Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Howl (2005)

The third album from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club brings together blues, country and in some parts a 'folk' music sound, an area that was previously unexplored by the band. Howl brings together a variety of moody, poppy and real rock tracks, and as a whole album is great.

Every track down to its hidden track, 'Open Invitation', are superb, the production of each track is spot on. 'Devil's Waitin' is a great example of a simple track, just Pete Hayes vocals whilst strumming away the rhythm and lead parts on acoustic and then the final 40 seconds of so just his vocals along side backing vox from Robert Levon Been. To then go from this track to a personal favourite of mine, 'Ain't No Easy Way', a real stormer of an acoustic track, its a proper get up and dance to song, slide guitar, loud drums and not forgetting the very impressive harmonica solos.

Continuing on the variety of styles they use, 'Promise' takes on the form of just piano playing, drums and some guitar playing that resembles the sounds of a trumpet, therefore making this track another stand out on the album.

After waiting for the several seconds of silence to pass after the final track 'The Line', you realise it was worth it to get the hidden track 'Open Invitation', it's a real treat. Again it's Hayes' vocal's, but this time he is playing a slightly distorted harmonium, which again towards the end joined by the backing vocals of Been again. It's the best end to this brilliant album. BRMC fans wait to see what is next from them with LP number 4 on the way early 2007.


+ Review by Ryan

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