

[@ojshrimpson2527]

Fun fact, the ending to the original Athens France is the sample for Superman That by Injury Reserve

[@Watto612]

You should give Jerskin Fedrix a listen as well, his album Winterreise is amazing.

[@kay_nanika]

Cannot reccomend Black Midi enough, I look forward to you checking them out!

[@liamr340]

Yes please do black midi Jon, both their records are amazing and the third is coming in July.

[@vokin6317]

I do prefer Ants From Up There by a little bit but for a while after its release I really wasn't sure. I know some who prefer For The First Time and I definitely do understand them; I think both records are different enough, and still consistent in quality, that it's up to the listener's preferences. The second record happens to be a bit more mellowed out and "mainstream"-- not to use it disparagingly, of course; For the First Time is simply more Post-Rock and Experimental Rock whereas Ants From Up There is more Art Rock and Baroque pop. Also yeah you should definitely listen to Black Midi, as well as Squid. I would kind of put those two + BCNR in the same group. Also also someone, multiple someones, recommended Car Seat Headrest and I'll give them a very high recommendation as well.

[@alsitair]

honestly either black midi album would be a great reaction, and i bet if you listen to one you'll want to listen to the other, they have a new album coming soon too

[@harrymcgranaghan7896]

I would also recommend you listen to Spiderland by Slint. Big influence on BC,NR

[@whenthesunhitsssss]

athens, france is so so so good. i really like the outro.

[@joeculp3993]

I dont think any song I've listened to here as of recently (past couple years) has left me as speechless as Opus did that song is pure chaos.

[@Ona1000]

I just realized Jon went from the channel Rock Reacts to actually doing Rock Reacts. Lmao

[@Jon-cw8bb]

Check out "Approachable" by "Guttiers" I believe their name is. New track that just came out

[@drewesrock9414]

The absolute pinnacle of British engineering

[@alexbraga8499]

Should definitely check out black midi or car seat headrest next!

[@BOTYgaming]

You should totally react to black midi! Would be awesome to see :D

[@joshuawells5191]

[@tooo_oom]

commenting to once again recommend Twin Fantasy - Car Seat Headrest :)

[@jaaqob2]

22:02 yes you definitely need to react to black midi

[@ElGrexoOfficial]

Please listen to Bright Green Field by Squid. That album is extraordinary.

[@FilletDev]

Yessss black midi

[@rejunofaye]

Opus is my faaaaavorite!!

[@HairyHog77]

If you listen to Black Midi definitely listen to Schlagenheim first

[@ash.953]

You need to check out Jockstrap! It's Georgia from BCNR's other band, where she's the main singer. It's very different from BCNR, yet somehow just as genre defying and captivating! They don't have an album out, but I'd recommend two songs, "50/50" and "Concrete Over Water".

[@ollie1312]

We need that car seat headrest

[@Aryan-eo4hb]

It had been a while since I heard this album again and this seems like a totally different band compared to AFUT. I can’t believe that the same band put out goodwill hunting and science fair.

[@bustarhymes9156]

Will you ever react to live from Bush Hall?? I know it's a live album but it's a just as phenomenal album as their other stuff even without Isaac pigs/turbines is one of my favourite songs ever

[@bustarhymes9156]

And ugh up song too just brings me to tears from the start and makes me so happy at the same time

[@crankheart]

he did

[@JEHNLEROY]

If you haven’t heard La dispute- wildlife I think you should give that a try. The best storytelling in music

[@dawgimchillen]

you should listen to black midi´s new single Welcome to Hell, it´s from their upcoming album

[@jens2049]

You NEED to look up their live performances.

[@Blubberplays]

Black Midi is the crazy version of BCNR

[@liviyyuh]

Today is their first live show as a six piece actually!

[@benturner2727]

I saw them at We Out Here festival and Opus genuinely cleared the crowd 😂😂

[@LJ-un1hb]

Black midi!

[@dr3693]

big thief would be so cool

[@ahnmensch3115]

By the way, yeah, you really should listen to black midi, they're basically like the crazy and chaotic parts of songs like Science Fair off of this album but in album length lol

[@peevin7836]

id love to see you listen to hellfire by black midi as well as cavalcade

[@qhrly]

13:29 average sunglasses listen

[@plainpopsicle]

Cannot recommend Squids album Bright Green Field enough if you're into BC,NR - a fantastic listen

[@lorenz0]

schlagenheim and cavalcade next!!!

[@Gloden]

Black Midi next!!!

[@TheReedbl4ck]

Hey Jon, the band consists of 3 women as well!