Black Country, New Road was shortlised for the Mercury Prize in 2021 with their debut album For the First Time. I had been a fan since I stumbled upon that record in the spring of 2021 and thought their sound could grow into some really spectualuar. And here we are — the dream came true and with the release of Aints From Up There, the band put out the best album of the year (so far!). Everything about its sound, rawn emotion, lyrics, and the story of the lead singer leaing the band days before its release — it all stirs my emotions like few records can. It's a materpiece, borrowing ideas and sonic flourishes from Bright Eyes, mid-west Emo, 90s alt, and combines it all to make a fresh yet strangelty familiar and comfortable hour of listening. It cuts right through and emtionally connects with me and immediately makes me stop and really listen to what's going on in each track. Not to say that its hosts anything terribly sophisticated, but the way the pieces are all essembled speak volumes to the group. It's like making the tastiest meal out of a dozen components found at a corner shop -- it's real and accessible and made with so much love. I love this album. I love it in a way that I rarely feel anymore. It brings me back to why I've spent so much of my life thinking, listening, and writing about it. The magic of a band and the power of songwriting is catptured on the grooves of the record.