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THE REVIEW
"Howl," the 2005 album by the renowned Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, represents a significant turning point in the artistic journey of the dark American band.
After a debut that was almost unanimously praised by critics and the public and a follow-up that was slightly more overlooked (but certainly not inferior in quality), the American combo decided to revolutionize their musical vision; and they certainly didn't do it quietly.
Even the opener "Shuffle Your Feet" is indicative in this sense; the album is a journey (obviously filtered and personalized by B.R.M.C.) into the roots of rock 'n' roll Made in USA (thus blues, country, gospel, folk undertones, and everything that follows, while the new influences are his majesty Neil Young, Springsteen, Dylan but also more recent things like Mark Lanegan and the likes), but the electric guitars remain (almost) always strictly unplugged.
There are tracks with a more commercial cut ("Ain't No Easy Way" and "Weight Of The World," not coincidentally the two singles), in which, however, tambourines, harmonicas, and acoustics dominate. At other times the discourse becomes more intimate and reflective ("Promise," dominated by a beautiful piano piece or the excellent title track, which, however, leans more towards productions made in the U.K.), like in the superb "Gospel Song." The only Beatlesque reflection of the album can be found in "Sympathetic noose," placed at the end perhaps because it doesn't exactly align with the rest of the offering. The closing with "The Line" is perhaps too subdued and dragged out.
This record was released more out of the band's desire to distance themselves from the label of being Jesus And Mary Chain clones, which was starting to become annoying, or perhaps because the label change motivated them to create something different and more "free." An album that, surely, Black Rebel will consider a fundamental step to plunge back into the sea of today's rock 'n' roll, after giving a quick glance at the glorious past of this extraordinary musical genre.
Not essential, but interesting. And old fans can rest assured; the new single "Weapon Of Choice" has already warned that the amplifiers are decidedly back on.
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Summary by Bot
Howl, by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, marks a significant shift toward American roots rock with rich acoustic and blues influences. The album explores folk, gospel, and country undertones, showcasing artistic growth away from their earlier electric sound. While some tracks are more commercial, others are intimate and reflective, with standout songs like "Gospel Song" and the title track. This album is an interesting and important step for the band’s evolving identity.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (often shortened to BRMC) is an American rock band formed in 1998, associated with dark, guitar-driven alternative/garage rock that reviewers frequently connect to shoegaze textures and the influence of The Jesus and Mary Chain. Their catalog is noted for both heavy, distorted rock and stylistic left turns such as the acoustic-rooted album “Howl.”19 Reviews
Other reviews
By instant karma
"Peter Hayes' voice is deeper than ever and the acoustic guitars intertwine with harmonicas played with the passion of a seasoned folk artist."
"They have put first and foremost themselves, laid bare amidst the guitars and voices of 'Howl', far from the stereotype of damned rockers chasing after the Jesus and Mary Chain."
By principles
The album is good, it’s a good blues, quite well played, but I don’t know why, the album is (maybe) too acoustic (and repetitive) and in the long run it tires.
'Howl' the true masterpiece of the album: minimal organ, percussion, and electric guitars that aren’t dirty, but they are there.
By RegularJoan
"'Howl', or an anthem to the singers of the 'Beat Generation', if it still can be defined as such."
"The piano of 'Promise' is certainly the best endorsement of the entire album: simply heartfelt."
