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Black Country, New Road at Cyprus Avenue

Date/Time: Sun 14 Sep 2025 9:30PM

Tickets: €30

Few contemporary bands manage to reinvent themselves musically as consistently as Black Country, New Road. From their Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut For the First Time, which melded everything from jazz to post-rock and klezmer, to their art-rock and chamber pop-infused follow-up Ants From Up There—both of which charted in the top 5—Black Country, New Road have firmly established themselves as pioneers of innovation. Now, they’ve announced a headline show at Cyprus Avenue as part of Sounds From A Safe Harbour 2025.

Following Isaac Wood’s amicable departure from the band, Black Country, New Road wrote an entirely new set of songs, which were later featured on Live at Bush Hall. The album was hailed as a “magical resurgence” by The Guardian, with a glowing five-star review. Now, with their third studio album, the band is once again undergoing a musical evolution, taking their sound in new and exciting directions.

Bush Hall was an incredibly fun project for us,” says drummer Charlie Wayne. “But after touring it extensively, we were ready to move forward and create something fresh.” Now a six-piece, with vocal duties shared between Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Kershaw, the band is excited to showcase their latest album, which reflects their growth and ever-evolving sound.

Their bond and flexibility as musicians continue to be at the heart of their success. The band has even been called “the best band in the world” by The Quietus, despite not following traditional touring paths. Their live album captures the essence of the deep friendships that have shaped their unique journey.

Produced by James Ford, their new record blends a wide range of styles—from folk to prog—while still retaining their signature sound. The opening track, “Besties,” celebrates female friendships in creative spaces, transitioning seamlessly into the laid-back groove of “The Big Spin.”

With each member contributing their own songs, the album’s collaborative writing process is evident, with ideas flowing effortlessly between them. “Happy Birthday,” inspired by “Besties,” touches on generational divides but holds its own distinct identity. Ultimately, the album stands as a cohesive mix of diverse influences, capturing themes that are both timeless and undeniably contemporary.

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