Black Country, New Road

One of the most striking British bands to emerge in recent years, Black Country, New Road will visit Rīga this spring. Praised by Pitchfork for their distinctive blend of alt-rock, prog folk, and baroque pop, the band has developed a sound that feels both genre-defying and instantly recognizable. Known for their bold musical language, emotional intensity, and constant creative evolution, Black Country, New Road will perform on 16 April at the concert hall Palladium Rīga, offering audiences the chance to experience one of the most compelling British acts of the new generation in a full-scale live show. Tickets go on sale 23 January at 11:00 via the “Biļešu Serviss” ticket network.

Black Country, New Road (shortened as BC,NR) formed in Cambridge in 2018 and quickly became one of the most talked-about new bands in the UK alternative music scene. The group gained wider attention with the singles “Athens, France” and “Sunglasses”, while their 2021 debut album “For the First Time” received unanimous critical acclaim, earned a Mercury Prize nomination, and debuted at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart.

Their second album, “Ants From Up There” (2022), marked a major turning point in the band’s sound, moving away from post-punk sharpness toward a more emotionally rich style influenced by chamber music and art pop. The record debuted at No. 3 in the UK charts, received numerous accolades, and was named one of the most important British albums of 2022, including recognition in Pitchfork’s “Best New Album” category.

Shortly before the release of “Ants From Up There”, lead vocalist Isaac Wood left the band. Following this change, Black Country, New Road continued as a six-member group, with vocal duties shared between Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Kershaw. This new chapter resulted in a fresh live repertoire, documented in the filmed performance “Live at Bush Hall”. The Guardian awarded the performance five stars, describing it as a confident and creatively bold rebirth.

In 2025, the band released their third studio album “Forever Howlong”, further developing their multilayered sound that blends folk, art rock, baroque pop, and progressive music elements. The album was produced by James Ford (Fontaines D.C., Arctic Monkeys, Blur) and marks the next stage in the band’s ongoing musical transformation.

At Palladium Rīga, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Black Country, New Road’s current sound, where musical nuance and collective onstage energy come together for an immersive and emotionally resonant live performance.