Black Country, New Road Enchants Atlanta
After the surprising departure of former frontman Isaac Wood in 2022, Black Country, New Road fans didn’t know what to expect out of new music and live shows from the band’s updated lineup. If their 2025 output, Forever Howlong hadn’t already, Black Country, New Road’s performance at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on October 12th proved the band is better than ever. Virtuosic and collaborative instrumentation completely entranced eager fans in the intimate venue, cultivating a feeling that could be described as no less than magical.
All six band members’ abilities to swiftly switch between instruments were wildly impressive. Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Kershaw traded positions as lead vocalist every other song. Standout performances with each of them featured as the lead vocalist include Hyde’s “Longer,” Ellery’s “Two Horses,” and Kershaw’s “For The Cold Country.” Members’ abilities to switch from bass guitars to pianos, to violins, to accordions were mind-blowing to witness live. However, one moment stands out as the most impressive showing of musical mastery. The penultimate song in the show’s set, “Forever Howlong,” saw Hyde and Ellery, as well as bandmates Lewis Evans, Charlie Wayne, and Luke Mark, all play recorders while being conducted by bandmate Kershaw, who also played the accordion. Halfway through the performance, as Kershaw firmly gave a signal to the venue’s front-of-house regarding sound issues, the band erupted in a fit of giggles, as did the audience. This lighthearted, playful energy was present throughout the show, especially as the band repeatedly expressed their gratitude towards the fans for coming to see them.
Black Country, New Road’s one-of-a-kind progressive-rock sound, built upon the band’s mastery of more traditional, orchestral instruments, makes for music that is built for a live show. This was made especially clear when they concluded their performance of “For The Cold Country.” After a breathtaking performance full of tension, release, and fluctuation of pace, the crowd was left speechless. The band was rewarded with a particularly long standing ovation for the song’s live rendition.
Several times throughout the show, members of the band pointed out that they had previously played at the Variety Playhouse, and that they’re always pleased by the crowds the venue brings. They concluded their show by expressing their wishes to come back and play the venue again soon. With how much of a success their show was on Monday, everyone in Atlanta is looking forward to seeing Black Country, New Road make their way down to the Peach State soon!
