Black Country, New Road is a band that had to redefine itself in 2022 after their singer/guitarist and the main creative force up to that point, Isaac Wood left the band. They were known, up to that point, for their intense, anxiety-laden songs with strong, Slint-like post-rock style and released two highly successful albums. After Wood's departure, remaining members began to share the load of songwriting and the vocals, which led to increased variety in tone and style, a much looser overall feel and an added emphasis on composition. Their music now brings in classical elements, turns to ballads, even some occasional crooning, here and there. That said they are the same excellent group of musicians who continue to employ their signature shifts and turns to build complex narrative structures ... though perhaps in a less abrupt fashion now.