Black Country, New Road at Brooklyn Paramount (photo by Kevin McGann)
Last week saw the return of Black Country, New Road to NYC at the recently opened Brooklyn Paramount. It was my first time seeing them again since I covered their dual gigs at Bowery Ballroom in 2022 (coverage can be seen here) when they played both a matinee and evening gig on the same day. Fortunately, the gorgeous new Paramount theatre has a photo pit so I didn’t have to join a long line outside like last time as their following just continues to grow.
Kicking things off was Camera Picture, or as he’s more commonly known—Cameron Picton of Black Midi. Singing along to his acoustic guitar, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful sound generated in that open concert hall setting. The second was the almost classical approach to Picton’s performance, making for an otherworldly sound that was so appropriate for BCNR’s own sound. That is until be broke out a verse of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” which drew some cheers from the crowd who obviously have dug into their parents record collection.
Following Picton was Chicago natives, Horsegirl, who also opened for BCNR for the dual 2022 Bowery Ballroom shows. Playing material from their album Versions of Modern Performance (Matador Record) it was a reminder why the trio, made up of guitarists Nora Cheng and Penelope Lowenstein, along with drummer Gigi Reece, create such a buzz and have fans eagerly awaiting their follow-up.
For a total palate cleanser after the beautiful sounds of both openers, BCNR took to the stage to Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love.” It was a fun, cheeky way to kick off their set. The music that followed was complex and moving, with its ebbs and flows and lead vocals that were passed around various band members. Whether it was the known songs, such as “For the Old Country,” “Turbines/Pigs,” and “The Boy,” or brand new material that was debuted to the crowd, the rich sound of their music and varied instrumentation took you to another place. And perhaps best of all was the fact that you could hear a pin drop being that the crowd was so quiet and attentive. Something that was pointed out and appreciated by the band.
Hopefully at some point in 2024 we’ll see new albums dropped by all involved. BCNR released their last album, Live at Bush Hall in 2023 via Ninja Tune, but the world is still anxiously awaiting the first, post-Isaac Wood album of new material since his departure right before their sophomore album, Ants From Up There was released in 2022. Based on the material the band has been releasing, and the new songs heard at the Paramount this past week, it should be a beauty.
Scroll down for pics of the show (photos by Kevin McGann)
CAMERA PICTURE
HORSEGIRL
BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD
