welcome to LittleNightmareLand, where i post some thoughts about things
groups with only one album in their discography are very interesting. they get together, work tirelessly on one album and then, for one reason or another, poof, it's done. the unicorns are only one of many examples of this. however, while many of these one-off projects can turn out somewhat unremarkable (as expected from any group's debut), who will cut our hair when we're gone? is an exception. a big one.
a common factoid shared about this album around the internet is that it doesn't have a single chorus, with most songs following a linear structure. this is remarkable because, despite that, this entire album is insanely catchy from start to finish. from the unapologetically energetic sea ghost to the undeniably addicting jellybones, you will be singing along with all of these tracks on your second listen. even really short tracks like let's get known, which initially seem somewhat forgettable, just become so damn persistent in your mind.
on top of all that, it's also just a really interesting album sonically. it's eclectic, but it doesn't overdo it to the point of feeling tacky. a sense of childlike wonder permeates the many strange synthesizers that orbit around each track, with sprawling guitars accompanying them. it's hard to think of many other pop albums from the aughts that i would be this willing to relisten to hundreds of times.
it is with a common sentiment shared about this project that i will conclude this short review: as many have stated, this is indeed one of the greatest cases of "lightning in a bottle" i've ever seen. a band that quickly broke up due to internal tensions managed to strike while the iron was hot and make this absolutely wonderful album. my favorite track on it is the aforementioned sea ghost.
if you're at all familiar with black country, new road, you know that this album was a very important point in the band's career. following lead vocalist and songwriter isaac wood's departure, a big gap was left to be filled. the band did not miss a beat and quickly delivered their 2023 live album, live at bush hall, which was phenomenal, if a little spotty.
now, it's 2025, and in comes forever howlong, the long awaited first studio album since wood's departure. and, despite the skepticism from some fans, bcnr have proved themselves once again ahead of the curve in the state of contemporary rock music. forever howlong is filled to the brim with enchanting melodies, exciting instrumentals and compelling storytelling, narrated by the voices of tyler hyde, may kershaw and georgia ellery; from quick, catchy cuts such as the big spin to long, sprawling epics like for the cold country, this album really has a bit of everything for the seasoned black country, new road fan.
if i were to levy one criticism, it is that the title track is maybe a little meandering, and feels somewhat shaky after the cathartic release of nancy tries to take the night. regardless, forever howlong affirms itself as one of the strongest and most daring albums of 2025. my favorite track on this album was the incredible two horses.
i recently listened to the new clipse (the joint project of pusha t and malice) album, let god sort em out. it was very good, and i enjoyed all of it. the production is great and every performance, features included, is focused and sharp. i struggle to pick a favorite track in such a strong collection, but the one i have revisited the most is P.O.V., featuring tyler, the creator.
the scholars is currently my favorite album of 2025. i've been a longtime fan of lead singer will toledo and the band's work, and this new album is fantastic, and ranks among my favorites in the entire discography. the narrative is hard to follow, but charming nonetheless. i like most of the tracks pretty equally, so favorites change. with that said, at the time of writing this, my favorite song on the album is reality.