Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Howl

It's fair to say that BRMC have had their share of problems of late. A gruelling almost non-stop schedule for three years culminated with the implosion of the band and the fear that this band (who are an incredible live experience) may never return to play music. The drummer, Nick Jago, left the band and they split from their label. Taking some much needed time off, the band have returned much the happier with a reformed group, a new label (Echo) and a new record. Howl is a much-improved album for it - gone are the chain smoking inducing rock sounds for a more mellow, unplugged type music. It feels as if the band are having a good time playing what they want to play ("and to hell with the rest of you!" one can almost hear them say)

Howl is an old-fashioned record. I say this with the utmost respect. Moving towards a more textured sound, the band have gone for a classic guitar/drum/piano/organ combination with the occasional harmonica thrown in. The CD cover for one harks back to a bygone age, even listing songs in an imaginary side 1 and side 2 format. The CD resembles the interior of a vinyl record and there are extensive linear notes on the back, a la Dylan or Cash. The band have also rediscovered lyrics, perhaps influenced by a newfound discovery of poetry (hence the record being named after Alan Ginsberg's most famous poem). The fruit of their efforts is the most challenging record that BRMC have made, drawing on gospel, country, blues and acoustic rock. In many respects it is accurate to say that this is their anti-iPod record.

The songs themselves are varied and very intelligently put together to form a record, not just a collection of songs. The lyrical intensity and haunting organ of the title track are, somewhat perversely, a joy to listen to. While 'Devil's Waiting' and 'Gospel Song' are songs which would not feel out of place on a Blind Boys of Alabama collection. The first single from the record, 'Ain't No Easy Way' is a country-influenced song which is perhaps closest to BRMC's original sound (albeit with acoustic guitars). Impressive rocking harmonica drives the beat forward as the song builds to a loving crescendo. 'Promise' sounds like a song The Band could have written, with piano and vocals very much at the forefront of this track.

Perhaps the "deepest" songs on a lyrical level are 'Fault Line' and 'Restless Sinner'. These tracks allow BRMC to show off a lyrical texture that many would not have felt possible from the group. 'Complicated Situation' starts off with a harmonica/guitar combination and is perhaps the most interesting song on the record - exploring relationships, life, and the singer's inner torment. A very dylanesque song in that it is generalised but can also mean something very deep on a personal level.

BRMC have produced a very impressive piece of work. Showing off impressive lyrics and a strong range of musical influences, the band have been able to prove what many had already suspected - that they are more than just a previous-flavour-of-the-month-American-band. Although many casual fans of BRMC will no doubt be turned off by the lack of songs which wouldn't sound out of place on their previous records, many new fans will be found. Howl is BRMCs most mature work to date and confirms what I have suspected for a long time - that given the right opportunities they are a very accomplished band indeed. Howl is the group's first step in the right direction.

However, perhaps the biggest problem the band will face will be persuading the majority of their fan-base. Overall, this is an unexpectedly strong piece of work which deserves that the fans and the music press try to take on-board their new sound and musical direction. It will be interesting to see how BRMC translates Howl to the live stage. In many ways this will be the key factor in persuading their fan-base.

James Ketchell

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