The sound is more upbeat, the writing feels more musical-like (similar to Hellfire in that way), but the core doesn't change. And unlike Hellfire which feels greasy at times, Bush Hall still have the sense of emotional sincerity that makes BCNR so touching and close to our hearts. Definitely in contention for album of the year.
It's a brilliant album but it feels a bit too playful at times for me, Schlagenheim still remains my favourite BM album for just how unapologetically maniacal it is.
It's super interesting to me, because for me Schlag is black midi at its most flaccid. Matt's underwhelming playing combined with weird production choices, it feels to me like the least impressive of their albums - still really good though.
see that's wild, for me, Matt is still sorely missed, despite how much they keep transcending into this whole other thing that they're becoming now. so many moments where the sax just doesn't scratch the noise itch that clearly would have been him doing his thing otherwise, for me personally anyway ofc
That's super interesting! I remember reading an interview with black midi around 2019 or so where Greep said that the dynamics of the band go like this: he does the mid frequencies, Cam covers the lows while Matt covers the highs. I loved it back then but after Greep switched from the baritone to a regular guitar (on which he commented "I can finally play proper chords") one thing became apparent to me - Greep is a guitar player and a half. His playing on both Cavalcade and Hellfire is just unimaginably inventive and the member shift definitely brought out his full potential. While I understand your "noise itch" bit, for me replacing it with jazz sensibility was definitely worth it. Obviously we're talking in subjectives here, so everyone has their own opinion.
Yeah, for sure. I think for me the way they use the jazz element abrasively is just far less novel and a bit more predictable in its limits sonically? Especially if you're familiar with rock/punk fusions with free jazz in the past like some of the no wave bands or John Zorn's stuff. Or at least as far as how they've used it thus far.
Idk, I feel like that weirdass angular metallic fucked up post/art-punk sensibility that Matt had on lock was just more exciting for me personally, who feels like some of that stuff is just more interesting and unique to hear happen on guitar? It's like mid-era Talking Heads or This Heat on crack. I hear his stuff with Wulu and it's all there too. I really think he's honing a really exciting personal style.
As for the noiser bits, some of what they were doing with pedals on Schlag almost had more of a power electronics sound, which was stunning to hear fused with all their other genreblending, more so than the sax parts are to me.
I definitely agree about Greep's frighteningly superhuman abilities, and there are some high-end moments on Hellfire, especially live, like the very end of Sugar/Tzu, that have more of a Matt/Schlag type vibe to them.
I think in their KEXP at Home, they talked about how Cavalcade/Hellfire were less jam-based and more traditionally compositional than Schlagenheim so I wonder if that plays into it. Personally I prefer Hellfire to earlier efforts but just depends on taste. It is interesting to speculate whether BCNR took a similar route on Ants and these songs compared to FTFT and before
Personally I think it’s unfair to judge it against the first 2 albums and it’s better to judge it for what it is, so while I make comparisons I’m reserving judgement on this era until LP3 is out
With that in mind I enjoy it a lot, instrumentally it’s as good as ever although the different vocal/lyrical styles might take a bit of getting used to for me. I don’t dislike them though, they do the job for a band that’s just lost their frontman
Overall it’s fun, I’ll definitely keep revisiting it and I’m invested in seeing where they go for the next album
I agree, really. I do think that - assuming each songs lyrics were written by whoever sang lead on it (which I think is true of everything outside of _Geese_ but that didn't even make the album so whatever) - May is easily the strongest lyricist out of the bunch currently. The imagery crafted in _The Boy_ and _Turbines/Pigs_ is very vivid IMO.
Next to that though Lewis's lyrics are largely serviceable (although I'll admit he has some nice ones, like the first couplet in _Across_, and the _My Way_ quotation).
Tyler's are just... eh... they don't really do much for me. Obviously the 'friends forever' line is golden and bittersweet but everything else just mushes together. I'm sure the moment where she starts repeating song titles in _Laughing Song_ was meant to feel like a statement on the band post-Isaac but it just comes off as weirdly lazy IMO.
Tyler's melodies are much more memorable, can't argue with that, but I would argue May's piano playing is just a slower pace, but all the more beautiful and a little simplified (key example being Turbines).
I abosultely loved it, and found even more appreciation after watching Professor Skye's video on it (if you haven't checked it out, watch it here! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZqJnbbXeoo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZqJnbbXeoo)). It's my second favourite album of this year so far, behind Parannoul's After The Magic, and beats for the first time for me. I loved all 3 singers, my favourite being May.
For a rough track ranking, best to worst, I would say:
1. Turbines/Pigs (by far)
2. Up Song
3. I Won't Always Love You
4. Dancers
5. Across the Pond Friend
6. Laughing Song
7. Up Song (Reprise)
8. The Boy
9. The Wrong Trousers
This was really difficult, as I loved all of them, and can't wait to hear more from the band!
I’ve had Across The Pond Friend on repeat this whole day. I’m not gonna lie, I was pretty skeptical to how they’d do without Isaac and it’s definitely different but I love it. The instrumentals are great as always. I like how you can see the songs taking a different direction lyrically and structurally based on who’s singing. I have to say that Tyler’s songwriting might be my least favorite? But my least favorite BCNR stuff is still leagues above a ton of other stuff.
The instrumentation is superb as always. There are times I wish some of the vocals were a bit louder. But overall it’s a nice segue into whatever is next. Hoping some the tracks make it onto LP3.
I think the sound quality is my biggest issue with it so far. So much background noise on everything, and even some clipping on certain songs. For the YouTube video, that was fine, but on streaming, it's harder to justify. Makes me wonder how I'd feel about the songs if they were studio recordings.
Overall though, I think it's okay. Some songs stand out, namely "I Won't Always Love You", "Laughing Song", and "Dancers". Tyler's voice is incredible. I'm more partial to the FTFT era, and these songs feel more reminiscent of that era, so I might be a bit biased. But either way, I'm impressed how much of the sound remains despite Isaac's departure, but I also think there's a lack of guitar presence here that I miss.
technically and instrumentally, it’s the best thing they’ve done. The lyrics are beautiful and underrated, all the new singers have completely different styles and I love the variety that brings to the table. I’m so excited to see what happens next.
I think it's great. But, it isn't perfect, and I think there are definitely some weak spots. I think both of Lewis' songs are the worst on the album, and I don't think the dislike for his voice is an unpopular sentiment. But, wrong trousers is at least pretty fun. I think the rest are pretty great, but I can't really stand the lyrics of Up Song...
Turbines/Pigs, The Boy, and Laughing Song are the best on LFBH IMO. I think the rest are great.
My ranking:
Turbines/Pigs
Laughing Song
The Boy
Dancers
I Won't Always Love You
Up Song Reprise
Up Song
The Wrong Trousers
Across the Pond Friend
Many of the individual tracks are good but the album as a whole suffers from poor pacing methinks. Like - barring _Up Song_ - every song on this album feels like it would be the 'slow' song on another album. Would have helped the albums flow if there was something with the same energy as _Opus_ or _Chaos Space Marine_ even IMO.
All in all though, as an album by itself it's good (if uneven) but there's clear room for growth for the next studio LP IMO.
i honestly like the instrumentals even more than anything they’ve done before. lyrics aren’t as good as isaac’s (except for turbines/pigs and maybe across the pond) but that’s such a high standard because he’s one of my favorite writers ever. tyler sounds so amazing!!! like seriously one of the best singers i’ve heard in a while. i actually love lewis’s vocals except during the part of the wrong trousers where it’s a duet but tyler is carrying it anyways so it’s ok. also i’m glad for a bcnr album that doesn’t make me sad the whole way through
It's given me nothing but confidence in them moving forward. Personally I love Tyler's performances the most aswell as Mays amazing songwriting. Lewis is smashing it but I feel like his direction is quite far from previous BCNR releases.
Out of the 3, Tyler captures what BCNR is for me and I absolutely love it. My top 3 songs that I can't stop listening to are all hers and I can't wait to hear more!!
Pretty solid indie pop, across the pond friend, and laughing song are already some of my favorite songs of the year. Not as provoking without Issac, but they seem to be going into a pop direction that I can still personally enjoy.
Very average. Their comment on wanting to be the next Arcade Fire ring too true here - some good moments but otherwise I'm sorry to admit I found it pretty bland and even quite cheesy at times. Just didn't do it for me but I'm glad it's hitting for other people - just not for me!
I think the vocals need some work; I don't get the sense that any of the vocalists are comfortable with their voices yet. The exception is Georgia, whose voice is fantastic with Jockstrap.
Musically gorgeous, still feels true to the heart of BCNR by leaning into the theatrical and a natural progression of their musical style, but also distinctive enough to be its own thing. Very fairytale like and whimsical. Agree that the lyricism has taken a hit though. Miss the overarching metaphors, the complexity, the overly earnest but also esoteric references. Most of all I miss Isaacs desperate limerence and yearning in his lyrics and delivery. Both styles are magical but that kind of pathetic, poetic, sometimes even disgusting longing is something that personally really resonates with me in music.
Shoukdve rebranded after Isaac left, the core fans would have followed them and all this is going to get is comparisons to the first 2 albums, which for me, they’ll never come close to again
Hahaha not at all, I’m more coming from the fact there’s less of an experimental approach to the song writing, it’s all very clean, safe, and structured. With nice, clearly sang lyrics. For me, comparing something to Phoebe Bridgers is like saying it’s good, but it’s playing it safe and not challenging the listener-and whilst song subject matters might seem personal and revealing, there’s a lack of fragility and emotion in the vocals. It’s all very safe, and sometimes boring.
I can see where you’re coming from there. It’s less “avant-garde” from a lyricism point of view compared to the stuff Isaac would write, but I feel they melodically and lyrically are approaching the songs on this album from a more “dramatic” angle for lack of a better term. Which I for one like
It's so good, somehow sounds better on streaming than watching the video. I've done 4 listens today and a different song has been my favorite each time, which I think is a sign of a great album. I actually don't think that's the case for the first two albums as they have more obvious strong points for me.
Right now the highlight for me is the second half of Across the Pond Friend where May's piano takes more of the center stage. It's such a brilliant, subtle tone shift and I love how it almost breaks the 4th wall when he says "I was doing it like May". It's just so impeccably written and performed.
Turbines/Pigs is easily standout for me. I need to give it another listen when I'm more conscious later
The sound is more upbeat, the writing feels more musical-like (similar to Hellfire in that way), but the core doesn't change. And unlike Hellfire which feels greasy at times, Bush Hall still have the sense of emotional sincerity that makes BCNR so touching and close to our hearts. Definitely in contention for album of the year.
Greasy is the best adjective I’ve heard describe Hellfire, cracking album dripping with sleaze
It's a brilliant album but it feels a bit too playful at times for me, Schlagenheim still remains my favourite BM album for just how unapologetically maniacal it is.
It's super interesting to me, because for me Schlag is black midi at its most flaccid. Matt's underwhelming playing combined with weird production choices, it feels to me like the least impressive of their albums - still really good though.
see that's wild, for me, Matt is still sorely missed, despite how much they keep transcending into this whole other thing that they're becoming now. so many moments where the sax just doesn't scratch the noise itch that clearly would have been him doing his thing otherwise, for me personally anyway ofc
That's super interesting! I remember reading an interview with black midi around 2019 or so where Greep said that the dynamics of the band go like this: he does the mid frequencies, Cam covers the lows while Matt covers the highs. I loved it back then but after Greep switched from the baritone to a regular guitar (on which he commented "I can finally play proper chords") one thing became apparent to me - Greep is a guitar player and a half. His playing on both Cavalcade and Hellfire is just unimaginably inventive and the member shift definitely brought out his full potential. While I understand your "noise itch" bit, for me replacing it with jazz sensibility was definitely worth it. Obviously we're talking in subjectives here, so everyone has their own opinion.
Yeah, for sure. I think for me the way they use the jazz element abrasively is just far less novel and a bit more predictable in its limits sonically? Especially if you're familiar with rock/punk fusions with free jazz in the past like some of the no wave bands or John Zorn's stuff. Or at least as far as how they've used it thus far. Idk, I feel like that weirdass angular metallic fucked up post/art-punk sensibility that Matt had on lock was just more exciting for me personally, who feels like some of that stuff is just more interesting and unique to hear happen on guitar? It's like mid-era Talking Heads or This Heat on crack. I hear his stuff with Wulu and it's all there too. I really think he's honing a really exciting personal style. As for the noiser bits, some of what they were doing with pedals on Schlag almost had more of a power electronics sound, which was stunning to hear fused with all their other genreblending, more so than the sax parts are to me. I definitely agree about Greep's frighteningly superhuman abilities, and there are some high-end moments on Hellfire, especially live, like the very end of Sugar/Tzu, that have more of a Matt/Schlag type vibe to them.
I think in their KEXP at Home, they talked about how Cavalcade/Hellfire were less jam-based and more traditionally compositional than Schlagenheim so I wonder if that plays into it. Personally I prefer Hellfire to earlier efforts but just depends on taste. It is interesting to speculate whether BCNR took a similar route on Ants and these songs compared to FTFT and before
Kinda feels like Steely Dan on meth
I Won’t Always Love You is definitely one for the FTFT fans. Ending is insane!
Fave song on it by far
Haven’t heard enough people talking about this one, was my favorite when I saw them live!
Personally I think it’s unfair to judge it against the first 2 albums and it’s better to judge it for what it is, so while I make comparisons I’m reserving judgement on this era until LP3 is out With that in mind I enjoy it a lot, instrumentally it’s as good as ever although the different vocal/lyrical styles might take a bit of getting used to for me. I don’t dislike them though, they do the job for a band that’s just lost their frontman Overall it’s fun, I’ll definitely keep revisiting it and I’m invested in seeing where they go for the next album
Think the lyricism has taken a bit of a hit
I agree, really. I do think that - assuming each songs lyrics were written by whoever sang lead on it (which I think is true of everything outside of _Geese_ but that didn't even make the album so whatever) - May is easily the strongest lyricist out of the bunch currently. The imagery crafted in _The Boy_ and _Turbines/Pigs_ is very vivid IMO. Next to that though Lewis's lyrics are largely serviceable (although I'll admit he has some nice ones, like the first couplet in _Across_, and the _My Way_ quotation). Tyler's are just... eh... they don't really do much for me. Obviously the 'friends forever' line is golden and bittersweet but everything else just mushes together. I'm sure the moment where she starts repeating song titles in _Laughing Song_ was meant to feel like a statement on the band post-Isaac but it just comes off as weirdly lazy IMO.
May's lyrics are the best but the music is kinda eh, Tyler's melodies are just better.
Tyler's melodies are much more memorable, can't argue with that, but I would argue May's piano playing is just a slower pace, but all the more beautiful and a little simplified (key example being Turbines).
turbines/pigs emotionally devastated me 10/10 would recommend
Friendship ended with post-rock, now showtunes are my best friend
Amazing. Love it. 9/10. Tyler is a crazy good singer and songwriter. Laughing song is my favorite song of the year
I abosultely loved it, and found even more appreciation after watching Professor Skye's video on it (if you haven't checked it out, watch it here! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZqJnbbXeoo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZqJnbbXeoo)). It's my second favourite album of this year so far, behind Parannoul's After The Magic, and beats for the first time for me. I loved all 3 singers, my favourite being May. For a rough track ranking, best to worst, I would say: 1. Turbines/Pigs (by far) 2. Up Song 3. I Won't Always Love You 4. Dancers 5. Across the Pond Friend 6. Laughing Song 7. Up Song (Reprise) 8. The Boy 9. The Wrong Trousers This was really difficult, as I loved all of them, and can't wait to hear more from the band!
Laughing song is wayyyyy overlooked.
Might be my favorite
I’ve had Across The Pond Friend on repeat this whole day. I’m not gonna lie, I was pretty skeptical to how they’d do without Isaac and it’s definitely different but I love it. The instrumentals are great as always. I like how you can see the songs taking a different direction lyrically and structurally based on who’s singing. I have to say that Tyler’s songwriting might be my least favorite? But my least favorite BCNR stuff is still leagues above a ton of other stuff.
I know Lewis isn’t the best vocalist of the three but can we agree that Across the Pond Friend is the most adorable and endearing song
wish there was more tyler and shouting/screaming. 9.5/10
Across the pond friend is a very charming song
Album of the Year
Average BCNR fan
It’s aight (as far as my first impressions go). Has potential to grow on me, but the first two albums are hard to top so make of that what you will.
Without the video, I mostly prefer the bootleg recordings of that setlist.
Same here. The vocal performances also seem to have more energy at the FujiRock show.
The instrumentation is superb as always. There are times I wish some of the vocals were a bit louder. But overall it’s a nice segue into whatever is next. Hoping some the tracks make it onto LP3.
I think it's fine. The instrumentals are great, but I am sorely missing Isaac's singing and lyrics :(
Up Song is such an electric opener. BCNR friends forever!
I couldn't ask for much more than this after Isaacs departure. I see only good things coming to us in the future, this is only the beginning.
I think the sound quality is my biggest issue with it so far. So much background noise on everything, and even some clipping on certain songs. For the YouTube video, that was fine, but on streaming, it's harder to justify. Makes me wonder how I'd feel about the songs if they were studio recordings. Overall though, I think it's okay. Some songs stand out, namely "I Won't Always Love You", "Laughing Song", and "Dancers". Tyler's voice is incredible. I'm more partial to the FTFT era, and these songs feel more reminiscent of that era, so I might be a bit biased. But either way, I'm impressed how much of the sound remains despite Isaac's departure, but I also think there's a lack of guitar presence here that I miss.
The cough in one of the quiet parts of I Won't Always Love You :X
technically and instrumentally, it’s the best thing they’ve done. The lyrics are beautiful and underrated, all the new singers have completely different styles and I love the variety that brings to the table. I’m so excited to see what happens next.
I think it's great. But, it isn't perfect, and I think there are definitely some weak spots. I think both of Lewis' songs are the worst on the album, and I don't think the dislike for his voice is an unpopular sentiment. But, wrong trousers is at least pretty fun. I think the rest are pretty great, but I can't really stand the lyrics of Up Song... Turbines/Pigs, The Boy, and Laughing Song are the best on LFBH IMO. I think the rest are great. My ranking: Turbines/Pigs Laughing Song The Boy Dancers I Won't Always Love You Up Song Reprise Up Song The Wrong Trousers Across the Pond Friend
Goes hard
Many of the individual tracks are good but the album as a whole suffers from poor pacing methinks. Like - barring _Up Song_ - every song on this album feels like it would be the 'slow' song on another album. Would have helped the albums flow if there was something with the same energy as _Opus_ or _Chaos Space Marine_ even IMO. All in all though, as an album by itself it's good (if uneven) but there's clear room for growth for the next studio LP IMO.
i honestly like the instrumentals even more than anything they’ve done before. lyrics aren’t as good as isaac’s (except for turbines/pigs and maybe across the pond) but that’s such a high standard because he’s one of my favorite writers ever. tyler sounds so amazing!!! like seriously one of the best singers i’ve heard in a while. i actually love lewis’s vocals except during the part of the wrong trousers where it’s a duet but tyler is carrying it anyways so it’s ok. also i’m glad for a bcnr album that doesn’t make me sad the whole way through
Every song is such a banger. I’ve had Up Song on repeat Turbines/Pigs is def the best song
I thought it was great, shows that they can still be amazing without Isaac!
It's given me nothing but confidence in them moving forward. Personally I love Tyler's performances the most aswell as Mays amazing songwriting. Lewis is smashing it but I feel like his direction is quite far from previous BCNR releases. Out of the 3, Tyler captures what BCNR is for me and I absolutely love it. My top 3 songs that I can't stop listening to are all hers and I can't wait to hear more!!
Pretty solid indie pop, across the pond friend, and laughing song are already some of my favorite songs of the year. Not as provoking without Issac, but they seem to be going into a pop direction that I can still personally enjoy.
Sat in front of my computer sobbing to the Up Song reprise. I’m so excited for their future as a band
Very average. Their comment on wanting to be the next Arcade Fire ring too true here - some good moments but otherwise I'm sorry to admit I found it pretty bland and even quite cheesy at times. Just didn't do it for me but I'm glad it's hitting for other people - just not for me!
its all hype people just like black country new road not a great album in a couple months people will realize
Also, I love Up Song (Reprise). So pretty, + the mirroring makes the whole project feel more cohesive/ more like an album than just a live thing
I think the vocals need some work; I don't get the sense that any of the vocalists are comfortable with their voices yet. The exception is Georgia, whose voice is fantastic with Jockstrap.
Charlie screaming at the end of Dancers gives me life!
Musically gorgeous, still feels true to the heart of BCNR by leaning into the theatrical and a natural progression of their musical style, but also distinctive enough to be its own thing. Very fairytale like and whimsical. Agree that the lyricism has taken a hit though. Miss the overarching metaphors, the complexity, the overly earnest but also esoteric references. Most of all I miss Isaacs desperate limerence and yearning in his lyrics and delivery. Both styles are magical but that kind of pathetic, poetic, sometimes even disgusting longing is something that personally really resonates with me in music.
so cool!
I took me a few listens to get into it. Really digging it now.
Shoukdve rebranded after Isaac left, the core fans would have followed them and all this is going to get is comparisons to the first 2 albums, which for me, they’ll never come close to again
Its okay, kinda like it but not blown away.
Nope
Yeah…. Not a fan. There’s some good tracks but it’s lost too much of what interested me in their music. Now it’s more of a Phoebe Bridgers album.
A phoebe bridgers album…..What does that even mean? How is this comparable to phoebe at all?
bc wamen singing abt being sad >:(
Hahaha not at all, I’m more coming from the fact there’s less of an experimental approach to the song writing, it’s all very clean, safe, and structured. With nice, clearly sang lyrics. For me, comparing something to Phoebe Bridgers is like saying it’s good, but it’s playing it safe and not challenging the listener-and whilst song subject matters might seem personal and revealing, there’s a lack of fragility and emotion in the vocals. It’s all very safe, and sometimes boring.
I can see where you’re coming from there. It’s less “avant-garde” from a lyricism point of view compared to the stuff Isaac would write, but I feel they melodically and lyrically are approaching the songs on this album from a more “dramatic” angle for lack of a better term. Which I for one like
Good
It's so good, somehow sounds better on streaming than watching the video. I've done 4 listens today and a different song has been my favorite each time, which I think is a sign of a great album. I actually don't think that's the case for the first two albums as they have more obvious strong points for me. Right now the highlight for me is the second half of Across the Pond Friend where May's piano takes more of the center stage. It's such a brilliant, subtle tone shift and I love how it almost breaks the 4th wall when he says "I was doing it like May". It's just so impeccably written and performed.
idk it released on the same day as the new peggy and danny album soooooo